2016 Chimere Magnum by SQN and Philipe Gambie i OWC

Chimère is made in partnership between Clos Saint-Jean’s Maurel brothers (Vincent and Pascal), oenologist Philippe Cambie(passed away this week) and Sine Qua Non's Manfred Krankl.

 The 2016 Chimere is another brilliant wine made from a collaboration between Sine Qua Non’s Manfred Krankl and the Maurel Brothers of Clos Saint Jean. The 2016 is a blend of 93% Mourvèdre, 5% Grenache, and 2% Grenache Blanc, all from the famed La Crau lieu-dit, that was brought up in new 300-liter barrels. It offers an incredible, singular style in its sweet blackberry and blueberry fruits, incense, crushed flowers, ground pepper, and smoked herb. This lavish, powerful, super-intense effort is nevertheless perfectly balanced and seamless, and it shows the purity and vibrancy of this vintage beautifully. Given its sweet tannins, it's already approachable and delivers incredible pleasure, yet it's going to keep for 20-30 years.

99 -  Jeb Dunnuck