Clos Saint-Jean Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Combe des Fous 2016

98 points Jeb Dunnuck: "Deep ruby-colored and offering a heavenly bouquet of black raspberries, toasted spiced, cured meats, licorice, and cured meats, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Combes des Fous is awesome on the palate, with a silky, seamless profile that just keeps on going. Possessing ultra-fine tannin, no hard edges, and a huge finish, it’s a phenomenal bottle of wine. The fact that it was bottled just one month ago makes this showing even more impressive. (8/28/18)"

95 points Wine Advocate: "[$135 list] From a single exposed hilltop parcel, the 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape La Combe des Fous is a blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% each Cinsault and Vaccarèse. As the Syrah was aged in wood, there's a hint of campfire smoke here, plus layers of rich, voluptuous plummy fruit. Full-bodied and velvety in texture, this is more concentrated than even the Vieilles Vignes bottling, but it's not that much better in terms of overall quality or longevity. Drink: 2018-2030. (Aug 2018)" -Joe Czerwinski

95 points Wine Spectator: "A dark and winey style, featuring intense raspberry and black currant preserve flavors coiled up with singed cedar, dried anise and rooibos tea notes. A lightly dusty, lavender-infused structure runs through the finish. Best from 2020 through 2036. 113 cases imported. (8/29/18)"

93-95 points Josh Raynolds (Vinous): "Bright violet. Highly expressive red berry preserve and cherry cola aromas are complicated by hints of candied lavender, licorice and smoky minerals. Juicy raspberry and spicecake flavors show superb depth and appealing sweetness, and a smoky mineral undertone builds steadily with air. Offers a compelling blend of power and vivacity and finishes with gentle tannic grip, a strong suggestion of Chambord and excellent persistence. (Jul 2018)"