Clos Saouma Les Amphoraes “Crau” Châteauneuf-Du-Pape Rouge 2016

Clos Saouma Les Amphoraes "Crau" Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge 2016 is a rare and highly expressive single-terroir Châteauneuf-du-Pape from Mounir and Rotem Saouma. Drawn from vineyards in the legendary La Crau sector, renowned for its galets roulés (large heat-retaining stones) and exceptional ability to produce wines of power, complexity, and longevity, this cuvée showcases the profound character of one of the Rhône Valley's greatest sites.

The outstanding 2016 vintage delivers an intensely aromatic bouquet of black cherry, blackberry, raspberry liqueur, dried lavender, garrigue herbs, black olive, licorice, and exotic spice. The palate is rich and concentrated, yet remarkably fresh and refined, with layers of dark fruit, savoury earth, crushed stone, and spice framed by silky tannins and vibrant acidity. Amphora ageing contributes additional purity, texture, and transparency, allowing the distinctive La Crau terroir to shine through without excessive oak influence.

Now approaching maturity, the wine is beginning to reveal secondary notes of leather, truffle, dried herbs, and cured meat while retaining impressive fruit intensity and structure. The finish is exceptionally long, mineral-driven, and harmonious, combining the power of Châteauneuf-du-Pape with the precision and elegance that define the Clos Saouma style. Built for extended ageing, this is a profound Rhône wine capable of evolving gracefully for another 10–15 years or more.