1 | Wine | Chateauneuf Du Pape, 91 to 95 | Page 3

"It is unquestionably one of the wines of the vintage. ...A deep ruby/plum color is followed by a big, sweet nose of boysenberries, raspberries, licorice, nori seaweed wrap, black currants and earth. Full-bodied, with beautiful texture, purity, depth and power, the 2009 is a notch behind the extraordinary 2007. It should drink well for 20+ years." 91-94 pts, reviewed by Robert Parker.

"Sexy, high-pitched aromas of raspberry preserves, blackberry, minerals and pungent flowers. Concentrated but not at all heavy; gently sweet red and dark berry flavors show a seamless quality and are lifted by juicy acidity. Open-knit and suave, finishing with silky tannins and good clarity."

"The 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Tradition was even better than when I tasted it last year prior to bottling. A wine of great intensity, it may be the finest Tradition cuvee yet made at Bosquet des Papes. Its opaque purple color is accompanied by sumptuous notes of balsam wood, roasted Provencal herbs/garrigue, sweet black raspberry and blackberry fruit and hints of truffles and lavender. This dense, full-bodied, amazing Chateauneuf is one of the top values of the vintage." -Robert Parker

"A great example of traditional Chateauneuf du Pape winemaking. A dense dark ruby color is followed by a sexy nose of raspberries, ground pepper, spice box, damp earth, kirsch and dark currants. Full-bodied, complex, elegant and already irresistible as the tannins have completely melted away, it can be drunk now and over the next 15+ years." Reviewed by Robert Parker.

"A very juicy, unctuous, fruit-driven style, with flattering plum, warm linzer torte and boysenberry fruit melded together and backed by lively anise and sweet spice notes. There's a good sappy feel through the finish. For fans of the not-shy style."

"Ripe, with the lush crème de cassis and crushed plum fruit of the vintage, showing excellent focus and drive, with racy acidity and taut, licorice-tinged structure. Turns flashy and exotic on the finish, with mulled blueberry, incense and fruitcake notes that are laid over impressive, graphite-filled grip."

"Bright red. Raspberry, cherry and allspice on the sexy, highly perfumed nose. Offers an array of red fruit and floral pastille flavors that become deeper with air, The floral quality comes back strong on the finish, which features fine-grained tannins and a lick of peppery spices."

"Gorgeous kirsch liqueur notes, raspberry jam, forest floor, spice box, new saddle leather and a peppery spiciness are all present in this deep, voluptuously textured, open-knit Clos des Papes, which is atypically forward, luscious and approachable already. These wines often need a good 5-10 years of cellaring in the more structured vintages, but the 2009 is gorgeous from the get-go. This full-bodied, deep, concentrated wine has a deep purple color and should drink well for 20-25 years without ever really closing down." Reviewed by Robert Parker.

"Classic black raspberry, black cherry, garrigue, and lavender notes hit the palate with considerable authority. The Syrah component provides a slightly deeper purple hue to the color than is apparent in some other vintages. The extra level of concentration due to the tiny yields has resulted in a full-bodied, rich wine with super purity. It is already accessible, and should keep for 10-15 years." -Robert Parker

"A sensational effort, the 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes was aged in 2- to 3-year-old barrels. Incredible aromas of roasted Provencal herbs, licorice, truffles, kirsch and black raspberries jump from the glass of this dark ruby/purple-hued wine. Full-bodied and voluptuous as well as extremely elegant and poised, the sweetness of the tannin and the wine’s unctuosity and viscosity are all remarkable. This is a blockbuster, old vine Grenache to drink over the next 15+ years." Reviewed by Robert Parker.