1 | Wine | Red Rhone Blend, 2009 | Page 5

"One of the top Chateauneuf du Papes of the vintage is the 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Imperiale-Vigne Centenaires (from 100-year-old vines planted in pure sand). A blend of 90% Grenache and the rest Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault, Counoise, and Muscardin (a real field blend), this wine is close to rivaling their great 2007. Its stunning blue/purple color (remarkable for Grenache grown in sand) is followed by a full-bodied wine revealing exquisite concentrated notes of incense, lavender, camphor, black cherries and black currant liqueur. Tell-tale licorice and pepper characteristics are also present in this voluptuously textured, fleshy, full-bodied effort that is already drinkable. One of the stars of the vintage, it is capable of lasting 15-20 years."

"The nose opened up to a scrubby and resinous amalgam of juniper, marjoram, and rosemary, along with concentrated black fruits and hints of tar. This firm but expansive cuvee (as usual, of Grenache with ca. 25-30% Carignan) displays practically adhesive finishing character, sticky but not in the sense of sweetness. Fine tannins add to the impression of formidable density in a wine that almost seems to be struggling to come to terms with its sheer concentration. I don't find the juiciness let alone the energy displayed by the corresponding Orchis (from higher elevation, in the so-called Coume du Roi). Although bottling was due to take place as usual without filtration, Tribouley had elected to postpone it at least through spring, so that the wine might passively shed some of its reduction to become more expressive." 90-91+ pts.

"From tank, the l'Oustal Blanc 2009 Minervois Giocoso - incorporating some Cinsault along with its usual Grenache, Syrah, and Carignan - is redolent of incense, freshly-baked ginger cookies, and confitured cherry and black raspberry. Thickly and seamlessly rich, it displays, surprisingly, no greater sense of superficial sweetness than the corresponding 2008 (the leavening or fluxing effect of the Cinsault perhaps decisive in this regard). For all of its high-alcohol richness this also evinces an uncanny sense of finishing buoyancy of a sort that growers are quick to attribute to the magic of chalk and clay. There is terrific grip and lingering spice here yet without any objectionable heat, while a sustained sense of salinity serves for saliva inducement. This ought to superbly for at least 6-8 years."

"Complex, heady scents of dark berry liqueur, Asian spices, potpourri and minerals. Stains the palate with intense blackberry and cherry flavors accented by white pepper and allspice. Finishes sappy and incisive, with outstanding clarity and persistence."

"Among the most concentrated Chateauneufs of the vintage, it boasts a dense ruby/purple color as well as copious aromas of blueberries, blackberries, melted licorice and spring flowers. This full-bodied offering reveals rich, pure fruit notes, a multidimensional mouthfeel and extraordinary elegance and freshness. It is a tour de force achievement that requires 2-4 years of bottle age; it should last for 15-20+ years. Bravo!" 93-96 points, reviewed by Robert Parker.

"The dark plum/ruby/garnet-hued 2009 Vacqueyras exhibits the vintage’s sexy, soft tannins, high glycerin, rich fruit and velvety personality. With an evolved nose of cedar, loamy soil, forest floor and red and black fruit notes, this deep, rich, full-bodied, charming effort can be drunk over the next 5-6 years."

"Its dense purple color is followed by aromas of melted licorice, charcuterie, Provencal herbs, black currants, roasted meat, plum sauce, seaweed and licorice. It is incredibly complex in both the aromatics and on the palate, full-bodied and super-rich with sweet tannin and low acidity." Reviewed by Robert Parker.