1 | Wine | Chateauneuf Du Pape, 91 to 95 | Page 6

"This massive, sexy Chateauneuf offers tremendous notes of balsam wood, tobacco leaf, kirsch liqueur, bouquet garni and a beef blood-like component. Rich and full-bodied with sweet tannin, and huge fruit, glycerin and density, this wine will also benefit from 2-3 years of cellaring, and keep for 20-25 years." -Robert Parker

"A brilliant effort, the 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes is velvety textured and full-bodied, offering hints of sandy, loamy soils, licorice, kirsch and crushed rocks (minerality soars from the glass). Stunningly rich, layered and provocative, it is a classic wine of Provence. This big, mouthfilling, chewy 2010 should drink well for 15-20+ years." -Robert Parker

"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 American importer produces a slightly different blend called Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Girard, and the 2009 and 2010 are essentially identical in quality. The 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Girard reveals slightly more meatiness and garrigue notes than the 2009, but the two wines are similar in every other aspect. Full-bodied, rich and pure, it, like the 2009, will evolve over the next 10-15 years." -Robert Parker

"A very grippy style, with lots of sweet tapenade, tobacco, hot stone and braised chestnut notes weaving through a core of dark currant and fig fruit. There's a nice twinge of lavender on the structured finish."

"One of the finest Chateauneufs made by Guigal, the 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape is a blend of 85% Grenache and the rest Syrah and Mourvedre. Full-bodied with lots of kirsch, blackberry, raspberry, camphor and licorice, this is a classic example of both Chateauneuf du Pape and Provencal viticulture. It is aged in both tank and foudre for 3-4 years prior to being released. Drink it over the next 20 years. It is amazing that Guigal can consistently produce a wine of this majesty." -Robert Parker

"Seductive dark berry and kirsch aromas are complicated by musky garrigue, black olive and dark chocolate. Dense blackberry and bitter cherry flavors stain the palate and develop a licorice character with air. Tightens up on the long, chewy finish, which is dominated by tangy red berry fruit. This hugely concentrated wine deftly combines liveliness and power."

"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 stunning 2006 Rayas Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc possesses aromas of acacia flowers, honeysuckle, melon, quince, and orange marmalade. Amazingly, this brilliant example of white Chateauneuf du Pape should last for 10-20 years." Reviewed by Robert Parker.

"The 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes, which is only available in the United States, is fashioned from Grenache vines planted in 1905, and is aged in both tank and small barrels. It exhibits a dense ruby/purple hue along with notes of licorice, kirsch liqueur, earth, truffles, forest floor, underbrush, raspberry, licorice and graphite. Full-bodied, powerful and rich, it should age effortlessly for 15-20 years." -Robert Parker