3 | Wine | Chateauneuf Du Pape, 2009

"There is not a hard edge to be found in this silky Chateauneuf. ...The sexy, full-bodied, dense garnet-colored 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape reveals abundant aromas of kirsch, plums, figs and black fruits, a lavish texture, an opulent mouthfeel and a long finish."

"The 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Origines (1,500 cases produced) is a blend of 50% Grenache, a whopping 30% Mourvedre and 20% Syrah with the latter two components spending time in new oak barrels. All of the fruit comes from vines that are nearly 70 years of age. A great wine with an opaque ruby/purple color, sensational fruit intensity and notes of graphite, lavender, licorice, lead pencil shavings and subtle smoke, it is full-bodied, rich and powerful with low acidity and sweet, velvety tannins. It should drink well for 15+ years" - Robert Parker

"Revealing a cool climate feel, it offers notes of cool red and black cherries, spring flowers, raspberry liqueur and hints of forest floor as well as lavender. Complex, medium to full-bodied and supple with plenty of sweet tannin, it will be even better in several years and should drink well for 15 years." Reviewed by Robert Parker.

"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.

"The 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Tradition (80% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre and the rest Syrah, Cinsault and Counoise) is a beauty. The Tradition has slightly more Mourvedre in the final blend than the Cuvee Girard. Both are dark ruby/purple-colored, full-bodied wines displaying lots of garrigue, black cherry, black currant and earthy flavors, good richness, sweet tannins and abundant glycerin as well as opulence." 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."

"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.

"This beauty is ideal for drinking over its first decade of life. The 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape exhibits plenty of forest floor, sweet kirsch liqueur and raspberries, medium to full body, and a luxurious mouthfeel, with silky tannins and a long, heady finish." 90-92 points, reviewed by Robert Parker.

"Potentially the wine of the vintage, the 2009 Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape Hommage a Jacques Perrin had just been bottled two weeks before my visit. A wine of extraordinary density, richness, precision and unreal flavor intensity, it reveals abundant gamey, meaty notes intermixed with smoked duck, Provencal herbs, blueberries, blackberries, kirsch and licorice. This loaded, multidimensional, massively concentrated 2009 is much softer than most Hommages. It should be drinkable in 3-4 years and keep for 30-40 years thereafter. Kudos to one of the world’s great winemaking families!" Reviewed by Robert Parker.