4 | Wine | Chateauneuf Du Pape, 86 to 90

"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

"The 2011 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc is preferable for those who like more acidity and a fresher, lighter style." -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 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.

"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.

"It exhibits a dark ruby/plum color along with plenty of juicy, succulent, cassis and kirsch liqueur notes intertwined with hints of licorice, incense and underbrush. This full-bodied, sexy, lush offering also reveals a note of nori, the seaweed wrap used in sushi restaurants."-Robert Parker

"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