2011 Chateauneuf du Pape

Brilliant ruby-red. Complex, seductive bouquet of raspberry and cherry preserves, pungent herbs and fresh lavender. Juicy, penetrating and pure, with superb clarity and lift to its sweet red fruit flavors. Silky tannins give shape to the finish, which clings with outstanding tenacity and resonating florality. I find this elegant Chateauneuf extremely easy to drink now but it has the depth and balance to reward at least another six years of patience.

Looking at the Chateauneufs, and a gorgeous example of the vintage as well as one of the top wines, Laurent’s 2011 Chateauneuf du Pape (85% Grenache and the balance Syrah, Mourvedre and Vaccarese) offers up an elegant, seamless profile with pretty aromas and flavors of sweet cherries, licorice, rose petal, ground pepper and garrigue. Medium to full-bodied, pure and with building richness, it has a glossy, textured profile on the palate that’s hard to resist. While approachable, it has the mid-palate, freshness and overall balance to evolve gracefully for 10-12 years. Drink now-2023. Consistently producing lively, fresh and elegant efforts that never lack for structure or richness, Domain Charvin is run by the soft spoken and generous Laurent Charvin. The winemaking here is very traditional, with some stem inclusion and aging completely in tank. Importer: Weygandt-Metzler; tel. (610) 486-0700

Bright ruby. Intense, perfumed aromas of red berries, minerals and smoky garrigue. Offers juicy raspberry and cherry flavors and a sexy note of lavender pastille, with a late kick of white pepper adding lift. Closes with very good clarity and length, showing only a hint of tannins. This wine will be very appealing soon after release.