2009 Chateauneuf du Pape

A blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 10% Mourvèdre, from vines averaging 55-years in age, the 2009 Domaine La Roquette Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a perfumed, elegant red that delivers loads of black cherry, lavender, wild herbs, and olive on the nose. Medium to full-bodied in the mouth, it has solid ripeness, a round, fleshy texture, good acidity, and fine tannin that provides the focus on the finish. Certainly delicious now, it can also be cellared for 8-10 years.

Bright ruby-red. Pungent, expressive aromas of black raspberry, licorice, spices, nori and tobacco. Round and velvety, supported by a firm tannic spine that helps to shape the hefty dark berry and spice flavors. A late note of bitter cherry carries through a long, spicy and penetrating finish. I like this wine's blend of density and energy. My samples of the 2009 l'Accent de la Roquete were very tired and impossible to judge. I'll report on the finished wine after I taste it this November.

This wine simply looks superior – the health and shading of the crimson. But it’s pretty severe on the palate! Surely lots of Syrah? (20% with 10% Mourvèdre apparently.) It’s almost a mid-Rhône style as opposed to a Châteauneuf! Well made with real rigour, just a bit of a shock after all the big, sweet Grenache-driven wines. (JR)