2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Special Vieilles Vignes

Even more impressive, with more richness and flesh, the spectacular 2009 Tardieu-Laurent Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Spéciale is 100% Grenache that comes all from sandy plots in the famed La Crau plateau. Sporting a deep ruby/purple color, it’s loaded with exuberant, ripe aromas of juicy blackberry, black currant, lavender, garrigue, pepper, and crushed flower like characteristics that literally soar from the glass. This is followed up by a full-bodied, decadently styled 2009 that has a rich, seamless texture, beautiful mid-palate depth, and classic, clean finish that highlights chewy, ripe tannin. The fruit and texture will allow this to drink well early on, but this deserves 4-5 years of bottle age, and will age beautifully for 15-20 years.

(100% grenache): Bright ruby. Exotically perfumed bouquet displays candied raspberry, lavender, rose and cola, with smoke and pepper notes that build with air. Deeply pitched but energetic on the palate, offering intense red and dark berry flavors and suggestions of spicecake and floral pastilles. Finishes sweet and long, with resonating spice and floral notes.

Glass-staining ruby. Explosive aromas of cherry compote, black raspberry, sassafras and white pepper are lifted by an intense floral element. Then sappy, deep and rich in the mouth, with a chewy texture and weighty dark fruit flavors. Currently showing a serious side and looks to be a good cellar candidate; the finish is firm, smoky and quite persistent.