2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Arioso

Opaque ruby. Heady dark berry, candied licorice and Indian spice aromas are brightened by a suave mineral nuance. Juicy, incisive and pure on the palate, offering sweet black raspberry and spicecake flavors that take on weight with aeration. The spicy quality dominates the very long, penetrating finish, which features smooth tannins and a sexy floral pastille nuance.

The 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Arioso tastes more like a Grand Cru Burgundy than a Chateauneuf du Pape, with its fresh, focused and taut profile. Giving up notions of tart cherries, rose petal, sappy underbrush, mint and hints of new leather, it flows onto the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, bright acidity and a focused, juicy and moderately concentrated feel. I like the mid-palate here, as well as the overall balance, yet the acid profile will be something to watch. Nevertheless, it’s impressive and I think it will age gracefully. Give it another 2-3 years in the cellar and enjoy bottles through 2025. Oct 2014, www.robertparker.com