2011 Chateauneuf du Pape La Reserve

(60% grenache and 40% mourvedre): Inky ruby. Heady aromas of red fruit liqueur, lavender, sandalwood and cola, with a smoky mineral topnote. Picks up a darker fruit character with air, showing superb concentration and spicy lift. The floral and cola notes come back strong on the finish, which is framed by smooth, sweet, harmonious tannins. This sexy Chateauneuf was one of the most impressive '11s that I tasted from the southern Rhone this year.

Glass-staining ruby. An exotically perfumed, complex bouquet evokes raspberry and cherry preserves, incense and potpourri, with a hint of minerality adding lift. Juicy, palate-staining red fruit compote flavors show impressive energy and pick up lavender and spicecake qualities with air. Closes sweet, focused and very long, with lingering floral notes and gentle tannic grip. This wine got about a third new oak, all demi-muids, according to Gaspard.