2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes

The 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape, which was pulled from foudres, exhibits good acidity and freshness, a dense bluish/purple color, 16% natural alcohol, and a full-bodied mouthfeel with notes of blueberry, black raspberry, lavender, pepper and meat juices. A hint of unsmoked cigar tobacco is present as well. (Not yet released) The DAUMEN wines marked with asterisks are from Jean-Paul Daumen’s new negociant operation. Most of them actually come from estate fruit that he has declassified from his vineyards. In both 2009 and 2010, Jean-Paul Daumen produced approximately 150-200 cases of Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve, which is certainly one of the world’s greatest red wines, but virtually impossible to find. You will have much more luck finding either his 2009 or 2010 Chateauneuf du Papes. A Christopher Cannan Selection, various American importers including: VinConnect Inc., CA 415 857-5740; Importer: T. Edward Wines, Ltd., New York, NY; tel. (212) 233-1504; Diamond Wine Merchant, Oakland, CA; tel. (510) 567-9897; and Route des Vins Imports, LLC, Charleston, SC; tel. (843) 737-0301