2010 Chateauneuf du Pape

80% Grenache, 9% Syrah, 6% Mourvèdre and 5% Cinsault. The vineyard has an average vine age of 40 years. The harvest was carried out completely by hand during September. Following sorting, the grapes are de-stemmed, crushed and cold-soaked prior to a traditional fermentation at around 27 °C for four weeks with regular pumping over. Once racked, the wine is aged in 30 year old large oak foudres (60-80 hl each) for 12 months. Due to climatic conditions the yield for the 2010 vintage was only 27 hl/ha compared to the more usual 35 hl/ha. Liquorice and spice. Round and sweet. But not as luscious as many – a little astringent. (JR)

A traditional blend of 80% Grenache, 8% Syrah, 7% Mourvedre, and 5% Cinsault that is aged primarily in foudre, the 2010 Clos de l'Oratoire des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a beauty that will delight old school CDP lovers. Loaded with ripe Grenache fruit, pepper, leather, leafy herbs, and crushed stone-like aromas and flavors, this structured 2010 has solid concentration, a firm core of fruit, and building tannin. It is textbook stuff that will benefit from 1-3 years of bottle age and drink well for 10-12 years.

12 months in oak barrels. Juicy nose then a tight, tannic palate. Spicy, full, fragrant. Does the job. (RH)