2009 Domaine de Cristia Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Renaissance

(60% grenache, from vines reportedly over a century old, and 40% mourvedre): Deep ruby. Pungent aromas of cherry compote, dark berries, licorice and oak spices. Round, fleshy and sweet, offering intense blackberry and cherry-cola flavors that show serious depth and no rough edges. The energetic, sweet finish clings with impressive tenacity and spicy persistence.

Lush and ripe, but with solid underlying structure, the 2009 Domaine de Cristia Châteauneuf-du-Pape Renaissance is a blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Mourvèdre, with the Mourvèdre seeing some barrel aging and the Grenache seeing only tank. The wine is full and fleshy with sweet blackberry and cassis styled fruits that are balanced by licorice, roasted meat, subtle flowers, and solid minerality that shows on both the nose, and the on the finish. Decadently fruited on the palate, with a full-bodied, textured mid-palate, sweet fruit, and ripe tannin that shines on the finish. This needs a year or three to integrate and should have an easy 15+ years of prime drinking.

Opaque ruby. Cherry compote, blackberry preserves and sexy, spicy oak on the highly aromatic nose. Sweet, supple, and high-toned, with explosive dark fruit and spice flavors that show impressive nuance, surprising firmness and superb intensity. Displays real power but retains a light touch. Finishes with lingering sweetness and a suave floral quality.