2008 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Reservee

Firm dark ruby. Very heady, sweet, cough pastilles. Some acidity on the finish. More than just sweet and spicy. Tanning palate impression. Real life here. (JR)

I’ve had numerous bottles of the 2008 Cuvée Réservée and continue to think it’s one of the top wines of the vintage. Beautifully perfumed and complex on the nose, with a traditional, old school feel, this medium-bodied, delicious Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a joy to drink. It should easily evolve and drink well for up to a decade, possibly longer.

Saturated ruby. A wild, highly expressive bouquet displays red and dark berries, Asian spice and musky garrigue, accented by smoke and game notes in the background. Juicy and precise, with sweet raspberry and cherry flavors that take a bitter turn with air. Tannins come on late and add grip to a long, sappy finish.