2010 Chateauneuf du Pape

Opaque ruby. Sexy red berry liqueur, incense and Asian spice aromas are complicated by a smoky nuance and a hint of zesty minerality. Shows very good intensity on the palate, which displays sweet raspberry and cherry flavors that take on weight and spiciness with air. Silky and precise, with outstanding finishing clarity and length.

The 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape was fashioned from yields of 12 hectoliters per hectare and is a blend of 74% Grenache, 14% Mourvedre, 9% Syrah and 3% Cinsault aged primarily in cement tanks with one-third spending time in truncated wood foudres. It exhibits a deep ruby/purple color, stunning concentration and lots of raspberry, cassis, blueberry and acacia flower notes. With plenty of glycerin, sweet tannin, a long, heady finish and 15%+ alcohol, it should evolve effortlessly for 15 or more years. One of the classic family-owned domaines in Chateauneuf du Pape (of which there are many), Domaine de Marcoux is run by two dynamic sisters, Sophie and Catherine Armenier. The estate, which can trace its history back to 1344, has only been estate bottling since 1978. It owns over 40 acres, all of which have been biodynamically farmed since the early 1990s as this was one of the first properties to move to this strict style of farming. Both cuvees of Chateauneuf du Pape were made in 2011, and in a year that saw a relatively large crop, yields were reduced at Marcoux, averaging 22 liters per hectare. They had to do a Draconian-like triage on the grapes during the harvest. The 2010s are very successful at Domaine de Marcoux. Importer: Eric Solomon, European Cellars, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565