2009 Chateauneuf du Pape

The stunning 2009s include the 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape, which is showing even better than it did last year. This strong, powerful, concentrated effort exhibits a dense purple color as well as loads of blueberry, black currant and black cherry fruit. A blend of 70% Grenache, 15% Syrah and 15% Mourvedre, it is a sexy, opulent, voluptuous, seductive, head-turning Chateauneuf that should drink beautifully for 10-12 years. This 22-acre estate is on top of its game thanks to the efforts of the brilliant brother and sister team of Daniel and Christine Chaussy, who have been hitting all the high notes for the last 15 or more years. There are three cuvees of red Chateauneuf du Pape, and I would suggest that 2009 and 2010 are the finest back-to-back vintages produced to date (although one can not forget the prodigious 2007s turned out by the Chaussys). The 2010s are brilliant efforts across the board, potentially even better than the 2009s, and certainly more structured with higher acids and more aging potential. Kudos to Daniel and Christine Chaussy, who, by the way, are well-worth visiting should you venture into the northern tier of Chateauneuf du Pape where all their vineyards are located, just south of the ancient Roman town of Orange. Importer: Alain Junguenet, Wines of France, Mountainside, NJ; tel. (908) 654-6173

A classic Châteauneuf that’s a blend of 80% Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre, and 5% Syrah aged in a combination of tank and barrel (no new oak), the 2009 Mas de Boislauzon Châteauneuf-du-Pape delivers outstanding aromatics of raspberry liqueur, spice cake, leather, charcoal, and meat. Focused, fresh, and with good acidity and serious structure, this medium to full-bodied red needs 1-3 years in the cellar, and should have 10-12 years of prime drinking.

From the Chaussy family. Looks and smells very sophisticated. Lovely mouthfeel/texture with great layers of Châteauneuf spices and herbs. Velvety and only after that comes some pretty marked tannins. But overall this is a thoroughly luxurious and thoroughly Châteauneuf experience. (JR)