2008 Chateauneuf du Pape

Smooth and supple but with a traditional, classic feel, the 2008 Domaine Olivier Hillaire Châteauneuf-du-Pape, a blend of 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre, and 5% Cinsault, sports a semi-transparent, ruby red color as well as garrigue and spice dominated aromatics. Sweet cherry, touches of licorice, saddle leather, white pepper, and earth come through with air and while not terribly intense at the moment, I like the complexity and it keeps me coming back for another sniff. The palate is medium bodied with sweet fruit, a light, deft texture, good acidity, and a chewy, savory finish. Drink this excellent, very drinkable wine, over the next 10 to 12 years.

Bright ruby. Sexy aromas of strawberry, raspberry and spicecake, with a note of dried rose adding complexity. Tangy, sharply focused red fruit flavors stain the palate, with a kick of tangy blood orange providing even more lift. This graceful and fine-grained wine boasts very good upfront appeal but also has the balance to ensure at least a few years of positive evolution in bottle.

Very pale greyish crimson. Very light nose. Very sweet start. Very juicy. Simple but full of fun. But pretty spindly. (JR)