2011 Chateauneuf du Pape

Vivid ruby. Vibrant red fruit and floral aromas are complemented by notes of allspice and orange zest. On the palate, juicy raspberry and blood orange flavors put on weight in the glass. Closes tangy and long, with silky tannins making a late appearance. (I had the chance to revisit the 2009 Renaissance bottling from Cristia and while it's still very young it's showing some intriguing floral and spice qualities that become more powerful as the wine opens up with aeration. There's a serious core of dark fruit and the necessary structure to see it well past a decade of aging but I wouldn't fault anybody for opening and decanting one now, especially if you have more than a couple of bottles.)

Bright ruby. High-pitched aromas of cherry, Asian spices and dried flowers, with complicating notes of white pepper and blood orange. Reminds me of a ripe pinot noir. Juicy and supple in texture, with nervy lift to its cherry, raspberry and spicecake flavors. Seamless and sweet on the finish, which shows just a hint of tannins.