2010 Domaine La Bastide St. Dominique Châteauneuf-du-Pape Secrets de Pignan

The blockbuster 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Secrets de Pignan Vieilles Vignes is a great buy in the marketplace as prices for this estate have not yet gone through the roof as they have for other old vine cuvees of Chateauneuf du Pape. Nearly as good as the 2007, the 2010 exhibits copious quantities of black raspberries, black cherries, forest floor, licorice, pepper and bouquet garni. Terrific structure, a full-bodied mouthfeel and good freshness and liveliness make for a fabulous wine to enjoy over the next 15+ years. During my tasting trip to Chateauneuf du Pape I was only presented with La Bastide Saint-Dominique’s 2011s and the 2010 Les Hesperides, but I was able to acquire some bottles of the other 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape cuvees elsewhere. The estate’s wines were completely sold out and even the owners had no 2010 stock remaining. With 25 acres in Chateauneuf du Pape as well as larger acreage in the Cotes du Rhone, this estate has been on top of its game for some time thanks to the qualitative improvements and commitments of the Bonnet family. Nearly all of their vineyards are in the northeastern sector of Chateauneuf du Pape, particularly in the areas known as Pignan (with sandy, sometimes clay soils) and the small boulder-covered Chapouin region. The 2011s are very strong efforts. Importers: Simon N Cellars, Charlottesville, VA; tel. (434) 977-4476; Vigneron Imports, Oakland, CA; tel. (510) 530-1616; Oslo Enterprise LLC, Takoma Park, MD; tel. (301) 326-2056

Even better and a gorgeous bottle of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the 2010 Les Secrets de Pignan, 100% Grenache from the famed Pignan lieu-dit, was aged for 18 months in tank. It exhibits perfumed, pure aromas of black cherries, garrigue, underbrush, and spice, with an almost liquid floral component that comes through with air. Full-bodied, rich, creamy, and voluptuous, yet also elegant and seamless, with solid underlying structure, it is a knockout 2010 that will shine for 12-15 years.

Bright purple. Explosively perfumed scents of candied dark fruits, incense and licorice, along with a smoky overtone. Lush, expansive and sweet, offering intense black and blue fruit flavors and hints of vanilla and floral pastilles. Finishes sweet, pliant and long, with resonating spiciness and silky tannins.