2009 Domaine Jean Royer Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Prestige
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Showing beautifully, the 2009 Châteauneuf Du Pape Prestige offers red berries, menthol, and spice notes that develop nicely with time in the glass. Full-bodied, broad, and round on the palate, it remains light on its feet with soft tannins and a seductive, charming personality that has so much to love. This is 100% Grenache that was vinified in concrete and aged in a combination of older barrels (50%) and stainless steel (50%) for 12 months. It is best enjoyed over the coming 7-8 years. Drink: 2025-2032.
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Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Bright ruby. Red berries, cherry and rhubarb on the expressive, spice-accented nose. Spicy and tightly wound on entry, then fleshier and deeper in the middle, offering sappy but seamless red fruit and bitter cherry flavors. Gains power with air and finishes with very good breadth, energy and lingering spiciness. This elegant Chateauneuf will age well on its balance.
The 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Prestige, which comes from 80- to 100-year-old vines (in contrast to the 45-year-old vines of the Tradition), is essentially an identical blend, and again aged primarily in tank. This is a slightly darker color, with massive amounts of black cherry and strawberry jam notes, and hints of Provencal herbs as well as loamy, sandy soil. A savory, broad, full-bodied wine without a hard edge to be found, it should drink well for 7-8 years and is already irresistible. Vignobles Jean-Marie Royer is a very small estate of just over 12 acres, located in the southwestern sector of the appellation, not far from St.-Prefert, with their holdings in the two best known sectors of that area, Bois de la Ville and Les Grandes Serres. Importers: Paul M. Young Fine Wines, Los Angeles, CA; tel. (323) 222-2003; Free Run LLC, Seattle, WA; no telephone available; Bertin Henri Selections, Doral, FL; tel. (305) 392-6995, and Fine Vines LLC, Melrose Park, IL; tel. (708) 343-6702
Ruby-red. Musky, floral-accented aromas of cherry and redcurrant, with a subtle smoky quality coming up with air. A juicy, supple and expansive midweight that offers sweet red fruit flavors and no excess fat. This strikingly elegant and precise wine shows a light touch that's highly reminiscent of pinot noir. The sweet finishing flavor of raspberry preserves lingers with impressive tenacity. I find this understated, complex style of Chateauneuf extremely interesting.