2009 Clos Saint-Jean Châteauneuf-du-Pape Sanctus Sanctorum

Glass-staining ruby. A kaleidoscopic bouquet displays scents of candied red berries, incense and Asian spices, accented by an overlay of smoky minerals. Sharply focused and pure, offering sweet raspberry and cherry compote flavors and a sexy floral pastille nuance. Finishes sweet, sappy and very long, echoing the floral note. Looks to be a star of the vintage, but I'm sure it won't come cheap.

Author: Josh Raynolds

Issue: March/April 2011

Lush, with very enticing notes of toasty raisin, spice cake, fig sauce and blackberry preserves inlaid with flashes of ganache and espresso. The dense but racy finish features a graphite edge that really extends.

Drink Dates: 2012 - 2024

Author: James Laube

More flamboyant, open and exotic, with notes of kirsch liqueur, cassis, toasted almonds, sandalwood, lavender, and crushed flowers that you can smell from across the room, the 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Sanctus Sanctorum expands on the palate, with incredible concentration, building, sweet tannin and a finish that just won't quit. Where the 2010 cuts a more focused path, this puppy is overflowing with fruit and texture. It too is a perfect wine that will evolve for another couple decades, yet given this showing, don't hesitate to crack bottles over the coming couple of years.

Drink Dates: 2014-2017

Author: Jeb Dunnuck