2009 Rotem & Mounir Saouma Châteauneuf-du-Pape Omnia

Kicking off the reds, the 2009 Chateauneuf-du-Pape Omnia is comprised of 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah and 10% Mourvedre. Fermented with 100% whole-cluster and aged for two years (on less) in barrel, it sports a deep, layered profile with smoked black fruits, ground herbs, leather, licorice and background meatiness all emerging from the glass. Still fresh and youthful (especially for a 2009), with medium to full-bodied richness, solid mid-palate depth and a big finish, this complete, elegant and seriously impressive effort will be better in another year or three, and have 15+ years of total longevity. Drink 2016-2024.

Author: Jeb Dunnuck

(80% grenache, 10% syrah and 10% mourvedre): Inky ruby. Heady, exotically perfumed aromas of red fruit compote, Asian spices, potpourri and woodsmoke, with a bright mineral topnote. Sappy, penetrating and impressively concentrated, offering vivid raspberry and cherry compote flavors and a zesty touch of blood orange. Rich but lively, with excellent finishing clarity and gentle tannic grip. This is the first release of this wine, which is made by winemakers Rotem and Mounir Saouma, who also own Burgundy's Lucien Le Moine.

Author: Josh Raynolds

Issue: January/February 2013