2010 Domaine Bosquet des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Chantemerle Vieilles Vignes

Even more extraordinary is the compelling 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Chante Le Merle. Inky bluish/purple, the wine offers up notes of incense, camphor, blueberry, blackberry and black raspberry liqueur followed by an exciting, full-bodied, multi-dimensional mouthfeel and finish of close to a minute. This is stunningly rich and pure, yet has remarkable delineation, and because of the acid profile of this vintage, it seems light on its feet despite what I'm sure is 15%-plus alcohol. This wine should evolve over a two decade span and be completely drinkable over that entire period.

Author: Robert Parker

Inky ruby. A heady, exotically perfumed bouquet displays scents of raspberry and cherry liqueur, sandalwood, potpourri and woodsmoke. Intensely spicy and precise on the palate, which offers juicy red fruit flavors and suggestions of candied flowers and spicecake. Velvety tannins add shape to a strikingly long, smooth and floral-accented finish that shows outstanding energy and clarity.

Author: Josh Raynolds

Issue: January/February 2013

Very dark crimson. Opulent, fully ripe fruit with some minerality. Very juicy and taken to the limit. Dramatic wine! Lots of tannin and (just) enough acidity. This is definitely Cuv‚e Sp‚ciale material, though at present it is quite inky on the finish.

Author: Jancis Robinson