2009 Le Clos du Caillou Châteauneuf-du-Pape Reserve
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Tasting notes
Based on 60% Grenache and 40% Mourvèdre, mostly from the La Guigasse lieu-dit, the 2009 Châteauneuf Du Pape La Réserve is more focused and straight, offering red and black fruits, cured meats, melted licorice, and spice. Full-bodied, but maybe not with at the same level of intensity or complexity as the Quartz, it's focused and pretty, with a classy, elegant texture. This was vinified in 100% cuve tronconique and aged 18 months in demi-muids. Drink: 2025-2034.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider
More reviews and scores
Still capable of aging another ten or more years, the 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape La Reserve continues to impress. Youthful notes of pencil shavings, vanilla and black cherries appear on the nose, which can't be that different from when it was released. Full-bodied, rich yet silky, hugely intense and powerful, it finishes long, dusted with elegant and luxurious notes of Christmas spices.
(60% grenache and 40% mourvedre): Bright ruby-red. Pungent, assertive aromas of candied red fruits, cola, incense and potpourri, with a hint of vanilla in the background. Stains the palate with deep raspberry and cherry flavors and becomes spicier with air. Supple tannins lend shape to the extremely long, sweet, penetrating finish. This is still a baby.