2010 Domaine Galevan Châteauneuf-du-Pape
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Tasting notes
The 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape is one of the finest traditional cuvees I have tasted as well as a sleeper of the vintage. Made from 90% Grenache and 10% Mourvedre from 55-year-old vines, it exhibits a dense ruby/purple color as well as a stunning perfume of creme de cassis, kirsch, incense, licorice and a vague notion of beef blood and roasted Provencal herbs. All of the fruit comes from vines planted in the northern end of the appellation. This exquisite, full-throttle Chateauneuf du Pape should drink well for 15 or more years. It is a major star of the vintage, and probably is reasonably priced as well. A microscopic estate owned by Coralie Goumarre, Domaine Galevan was established, remarkably, in 1780, but the first estate-bottled wine did not emerge until 1968. I was blown away by these four red wine cuvees, and both of the 2010s have jumped dramatically in score since I tasted them from barrel last year. Coralie Goumarre has consistently made some of the better Cotes du Rhones over recent vintages. Both her 2011s represent sleepers of the vintage. Importer: Vintage Imports, Bristol, PA; tel. (215) 788-1300
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Wow, seriously impressive and a gorgeous Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the 2010 Domaine Galévan Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Mourvèdre that comes from 50+ year-old vines. Hedonistically styled, with decadent aromas of creamy raspberry, sweet spice cake, licorice, and sappy underbrush and floral characteristics, this hits the palate with a full-bodied, rich texture, notable concentration, and brilliant length on the finish. This is upfront and fruit driven, yet has top-notch complexity, fantastic purity, and good backend structure. While a beauty now, it should continue to shine for 10-12 years, if not longer.
Certified organic. 80% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre. 60% aged in barrique, 40% aged in concrete. Less blue than most. Smells much more developed than most too, as though it had been exposed to quite a bit of oxygen. Hint of cinnamon and rhubarb. A pleasant enough mid-term drink. (JR)
Bio Certifiée France. 70% Grenache Blanc, 15% Clairette, 10% Roussanne, 5% Bourboulenc. Aged in barrique. Quite deep gold. Big, sweet, open, as though a bit of new oak played a part. Sherbet flavours. Not the noblest but it certainly makes an impact. Chewy finish. (JR)