Rhone

R.P. 95 pts.

Absolutely magnificent is the opaque ruby/purple 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee de Felix. Notes of root beer/beet root interwoven with roasted Provencal herbs, black currants and even blacker fruits such as blackberries are prominent in this full-bodied, concentrated wine, which has fabulous fruit, sumptuous, a deep, multi-layered texture and a sensational finish of close to 40+ seconds.

R.P. 91 pts.

The most concentrated and potentially longest-lived cuvee is the Chante Le Merle. The 2000 Chateauneuf du Pape Chante Le Merle Vieilles Vignes is peppery, garrigue, lavender, black cherry, currant, and new saddle leather-scented and flavored.

R.P. 91 pts.

he star of the show from Bosquet des Papes was the 1998 Chateauneuf du Pape Chante le Merle Vieilles Vignes. Fully mature, it reveals impressive notes of roasted garrigue, lots of cured meats, licorice and coffee bean notes to go with a ripe, full-bodied, textured feel on the palate.

R.P. 98 pts.

The 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Chaupin rivals the 2007 Chaupin (to date the best Chaupin I have yet tasted). Made from 100% Grenache (3/4 destemmed), it boasts a dense black/purple color as well as unbelievable notes of raspberries, black cherries, licorice, truffles, camphor, forest floor and garrigue.

R.P. 92 pts.

While the 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Reserve has never been my favorite vintage from Laurence, it nevertheless showed nicely on this occasion with classic Pegau notes of tapenade, garrigue and spiced meats flowing to a medium to full-bodied, supple, sexy wine that will continue to evolve gracefully for another decade.

R.P. 95 pts.

It exhibits a dense plum/purple color along with a big, sweet bouquet of beef blood, grilled herbs, barbecue smoke, lavender, sweet cassis and kirsch and a hint of Asian soy. The wine possesses a fabulous texture, a full-bodied mouthfeel and a seamless integration of tannin, acidity and alcohol.

R.P. 98 pts.

Aromas and flavors of ripe dark fruits, garrigue, cured meats, tobacco leaf, saddle leather and hints of game. Full-bodied and beautifully concentrated, it offers a seamless, layered profile on the palate

R.P. 93 pts.

Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Reservee is a forward, perfumed example of the cuvee that has classic Pegau black fruits, tobacco leaf, pepper and leathery notes as well as medium to full-bodied richness and depth on the palate.