2009 Guigal Chateauneuf du Pape, Rhone

The 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape is elegant, deep red. Potent cherry, redcurrant and floral scents are given a musky, earthy touch by a hint of rhubarb. Sappy, sweet and broad on entry, then tighter in the mid-palate, offering bitter cherry and raspberry preserve flavours and a touch of licorice. The clinging finish is shaped by silky, even tannins and given bite by a hint of cracked pepper. Drink now-2022.

Wine Advocate #204 - Dec 2012 Score : (90-92) The 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape appears to be a beautiful wine, although perhaps not at the level of the 2007 or 2010 (which will not be released for another two years). The elegant, medium to full-bodied 2009 displays lots of cedary, berry fruit intermixed with notes of garrigue, Christmas fruitcake, kirsch and spice. It is best consumed in its first decade of life. Robert Parker.