2009 Domaine Charvin Chateauneuf du Pape MAGNUM

95pts Robert M. Parker, Jr., Wine Advocate

The 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape (which tips the scales around 15% natural alcohol) is a great example of traditional Chateauneuf du Pape winemaking. A dense dark ruby color is followed by a sexy nose of raspberries, ground pepper, spice box, damp earth, kirsch and dark currants. Full-bodied, complex, elegant and already irresistible as the tannins have completely melted away, it can be drunk now and over the next 15+ years. (Published 2011)

94pts Josh Raynolds, Vinous

Ruby-red. Highly perfumed bouquet evokes candied red fruits, potpourri and allspice, with notes of licorice and white pepper adding complexity. Shows excellent clarity and power on the palate, offering juicy raspberry and cherry flavors and a sexy touch of candied flowers. The very pure, incisive finish lingers with impressive tenacity.

Estate Summary

Laurent Charvin showed me the vines just outside his cellar door, noting that there was virtually no difference between those that lie within the Chateauneuf du Pape appellation and those that are designated as Cotes du Rhone, "and not even Cotes du Rhone-Villages!" He told me that since the winemaking style here "is simple and direct, with almost all grenache and no wood, there's more time to work in the vines, which is where everything happens in the first place." Charvin is far more animated when he's talking vineyards than when discussing winemaking. "There aren't really a lot of discoveries to be made in the cellar except for style preferences, but vineyard work is incredibly complex and every vintage has a different story to tell."