Robert Parker (96)
The 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes (350 cases produced) was made from low yields of 15 hectoliters per hectare. This wine oozes black raspberry and blackberry fruits intermixed with floral, forest floor, garrigue and ground pepper notes. Exceptionally pure, textured and built like a skyscraper, this sensational effort will drink well for 20-25+ years.
Jancis Robinson (17)
Dark crimson. Ripe and sweet and with freshness and vibrancy. But a little raw. No ingredient X. Falls away on the finish. Jancis Robinson
Vinous (97)
Glass-staining ruby. A drop-dead, heady bouquet evokes red and dark
fruit liqueur, lavender, sandalwood and smoky minerals. Strikingly
energetic and lithe, offering pliant black raspberry and boysenberry
flavors and exotic floral pastille and spicecake qualities. Supple
tannins come on late and add shape to an endless, penetrating finish.
This stunning wine was one of my favorites of this year's Rhone
Valley marathon.
Jeb Dunnuck (97)
Even more impressive and age-worthy is the 2010 Domaine de Marcoux Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes. This blend of close to 100% Grenache comes from the oldest vines on the estate and is always from the three lieux-dits of La Crau, Les Gallimardes, and Esquirons. It offers up a spectacular bouquet of floral-laced red and black fruits, beef broth, seaweed, licorice, garrigue, and a rolled stone-like minerality, as well as a full-bodied, rich, yet elegant and pure feel on the palate. Quite tight and structured at this tasting, it nevertheless has gorgeous mid-palate concentration, loads of texture, perfect balance, and a beautiful sweetness to the tannin. Give bottles 5-7 years in the cellar, and then plan on drinking over the following two decades.
