Tasted from magnum at the domaine, the 2011 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes is among the top few wines of this maligned vintage. Despite being one of the most alcoholic years ever recorded at the estate, there's no trace of heat, just a magical mix of ripe cherries and garrigue on the nose, plus a wonderfully supple, silky mouthfeel and a minutes-long finish. While I would recommend drinking this wine over the next few years from 750-milliliter bottles, this magnum showed magnificently, with potential to age well through at least 2030.