The 2009 Cotes du Rhone Cuvee Speciale is cropped from 15 hectoliters per hectare, and is made with 100% stems from a vineyard just across the appellation border in Chateauneuf du Pape near Courthezon. Aged in tank, this is a fabulous sleeper of the vintage. Tasting more like a Chateauneuf du Pape than a Cotes du Rhone, the wine cuts a broad swath across the palate, with lots of garrigue, kirsch liqueur, new saddle leather, and gamey, smoky meats and herbs. Full-bodied, complex, super-flavorful, and ideal for drinking over the next 5-10 years. Sadly, only 1,000 cases were made of this wine. (Not yet released)Importer: Wilson-Daniels, St. Helena, CA; tel. (707) 963-9661