My favorite of the tank samples, the 2012 Chateauneuf du Pape The Chato9 possesses solid aromatic complexity with perfumed spice, underbrush, herbs, licorice and spring flower notes that are grounded by vibrant black-and-blue-styled fruit. Medium-bodied, supple and textured, with sweet tannin, this fruit-loaded effort will be a crowd-pleaser and drink well on release. It’s slightly straightforward, but I like the fruit quality here and it’s worth checking out. Drink 2015-2020. This estate offers up plenty of easygoing, fruit-loaded efforts that have solid Southern Rhone character. Importer: Grape Expectations, Raleigh, NC ; tel. (919) 781-1655