Looking at the reds, the 2011 Chateauneuf du Pape Domaine Barville is a beauty and shows the best of the vintage. Perfumed and complex, with copious spice, cedar, underbrush and sweet kirsch and black raspberry-styled fruit, this finesse-oriented, supple and textured 2011 stays fresh and lively on the palate, with fine tannin adding length and focus. Enjoy it over the coming 5-6 years. Drink now-2019.
These impressive wines are made by Laurent Brotte, with help from rock star consultant Philippe Cambie. They show beautiful levels of fruit, as well as classic, balanced profiles on the palate.
Various American importers including Chrissa Imports, South San Francisco, CA; tel. (650) 877-8460; Opici Imports, Glen Rock, NJ; tel. (201) 689-3256; Margaux and Associates Fine Wines and Spirits, Dallas, TX; tel. (214) 380-1731; and Transat Trade, Gardena, CA; tel. (310) 516-6799