The 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Tradition (made from the same blend as the 2011) is incredibly rich, concentrated and complex. The best value in their portfolio, it offers a dark plum/purple color along with copious notes of garrigue, pepper, licorice, black raspberries and kirsch. A super, full-bodied Chateauneuf with terrific purity and palate presence, it can be enjoyed over the next 15+ years. This estate has acquitted itself impressively over the last 5-6 years. It first caught my attention with its brilliant 2007s, which were followed by strong efforts in 2009 and now their finest wines to date, the 2010s. Domaine Giraud is an old estate that has been reinvigorated by the enthusiasm of a younger generation, especially Marie Giraud. They own just over 40 acres in various Chateauneuf du Pape terroirs. The 2011 vintage was successful for Domaine Giraud, as evidenced by the following three wines. Without a doubt the 2010s are the greatest wines made to date by Francois and Marie Giraud. Importer: Eric Solomon, European Cellars, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565

The 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Tradition (60% Grenache, a whopping 35% Syrah and 5% Mourvedre) is aged in tank (the Grenache and Mourvedre) and oak (the Syrah). This impressive, full-bodied, dense purple-colored wine reveals plenty of sweet aromas of blackberries, black raspberries, licorice, camphor and flowers. It should drink well for 15+ years. (Not yet released)This morsellated estate, which has nearly 50 acres of vines (all organically farmed) spread throughout the appellation, has been resurrected and reinvigorated by Francois and Marie Giraud, whose cellars are in the northwest area of the village of Chateauneuf du Pape, close to Clos du Mont Olivet. Philippe Cambie, the consulting oenologist, has helped make this one of the up-and-coming super-stars of the appellation. In top vintages, three cuvees are produced, the classic Tradition along with single vineyard offerings from the Les Gallimardes lieu-dit and a spectacular wine called Les Grenaches de Pierre from 105 year old Grenache vines planted in pure sand from the Grand Pierre lieu-dit adjacent to Chateau Rayas. A white Chateauneuf du Pape is also produced. The 2009 red Chateauneuf du Papes performed better from bottle than they did last year from barrel.Importer: Eric Solomon, European Cellars, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565