The deep ruby/purple-colored 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape (90% tank-aged Grenache and 10% barrel-aged Syrah from 65-year-old vines) appears to have resolved all the tannins that stood out last year. Notes of black cherry liqueur, licorice, tobacco leaf, bouquet garni, roasted meats and peppery spice emerge from this full-bodied, luscious Chateauneuf meant for drinking over the next 10-12 years. This micro-estate of just under 10 acres represents part of the former Domaine des Relagnes owned by Henri Boiron. The consultant, Philippe Cambie, has pushed the quality of the Olivier Hillaire wines to a very high level, including the spectacular luxury cuvee called Les Petits Pieds d’Armand, which is from 107-year-old vines planted in pure sand in the Grand Pierre lieu-dit, from which the famous Barroche Pure, Giraud Grenache de Pierre, and a few other great Grenache-dominated wines emerge. Both 2009 Chateauneuf du Papes performed better out of bottle than they did last year, as malolactics often take a long time at this estate. Importer: Alain Junguenet, Wines of France, Mountainside, NJ; tel. (908) 654-6173