Moving to the reds and a solid example of the vintage, the 2011 Chateauneuf du Pape is a blend of 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 5% Mourvedre and the balance Cinsault and other permitted varieties. It gives up quality notes of blackberry, baking spice, dried garrigue and hints of cedar to go with a medium-bodied, lively and surprisingly fresh profile on the palate. Already approachable and delicious, it should have a decade of longevity. Drink now-2021.
An estate that continues to produce a bevy of outstanding wines, Domaine Durieu is now managed and run by the young Vincent Durieu. Vincent produced some spectacular 2010s, and the 2011s and 2012s aren’t far behind. In addition, these remain reasonably priced in the marketplace. While their L’Eperdu cuvee shows a slight modern character, both the traditional cuvee and the old vine Lucile Avrile, which are aged mostly in concrete, stay distinctly traditional in style.
A Jack Siler Selection, Springfield, VA; tel. (703) 644-5210; various American importers, including Route des Vins Imports, LLC, Charleston, SC; tel. (843) 737-0301