The 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes (from 70- to 80-year-old vines planted in sand and limestone soils) is composed of 85% Grenache and 15% Mourvedre aged in old small oak. Its deep ruby/purple color is followed by a full-bodied, dense, surprisingly forward wine. This generous 2009 is already easy to drink (atypical for this cuvee) yet is capable of lasting for another decade. This excellent estate has come on strongly over the last 5-6 years under the leadership of proprietors Yannick and Corinne Gasparri. 2010 appears to be this domaine’s strongest vintage since the brilliant 2007s. Importer: Alain Junguenet, Wines of France, Mountainside, NJ; tel. (908) 654-6173