The 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape (which tips the scales around 15% natural alcohol) is a great example of traditional Chateauneuf du Pape winemaking. A dense dark ruby color is followed by a sexy nose of raspberries, ground pepper, spice box, damp earth, kirsch and dark currants. Full-bodied, complex, elegant and already irresistible as the tannins have completely melted away, it can be drunk now and over the next 15+ years. Beautifully made, traditional wines emerge from Laurent Charvin’s estate in the northwestern sector of Chateauneuf du Pape, where the family owns 20+ acres of vines. Everything made here is aged in cement tanks. The Chateauneuf du Pape blend tends to be approximately 85% Grenache and the rest equal parts Syrah, Mourvedre and Vaccarese. One of the best buys is Charvin’s delicious Cotes du Rhone called Le Poutet. Last year Laurent Charvin told me he thought that in 2009, the most favored part of Chateauneuf du Pape was the northern sector, and I think there is some truth to that although it was not nearly as evident when I carefully analyzed the tasting notes of the southern parts of the appellation versus the northern parts. Nevertheless, the north was certainly highly successful as was Charvin. Importer: Peter Weygandt, Weygandt-Metzler, Unionville, PA; tel. (610) 486-0800