The 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape (70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and the rest Mourvedre and Cinsault) possesses wonderful sweet notes of black currants, raspberries, and cherries intermixed with hints of Christmas fruitcake, loamy soil, incense and licorice. Rich and full with good acidity and ripe tannin, it should age effortlessly for 10-15 years. This tiny 10-acre estate run by Jean-Pierre Serguier produces 1,500 cases of Chateauneuf du Pape and around 350 cases of their super, old vine cuvee, Les Grandes Grenachieres d-Hippolyte, which is made from 85-year-old vines. These traditionally-made cuvees are aged in foudre or old barrels. Serguier has been managing this estate since 1981, although it dates from 1920. One of the few domaines that is outside of the Chateauneuf du Pape appellation, Simian is located in the garlic capital of France, the tiny village of Piolenc, a 10-minute drive from the village of Chateauneuf du Pape. Importer: Total Wine & More, Potomac, MD; tel. (301) 795-1080

The 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape shows the vintage’s forward, seductive personality with spicy, peppery, black cherry and Christmas fruitcake notes, medium to full body, low acidity, ripe tannin and abundant glycerin. Enjoy it over the next 8-9 years. This tiny 10-acre estate, run by Jean-Pierre Serguier, produces very good as well as reasonably priced wines. Their ancient vine cuvee, Les Grandes Grenachieres d’Hippolyte was first produced from 80-year-old vines in 2007 (and an amazing wine it is!). Not surprisingly, the 2010s reveal the paradoxical character of this vintage being high in acidity and fresh, but also possessing terrific ripeness, power, depth and intensity. It is an unusual vintage in that it has both high acidity and high alcohol, two characteristics normally not found together. No known American importer.

Only one cuvee was produced in 2008, the 2008 Chateauneuf du Pape. A sleeper of the vintage, it is one of the finest efforts in this difficult year. It possesses copious notes of black raspberry and black cherry fruit intermixed with garrigue, licorice and forest floor. It is surprisingly deep, round and generously endowed with good freshness, abundant fruit and a style that begs for consumption over the next 6-8 years. Chateau Simian is an up-and-coming estate that excelled with their 2007s and has returned with very strong performances in both 2008 and 2009. We can thank Jean-Pierre Serguier, the proprietor of this small 10-acre estate with cellars in the little village of Piolenc (also known as the garlic capital of France). No known American importer.