The 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Domaine Barville Optimum (a cuvee only made in exceptional vintages) is a blend of 90% Grenache and 10% Syrah. Aromas of Asian spices, soy, fig, kirsch liqueur, lead pencil shavings, plums, earth and pepper jump from the glass of this deep, full-bodied, concentrated 2010. There are approximately 400 cases of this wine, which should age effortlessly for 20 years. This firm continues to dramatically improve the quality of its wines since Laurent Brotte, the grandson of the founder, Charles Brotte, took over management in 2000. Additionally, the brilliant Philippe Cambie is the consultant. Brotte is renowned for their non-vintage cuvee of Chateauneuf du Pape called La Fiole du Pape, which is usually a blend of three or four vintages and is sold in a misshapen, phony dust-covered bottle that undoubtedly horrifies purists. However, the wine is quite good, and to Laurent Brotte’s credit, they have started putting a lot number on the label.Various American importers including Chrissa Imports, South San Francisco, CA; tel. (650) 877-8460; Opici Imports, Glen Rock, NJ; tel. (201) 689-3256; Margaux and Associates Fine Wines and Spirits, Dallas, TX; tel. (214) 380-1731; and Transat Trade, Gardena, CA; tel. (310) 516-6799

The most limited cuvee in this portfolio is the 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Domaine Barville Optimum. The 2007 was extraordinary and it will take some effort for the 2009 to hit that level. Nevertheless, the potential to do so is present. Made from a blend of 90% Grenache and 10% Syrah, it boasts a dense ruby/purple color as well as copious aromas of black cherry liqueur, graphite, plums, Asian soy sauce and loamy, earthy undertones. Dense, powerful and full-bodied with abundant but sweet, nicely integrated tannins, it will need 3-4 years of cellaring and should drink well for two decades.(Not yet released)The Brotte family was among one of the first to estate bottle Chateauneuf du Papes in the early 1930s. Over recent years, under the guidance of Laurent Brotte, the grandson of the founder, Charles Brotte, quality has improved dramatically. Additionally, they have brought in the renowned consultant, Philippe Cambie. Brotte is still best known for their non-vintage, solera blend of Chateauneuf du Pape called La Fiole, which is a huge commercial success. The quality is very good in spite of the phoney dust or the twisted and bent bottle. All of the wines I recently tasted with Laurent Brotte are classy, well-made, high quality efforts. Brotte seems to go largely unnoticed in the American market, but that should change based on what they have been accomplishing over recent vintages.Various American importers based on the state in which you live: www.brotte.com

The compelling 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Domaine Barville Optimum is composed of 70% Grenache and 30% Mourvedre. Sadly, only 250 cases of this beauty are made, and only in the greatest vintages. The 2007 offers a dense ruby/purple color as well as abundant notes of black raspberries, black cherries, blackberries, licorice, and graphite. Full-bodied, very textured, multidimensional, and exceptionally long with layers of fruit cascading over the palate, this beauty should age well for 15+ years. In top vintages such as 2007, three cuvees of Chateauneuf du Pape are produced, all of which performed even better from bottle than they did last year.Various American importers: www.brotte.com