Grand Veneur Vieilles Vignes Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2009

Wineadvocate

The most limited cuvee (350 cases) is the 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes (a blend of 50% Grenache, 40% Mourvedre and 10% Syrah from 50-100 year old vines located in the northern sector of the appellation). Its opaque purple color is accompanied by a gorgeous perfume of graphite, truffles, damp earth, cassis, kirsch, licorice and spice box. Despite the fact that it sees a lot of new oak, it reveals no evidence of wood. The fruit dominates in this quintessential, classic, full-bodied, powerful, massive as well as surprisingly pure and elegant Chateauneuf du Pape. Unlike most examples, the precociousness and suppleness of the 2009 vintage have given this wine a more forward appeal, although it still needs 2-3 years of cellaring. Drink it over the following 25-30 years.

Dunnuck

From a hot, yet classic southern Rhône vintage, the 2009 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes is a sexy, exuberant, undeniably sumptuous red that has soaring aromatics of black raspberries, blackberries, graphite, lead pencil shavings, licorice, and a hint of spring flowers. Still youthful, fresh, and lively, with full-bodied richness and a stacked mid-palate, it’s one of the finest wines in the vintage and can be enjoyed any time over the coming 10-15 years, if not longer.