2009 Domaine Marcoux Chateauneuf du Pape

(92 points) The 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape is showing slightly better out of bottle than it did last year. A blend of 80% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre and the rest Syrah and Cinsault, the wine has a deep plum/purple color and a sweet nose of raspberries, ground pepper, white flowers and licorice. It is full-bodied, opulent, and difficult to resist. It should drink well for 15 or more years.

Given the fact that the Armenier family can trace their roots in Chateauneuf du Pape back to 1344, one could say that they may have even more experience than the Chaves up in the northern Rhone, which only go back to the late 15th century! Run for well over a decade now by sisters, Sophie and Catherine, this biodynamically administered estate of 42 acres produces some of the very finest, complex, and most natural wines not only in France, but anywhere in the world. Perhaps the wine that is most under the radar for consumers is their brilliant white Chateauneuf du Pape. Wine Advocate #197 Oct 2011