2009 Domaine Paul Autard Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee La Cote Ronde

(93 points) Autard's quasi-modern-styled offering is the dense plum/purple-colored 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee La Cote Ronde, a blend of equal parts Grenache and Syrah from relatively old vines (60 plus years) that sees some new oak barrels. However, the 2009 shows only subtle evidence of vanillin and toast. It is a seductive, full-bodied, opulent effort displaying notes of caramelized red and black fruits, herbs, licorice and a hint of ink. This full-bodied, rich 2009 is ideal for drinking over the next 12+ years. Wine Advocate #197 Oct 2011

Wine Watch Review:

A bouquet of fresh flowers and herbs with red berry pie like fruit red licorice spice very aromatic with liqueur like richness, clove, exotic spices.  Very intense fruit on the tongue lovely richness liqueur like with a long finish very well built black spices and pretty sweet herbs and floral notes wow a spice box.  Finish 45+  Excellent +