2010 Domaine Marcoux Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes

(93- 95 points) The 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes, which comes from 90- to 100 -year-old vines and is a blend of 98% Grenache and 2% other varieties (primarily Cinsault) aged in cement, was cropped from 12 hectoliters per hectare, compared to the 2009's 15 hectoliters per hectare. That is essentially nothing short of financial suicide. This wine, which reminds the Armenier sisters somewhat of the 2001 vintage in its style, is very concentrated and has a dense purple color as well as a beautifully sweet nose of licorice, pepper, garrigue, blueberry, black raspberry and blackberry fruit. This is distinctive, compelling Chateauneuf du Pape that comes from their oldest vines, located in three of the best lieux-dits in Chateauneuf du Pape – La Crau in the eastern sector, Gallimardes in the south and Esquirons in the middle. This wine has wonderfully silky tannin, but it is definitely noticeable, and I suspect 3-5 years of cellaring is warranted. It should drink well for 20-25 years at the minimum. Wine Advocate #197 Oct 2011