We're pleased to present the first of the stunning 2009 Chateauneuf du Papes, with wines from Cuvée du Vatican.  Your allocation is for one bottle of either Cuvée du Vatican Chateauneuf du Pape 2009 or Cuvée du Vatican Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve Sixtine 2009.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape (70% Grenache, 25% Syrah, and the rest Mourvedre, Cinsault and other grapes) was given the same upbringing as the 2008. Its dark ruby/plum color is followed by sweet aromas of raspberries, black cherries, forest floor and Provencal herbs. Attractive and soft with light to moderate tannin as well as medium to full body, it should drink nicely for 10-12 years.  92 points

Far more structured, with significant minerality, power and tannin is the dense ruby/purple-colored 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve Sixtine (45% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 25% Mourvedre). This cuvee is always aged in 100% small barrels, of which 9-10% are new. A backward wine for the vintage, it reveals serious structure, powerful tannin and abundant mineral notes backed up by full body and impressive layers of fruit and structure. It requires 4-5 years of cellaring, and should last 15-20 years thereafter. 94 points

About Cuvée du Vatican Winery The Diffonty family goes as far back as 1673. At that time, they were already involved in agri­culture and cultivated vines as well as olive and cherry trees. Gradually, the vines became the dominant culture. There is typical rich French history with this estate. In 1900 the Diffonty family owned a mere 2 hectares of vineyards and over the years grew their holdings steadily. In 1958 the Cuvee du Vatican trademark was created and blessed by the Pope.

This month we present another iconic wine from Chateuaneuf du Pape - 2008 Clos des Papes Châteauneuf du Pâpe.  The wine is a bit spendy ($140 per bottle, so we offer as an alternative a bottle of 2008 Cuilleron St Joseph L'amarybelle ($56).

“One estate, one wine” - that was Paul Avril’s philosophy at Clos des Papes.  Unlike some other notable estates in the region, Avril did not believe in creating a luxury cuvée above and beyond his regular Châteauneuf du Pape bottling.  Instead, he created the best wine he could with what each vintage gave him, and any juice that didn’t meet his exacting standard was sold in bulk to négociants.  Avril’s son Vincent now makes the wines at Clos des Papes, continuing a family winemaking tradition that stretches back 200 years.

This month we present another iconic French wine, Grange des Pères. 

Founded in 1992, Grange des Peres has quickly become arguably the greatest and most respected domaine in the entire Languedoc region. Located in the village of Aniane, the estate is run by former physiotherapist Laurent Vaillé. His impeccable resumé includes stints with Gerard Chave and Francois Coche-Dury, and, as Andrew Jefford writes in The New France, "...this background in wine-craftsmanship is evident in every bottle that comes from his cellar." The red sees up to two years in wood, but the oak comes across as seamlessly integrated even upon release. Extremely conscientious viticulture -- low-cropping young vines, harvesting ripe and healthy fruit -- are de rigeur here.

Robert Parker:  "Voluptuously-textured, with superb concentration, this full-bodied, beautifully pure, intense, layered wine is a dead-ringer for a top-notch Chateauneuf du Pape or Coteaux de Baux. Availability is limited, but readers who have access to it should consider buying it by the case. This estate’s wines are terribly hard to locate in the United States, selling out instantly upon arrival on our shores. Nevertheless, it is important for The Wine Advocate to report on them as doing so may inspire young winemakers in the Languedoc to follow in the footsteps of Laurent Vaille, the dedicated, highly talented winemaker of Domaine La Grange des Peres."

It's hard to believe that we havent offered Vieux Donjon Châteauneuf du Pâpe in quite a while (since early 2008); it's been one of our go to CdP's since we opened the shops. This month you have a choice from several vintages - all delicious and ready to drink!  (All vintages might not be available at timeof purchase - limited to stock on hand).

Le Vieux Donjon was founded in 1979 with the marriage of Lucien and Marie José Michel. Together they make a classic Chateauneuf-du-Pape, one exemplifies the power and elegance of Grenache and Syrah without the influence of new oak, and that ages and evolves wonderfully.

The domaine covers 30 acres of vineyards, all farmed organically. The soils are mainly limestone and clay, and are studded with the round, rust-colored stones for which the vineyards of Chateauneuf-du-Pape are famous. The oldest vines are over 80 years old and so filled with these stones that a special tractor is needed to work the soil.

The wine is vinified traditionally in cement vats. Grapes from the domaine’s multiple vineyard parcels are picked separately, but vinified together with stems.  After fermentation the wine ages for approximately 12-15 months in large neutral oak casks called foudres. The cepage is 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 10% of a mixture of Cinsault and Mourvedre.