"Distinctly old-school, showing a smoldering edge of charcoal and roasted mesquite to the core of dense plum and black currant fruit, with hoisin sauce and bittersweet cocoa notes. There's good drive on the finish, where the roasted wood edge lingers. Best from 2013 through 2020." (WS)
"More refined, polished and elegant, the medium to full-bodied 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Chante Le Merle Vieilles Vignes possesses complex garrigue notes intermixed with black currant, black cherry and raspberry as well as licorice and seaweed wrapper (nori). Eighty percent Grenache and the rest equal parts Syrah and Mourvedre from 92+ year-old vines, this wine is delicious already, and should continue to evolve for another 10-12 years.
The proprietors of a reasonably large estate of nearly 70 acres, with parcels spread throughout Chateauneuf du Pape, the Boiron family has long been a fixture in the appellation, dating at least as far back as the mid-1800s . Nicolas Boiron, who is running the estate now, is certainly a bigger than life character, both literally and figuratively. He is possibly the tallest vigneron in the southern Rhone. His property is a wonderful source of traditional Chateauneuf du Papes that are consistently well-made and among the best-known of the appellation. Their 2009s are all strong efforts, and their 2010s, to my taste, are the greatest wines they have produced since 1990, even eclipsing their success in the sensational vintage of 2007. The 2010s are probably the finest wines Nicolas Boiron has yet made, equal to the success they had in 1990, and eclipsing the wondrous vintage of 2007." (WA)
"Inky-ruby. Slightly decadent scents of raspberry preserves, mocha, licorice and potpourri. Rich, broad and spicy, offering suave red fruit flavors and notes of floral pastille and spice cake, but without excess weight. This very supple and seamless wine offers subtle sweetness and lingering spiciness on a persistent, smoothly tannic finish. These vines are between 80 and 90 years old." (IWC) |
