Introduction

Notes from the organizer:
On Thursday, we'll take our first look at the 2009 Chateauneuf du Papes as they enter their second decade of age. This vintage was in the middle of a string of three great vintages in the southern Rhone in four years (2007, 2009, 2010). Also an outstanding vintage in Bordeaux, Burgundy, Beaujolais, Loire and northern Rhone, this year brought rich, ripe, concentrated wines that really show off the aromatic complexity which can be achieved in blends of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre. At 12 years of age, these Chateauneufs should be approaching their peaks, and well into their transformation from monolithic, fruit-driven wines towards showing the layered themes of spice, garrigue, green olives, bacon fat and other smoked meats and black pepper that characterize older Chateauneufs.

Thursday's lineup includes the Ferrand, Giraud, Xavier Anonyme, La Milliere Vieilles Vignes, Mayard's La Crau de Ma Mere (their top cuvee) and a pair of Galevan's, a domaine which is rarely seen in the US.

Flight 1 - Pre-Tasting Flight: (4 notes)

Flight 2 - Main Flight: (9 notes)