One of the very, very top wines of 2009 in Châteauneuf du Pape, which in itself, is a great vintage. This “Vielles Vignes” special is from just 3 small parcels with vines over 85 years old and has a depth, intensity and length of finish that few wines in the world can match. This is one to lock away for a few years in the happy knowledge that when you next try it, it will be truly magical! A real collector’s edition.

CHARACTERISTICS

Knockout aromatics of blackberries, raspberry jam, violets and Provencal herbs, with a whiff of wood-smoke in the background. The freshness of the black and red fruits flood the mouth before the balancing acidity and solid tannins kick in to really extend the juicy, lip-smacking finish. One can imagine this length and finish improving even further over the next few years and drinking brilliantly for anything up to 20 years.

THE WINERY

The brother and sister combination of Christine and Daniel Chaussy are just lovely people. You can see in their faces how much they enjoy what they do and how passionate they are about their wine-making. They are the 4^th generation on this small property and have taken it to match the very best in the whole region in the last 10 years. Organic and biodynamic in their farming (though not certified), they are producing wines that are extremely elegant and pure, almost like a combination of a Grand Cru Burgundy from Cotes de Nuits and a Châteauneuf du Pape. Their diligence has been rewarded with incredible wines and amazing reviews, even achieving a 100 point Robert Parker score for their 2007. From our point of view, they are a privilege to spend time with.