2009 Domaine de la Mordorée "Reine des Bois" Chateauneuf-du-Pape (Pre-Arrival)

93-96 points Robert Parker: "The 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee de la Reine des Bois (made from an identical blend with an identical upbringing) is also one of the most impressive efforts of the vintage. However, Christophe Delorme and his brother, Fabrice, have fashioned so many great Reine des Bois, it is difficult to say if it will turn out better than the 2007, 2006, 2005, 2001, 2000 or 1998. Among the most concentrated Chateauneufs of the vintage, it boasts a dense ruby/purple color as well as copious aromas of blueberries, blackberries, melted licorice and spring flowers. This full-bodied offering reveals rich, pure fruit notes, a multidimensional mouthfeel and extraordinary elegance and freshness. It is a tour de force achievement that requires 2-4 years of bottle age; it should last for 15-20+ years. Bravo! Domaine de la Mordoree has done such a great job over the last 15 years that winemaker and owner Christophe Delorme and the Mordoree name are essentially synonymous with high quality, whether it’s Cotes du Rhone red, Cotes du Rhone white, rose wines, or their flagship offerings from Lirac and Chateauneuf du Pape. Even in challenging vintages, Mordoree is usually among the finest wines of the year, a tribute to their meticulous viticulture and winemaking." (10/10) 92-94 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: "Bright violet. Exhilarating, highly perfumed nose combines wild dark berries, smoky plum, cola and flowers. Impressively dense and sweet..(Mar/Apr)