2009 Domaine Giraud "Tradition" Châteauneuf-du-Pape

SKU #1074376 94 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Made from an identical blend, the 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Tradition reveals deep kirsch liqueur notes intermixed with raspberries, smoked herbs, roasted meats and hoisin sauce. Complex, with great fruit, a voluptuous mouthfeel, low acidity and sweet tannin, it can be consumed over the next 10-15 years. This morsellated estate, which has nearly 50 acres of vines (all organically farmed) spread throughout the appellation, has been resurrected and reinvigorated by Francois and Marie Giraud, whose cellars are in the northwest area of the village of Chateauneuf du Pape, close to Clos du Mont Olivet. Philippe Cambie, the consulting oenologist, has helped make this one of the up-and-coming super-stars of the appellation. In top vintages, three cuvees are produced, the classic Tradition along with single vineyard offerings from the Les Gallimardes lieu-dit and a spectacular wine called Les Grenaches de Pierre from 105 year old Grenache vines planted in pure sand from the Grand Pierre lieu-dit adjacent to Chateau Rayas. A white Chateauneuf du Pape is also produced. The 2009 red Chateauneuf du Papes performed better from bottle than they did last year from barrel. (10/ 2011)

93 points Wine Spectator

Dense but stylish, with a silky texture to the cassis, macerated cherry and linzer torte flavors, followed by ample spice, pepper, warm ganache and black tea notes filling in the finish. Very fresh acidity carries it all deftly. Best from 2012 through 2023. (10/ 2011)