Domaine Paul Autard 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape

Grapes: 70% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 15% Counoise
Region: France> Rhone> Chateauneuf du Pape
Notes: 4th Generation family estate; hand-harvested; 16 months in barrel.

Description: Supple, balanced and concentrated are words that truly describe this Chateauneuf du Pape. Beautiful deep, fleshy aromas of rose petal and aged balsamic. This wine could definitely use some decanting (at least 1hr) however it will not show its best for several years. This wine shows wonderful expressions of fruit and earth that will continue to evolve into a wine of elegance. (written June 2012)

The palate shows incredible complexity with notes of pepper, wild strawberry, rhubarb, and Asian five spice. After decanting the wine intensity is increased by the aromatics of brambly fruit and vanilla. The tannic structure becomes more evident but still restrained. Great wine.