The outstanding 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape La Cote Ronde has the oak well-concealed beneath a cascade of black fruits. An equal part blend of Grenache and Syrah from 60-year-old vines (with the Syrah enjoying malolactic fermentation in barrel and aging in new oak) this wine displays plenty of licorice creme de cassis blackberry subtle spice and a heady dosage of Provencal herbs in a full-bodied thick juicy style that never loses its place of origin despite the modern oak treatment. Full-bodied and powerful it comes close to rivaling the best La Cote Ronde I have tasted to date the 2007. It will be best drunk over the next 10-15 years.