A killer bottle of Grenache that's not fully mature and is drinking right in the middle of its prime drink window, the 2010 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée Impériale is still ruby/plum-hued with no bricking at the edges, yet it...
A killer bottle of Grenache that's not fully mature and is drinking right in the middle of its prime drink window, the 2010 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée Impériale is still ruby/plum-hued with no bricking at the edges, yet it clearly has shed most of its primary aromatics now. Blackberries, peppery herbs, smoked meat, licorice, leather, and herbes de Provence/lavender all define this incredibly pure, silky, seamless Chateauneuf du Pape. It still has some tannins as well as awesome concentration, a deep, layered mid-palate, and a full-bodied, majestic, seamless style that needs to be tasted to be believed. It has another 15-20 years of prime drinking, so count yourself lucky if you have bottles in the cellar.