Aged in a combination of new and old foudre the 2010 Roger Sabon Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Prestige tasted out of barrel is loaded with promise and it's always a good sign when the first word in my notes is "Wow." Possessing brilliant aromatics of raspberry crème de cassis and spice the wine is very fresh and pure on the palate showing perfect balance loads of ripe tannin and a dense concentrated yet elegant feel. As with the Cuvée Réservée this will take a handful of years to fully hit its stride and should have a very long life.

An absolutely profound offering the 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Prestige requires 5-6 years of cellaring given its massive concentration and tannic structure. The wine was relatively closed the day I tasted it but it did display an inky/purple color along with hints of camphor graphite creme de cassis kirsch licorice and espresso beans. Full-bodied and moderately tannic with gorgeous freshness glycerin and a skyscraper-like texture this superb cuvee should be at its finest between 2018-2030+.

This has power and guile, with dense layers of blackberry, Black Mission fig and black currant fruit lined with substantial but velvety tannins. The long, spice- and black tea-infused finish has a good bass line in the background. Best from 2017 through 2030. – JM