An excellent barrel sample the 2010 Domaine Grand Veneur Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a blend of 60% Grenache 20% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre. The Grenache is aged all in vat the Syrah in older barrels and the Mourvèdre in 10% new oak. The wine shows a classy mineral driven profile with blackberry and raspberry fruit licorice and spice aromatics medium to full body and a concentrated brilliantly focused texture and finish. This should benefit from 2-3 years on release and have 15 years of longevity.

The 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape (70% Grenache 20% Syrah and 10% Mourvedre) is an opaque purple-colored beauty revealing lots of creme de cassis black raspberry licorice and camphor notes. Sexy and full-throttle as well as supple and more evolved than many 2010 Chateauneufs it can be enjoyed now and over the next 10-12 years. -Robert Parker

Still showing some grip up front with a firm raisined edge of plum skin that's holding the core of crushed raspberry and blackberry fruit at bay for now. Additional licorice and spice notes hang in the background. Needs a little time to soften. Best from 2012 through 2018.