Even better is the opaque purple-colored 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Vigne du Regent. This cuvee is normally a blend of two-thirds Grenache (aged in cement) and one-third Syrah (aged in foudres). Not surprisingly, its denser, richer color resembles a young northern Rhone. Deep blackberry and kirsch notes intertwined with hints of licorice, roasted herbs and smoke emerge from this young wine. It will benefit from another 3-4 years of cellaring and should prove to be very long-lived, lasting 15+ years. (Not yet released)This up-and-coming producer’s 2009s performed well and the 2010s may be even stronger as a vintage, although the contrasting styles of these two years is apparent. Typically, the 2010s are more concentrated (yields were even smaller than in 2009) with darker colors as well as deep, intense cores.Importers: Hopp & Wine Beverage, Sterling, VA; Ideal Wine & Spirits, Medford, MA, tel. (781) 395-3300; Beaune Imports, Berkeley, CA, tel. (510) 559-1040; and Jandell Selections, Syosset, NY, tel. (516) 364-9889.