About as Provencal as they come (which is a trait of the vintage), the 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape is comprised of 80% concrete-tank-aged Grenache and the balance Syrah and Mourvedre that was raised in barrel. It sports a vibrant purple color to go with fabulous notes of blackberries, raspberries, crushed flowers, incense and Provencal garrigue. Full-bodied, concentrated, layered and sexy, it has tons of personality and will drink nicely through 2024.

The 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape is a blend of 80% Grenache, 15% Syrah and 5% Mourvedre from 50- to 100-year-old vines, and is aged in a combination of cement tanks (for the Grenache) and small oak barrels (for the Syrah and Mourvedre). The wine possesses a forward, seductive bouquet of kirsch, black currants, licorice, incense, lead pencil shavings and garrigue. This full-bodied, opulent, lush, stylish Chateauneuf du Pape should drink beautifully for 10-12 years. Baptiste and Dominique Grangeon own a total of 32 acres of vines in the northeastern sector of Chateauneuf du Pape, so this is not a large estate by any means. However, Domaine de Cristia has produced brilliant wines in both 2009 and 2010, and the Grangeons are also responsible for the wines called Chapelle St.-Theodoric (in conjunction with importer Peter Weygandt) that are reviewed elsewhere in this report. The 2009s have turned out exceptionally well, and 2010 looks to be the estate’s finest overall vintage since 2007. Not surprisingly, the 2010s exhibit even deeper colors than the relatively dark colored 2009s, and are tighter and more tannic as well as fresher and richer.Importers: Wine Warehouse, Los Angeles, CA; tel. (800) 331-2829; Galaxy Wine Co., Portland, OR; tel. (503) 248-9493; George Molitor, Fine Vines, LLC, Melrose Park, IL; tel. (708) 343-6702; Wine Symphony, New York NY; tel. (212) 226-8283; ABC Fine Wines and Spirits, Orlando, FL; tel. (407) 851-0000