The 2011 Chateauneuf du Pape Secrets de Pignan Vieilles Vignes is composed of 95% Grenache and 5% Mourvedre from 95-year-old vines planted in sandy soils. This tank-fermented and aged Chateauneuf du Pape reveals gorgeous levels of strawberry and cherry fruit intermixed with loamy soil, balsam wood, tobacco leaf and garrigue characteristics. Rich, full-bodied, fleshy and surprisingly intense for a 2011, it should age gracefully for a decade. (Not yet released) During my tasting trip to Chateauneuf du Pape I was only presented with La Bastide Saint-Dominique’s 2011s and the 2010 Les Hesperides, but I was able to acquire some bottles of the other 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape cuvees elsewhere. The estate’s wines were completely sold out and even the owners had no 2010 stock remaining. With 25 acres in Chateauneuf du Pape as well as larger acreage in the Cotes du Rhone, this estate has been on top of its game for some time thanks to the qualitative improvements and commitments of the Bonnet family. Nearly all of their vineyards are in the northeastern sector of Chateauneuf du Pape, particularly in the areas known as Pignan (with sandy, sometimes clay soils) and the small boulder-covered Chapouin region. The 2011s are very strong efforts. Importers: Simon N Cellars, Charlottesville, VA; tel. (434) 977-4476; Vigneron Imports, Oakland, CA; tel. (510) 530-1616; Oslo Enterprise LLC, Takoma Park, MD; tel. (301) 326-2056