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.

Possessing the densest color, the 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Vigne du Regent is the essence of black cherry liqueur intermixed with licorice, garrigue and Provencal spices. Full-bodied, thicker and more unctuously textured than the Clos du Roi with slightly more structure, it will benefit from 1-2 years of cellaring and last for 10-12+ years. 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.

The 2008 Chateauneuf du Pape Vigne du Regent exhibits loads of fruit, medium body, but not the depth, power, or length of the 2007 version. Drink it over the next 5-6 years. (Not yet released)The 2007s are the finest wines I have yet tasted from this estate, which has relatively large holdings (about 75 acres), mostly in the southern sector of Chateauneuf du Pape where the soils are sandy and gravelly. The 2008s are very good considering the challenges of this vintage. The stars of this portfolio are the 2007s.No known American importer.

The 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Vigne du Regent possesses superb richness, a broad, nearly unctuous palate, a full-bodied mouthfeel, and loads of blackberry, cassis, and cherry fruit intermixed with subtle licorice, smoke, and earth notes. This beauty should drink well for 10-15 years. This offering is normally made from the estate's youngest vines (20-40 years), and the blend is 80% foudre-aged Grenache and 20% demi-muid-aged Syrah. The 2007s are the finest wines I have yet tasted from this estate, which has relatively large holdings (about 75 acres), mostly in the southern sector of Chateauneuf du Pape where the soils are sandy and gravelly. The 2008s are very good considering the challenges of this vintage. The stars of this portfolio are the 2007s. No known American importer.