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

The blockbuster 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Secrets de Pignan Vieilles Vignes is a great buy in the marketplace as prices for this estate have not yet gone through the roof as they have for other old vine cuvees of Chateauneuf du Pape. Nearly as good as the 2007, the 2010 exhibits copious quantities of black raspberries, black cherries, forest floor, licorice, pepper and bouquet garni. Terrific structure, a full-bodied mouthfeel and good freshness and liveliness make for a fabulous wine to enjoy over the next 15+ years. 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

One of the top cuvees of old vine Grenache, the 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Secrets de Pignan Vieilles Vignes is not at the level of the 2007. This blend of 95% Grenache and 5% Mourvedre from 95-year-old vines was aged in tank. Notes of underbrush, kirsch and raspberries jump from the glass of this medium to dark ruby-colored offering. In the mouth, it is tighter and exhibiting more tannin and structure than I would have expected. Cellar it for 2-3 years and drink it over the following 15 years. With 25 acres in Chateauneuf du Pape and even more acreage in surrounding Cotes du Rhone areas, this exceptionally well run estate has been producing high quality wines under the Bonnet family regime for at least a decade. The three 2010 Cotes du Rhones I tasted all merit consideration. The 2009 Chateauneuf du Papes are largely drinkable, with the exception of Les Hesperides. 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

The limited production, 350-case cuvee of 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Secrets de Pignan Vieilles Vignes reveals a darker ruby/purple hue in addition to notes of plums, pine forest needles, soy, and intense black cherry and black currant fruit. Opulent and full-bodied with silky tannins, stunning depth and texture, and a finish that lasts over 45 seconds, it is a blend of 95% Grenache and 5% Mourvedre from 90+-year-old vines. It is aged totally in stainless steel tanks. This cuvee comes from the famous lieu-dit of Pignan, the same area where the renowned Chateau Rayas is located. This relatively small (25+ acres) estate flies somewhat under the radar, but its offerings from the sandy soils of Pignan are well-worth checking out. They also produce some stunning wines under the Cotes du Rhone-Villages appellation. Importers: Simon N Cellars, Charlottesville, VA; tel. (434) 977-4476 and Christopher Cannan, Europvin; www.europvin.com.

The gorgeously opulent, juicy 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape Secrets de Pignan Vieilles Vignes has a dark ruby color which is followed by a sweet nose of black raspberries, black cherries, lavender, truffles, damp earth, and new saddle leather. Full-bodied and rich, with excellent freshness, length, and concentration, it is already approachable given the velvety nature of its tannins, and should age easily for 12-15+ years. This estate is well-worth following, especially for their top cuvee from the sandy soils of Pignan, near Rayas. Most consumers have not yet caught on to the quality of their wines (including their Cotes du Rhones), so prices remain reasonable. Importers: Simon N Cellars, Charlottesville, VA; tel. (434) 977-4476, and Christopher Cannan, Europvin; www.europvin.com