2010 Domaine La Bastide Saint Dominique, Chateauneuf-du-Pape “Secrets de Pignan” Vieilles Vignes, Rhone Red, France.
This fantastic Chateauneuf is utterly mind-blowingly good and while still a baby is remarkably easy to love now with layers and layers of rich, but detailed fruit. Yes, there is so much hype about the 2010 vintage in the southern Rhone, but I frankly must say it is all justified! These reds from Gigondas and Chateauneuf-du-Pape are without question the best in my lifetime and will certainly outlive me! I recommend stocking up on these wines, especially wines like this amazing Domaine La Bastide Saint Dominique, Chateauneuf-du-Pape “Secrets de Pignan” which has just been released here in the USA, and is a steal for the quality and the shear pleasure it gives already. The nose is complex with a bouquet of violets, cassis and dark chocolate leading to a thickly textured palate of boysenberry, black cherry, plum and dark liqueur with licorice, lavender and pepper spices, plus stoney mineral notes and hints of game and garrigue. Nice acidity lifts the fruit and umami (saline/savory) adds interest to this wonderful wine that has a stunningly long finish.
($60 Est.) 95+ Points, grapelive

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