2009 Chapoutier Chateauneuf-du-Pape Barbe Rac

Even better is the 507-case cuvee of 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Barbe Rac. One of the wines of the vintage, this dark ruby/purple-tinged effort possesses great intensity along with a full-bodied mouthfeel and almost over-the-top levels of licorice-infused kirsch liqueur and raspberries. Spicy, peppery and earthy with lavish glycerin as well as richness, this is an amazing 2009 that is already drinking beautifully given the precociousness of the vintage. It should evolve for 15 years or more. 96 points