2009 Rotem & Mounir Saouma Chateauneuf Arioso

(aged for three years before bottling): Vivid ruby. Intense aromas of black raspberry, minerals, dried flowers and cola. Very dense and velvety in texture, with excellent depth to its red and blue fruit and floral pastille flavors. Stains the palate and shows real power on the long, spicy finish, leaving behind notes of star anise, smoky minerals and lavender. 93 points

Made from 100% Grenache and more perfumed and complex, the 2009 Chateauneuf-du-Pape Arioso was fermented with 100% whole-cluster before spending three years in 500-liter demi-muids. Never racked, pumped, fined or filtered, it offers up a glorious bouquet of wild strawberries, grilled bread, saddle leather, underbrush and licorice to go with a full-bodied, deep and layered feel on the palate. Gaining richness with air, this awesome wine should start to hit prime time in another 3-4 years and have 15-20 years of total longevity. Drink 2016-2029. 95 points