Domaine Saint Prefert Chateauneuf du Pape Collection Charles Giraud 2010 750ml

The celestial 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Collection Charles Giraud could come very close to equaling the genius of the 2007. This is again a blend of nearly 60% Grenache and 40% Mourvedre, but Isabel said it did include a touch of Syrah, although it probably only represents a tiny percentage. The concentration in the 2010 is absolutely amazing, given that St.-Prefert lost over 50% of their Grenache production due to the poor flowering of this varietal in late May and early June. Notes of burning embers, charcoal, truffle, blackberry, cassis, kirsch, beef blood and forest floor are all present in its remarkably complex set of aromatics. The flavors in this massive, full-bodied wine don’t disappoint either. This elegant red displays good acidity and a nice, firm edge to the tannins, but they are well-integrated. With its long, heady finish, I suspect the alcohol must be pushing 15%. This stunner should drink well for two decades.

• Country: France
• Region: Rhone Valley
• Appellation: Chateauneuf Du Pape
• Size: 750ml
• Color: Red

Varietal

Red Rhone Blend

The Rhone region of France has been producing superb quality white blended wines for centuries, and is a region highly respected and esteemed around the world, with plenty of New World countries keen to emulate the styles and techniques displayed by the historic wineries and skilled vintners of the area. The secret to the Rhone’s success when it comes to blended white wines is the careful and expert selection of certain grape varietals, which each lend special features to the blended wine and bring balance and harmony to the bottle. Most commonly, blended white Rhone wines feature no more than two grapes of either the Viognier, Rousanne, Marsanne or Grenache Blanc varietals, and are renowned for their exceptional flavors and highly aromatic, floral character.