Domaine du Grand Tinel 2008 Chateauneuf-du-Pape: While not a great year for some southern Rhones, this one received 90 points from Wine Spectator which reviewed “Shows roasted fig, coffee, cedar, dark vanilla and black currant notes, all mixed but balanced together as they move through the solid, grip-laced finish. Drink now through 2018”. Domaine du Grand Tinel is consistently a high rated producer of classic Chateauneuf.

Domaine Grand Veneur 2009 Chateauneuf-du-Pape: 92 points from Parker the 2009 Domaine Grand Veneur was described as (a 3,500-case blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Mourvedre from nearly 70 year old vines) exhibiting abundant notes of sweet cassis, licorice, kirsch, garrigue and tobacco leaf in a full-bodied, layered, opulently textured style. This hedonistic turn-on should continue to drink well for a decade or more. It was forecast to be at its peak from 2012 on so get it now!