2009 Les Cailloux CNdP

I have a bought a case of Châteauneuf-du-Pape from Les Cailloux each one of the last three years, and this producer has yet to disappoint me.

The Brunels at Les Cailloux produce subtile and gentle CNdPs, not overpowering and top-heavy as some of their competitors in both vintages 2007 and 2009. This is in the style of for example Domaine de la Janasse and Le Vieux Donjon. Expressive without being intimidating in sheer power-fulness. Notes of blackberry and raspberry jam with licorice, pepper, and spices. Mouth-filling with a medium body. Balanced and smoothly integrated tannins with a sensation of dark fruit. Instantly accessible. Just a pinch of Grenache bitterness at the finish, which in this case is desirable since it lends the wine some more grip and structure. Elegant. Perfectly approachable right now. I do not think this will benefit much from prolonged bottle maturing. 91p.