Xavier Chateauneuf du pape la Reserve VII IX X

Country: France

Region: Rhone Valley

Appellation: Chateauneuf du pape

Rating and Review:

96 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

“A new non-vintage wine that’s made from a blend of the top barrels of the Cuvee Anonyme from 2007 (43%), 2009 (21%) and 2010 (36%), the 2012 Chateauneuf du Pape La Reserve VII IX X is an hedonistic and decadent release that dishes out massive amounts of black raspberry, raspberry, spice cake, licorice and crushed flower like nuances on the nose. Gorgeously full-bodied and textured on the palate, yet with remarkable freshness and purity, this layered, incredible wine should last for 15+ years. Drink now-2028. Consulting at a number of top estates (Marcoux, Grand Veneur, Raymond Usseglio, etc.), Xavier Vignon (along with Philippe Cambie) is one of the leading oenologists in the Southern Rhone -- and you only need to taste his own negociant wines to understand why. I was blown away by these current and new releases. Across the board they showed beautifully made profiles, with not only loads of fruit and texture, but superb balance and classic Southern Rhone characters. In fact, each of the wines showed what I think of as textbook characteristics of the terroirs from which they come. In addition, the prices remain remarkably low, and these wines are a treasure trove for the savvy buyer. (JD)” (10/2013)