Châteauneuf du Pape Chante le Merle Vieilles Vignes 2010 - Dom. Bosquet des Papes (magnum, 1.5 l)

Appearance: deep red with garnet and dark ruby reflections, dense, brilliant and still sustained, with gradual evolution particularly well preserved by the magnum format.

Nose: spectacular, deep and intensely Mediterranean, with blueberry, blackberry, black raspberry, candied dark fruits, lavender, flowers, wild herbs, black pepper, crushed rock and garrigue. With aeration, nuances of fine leather, blond tobacco, cocoa, black olive, warm earth and spices may appear.

Palate: ample, massive and remarkably intense, while retaining an impressive lightness of movement. The substance is dense, pure and deeply structured, with generous dark fruit, serious tannins, well-integrated freshness and a long, spicy, floral and persistent finish.

99/100 — Wine Advocate

Robert Parker describes the Châteauneuf-du-Pape Chante le Merle Vieilles Vignes 2010 from Domaine Bosquet des Papes as a spectacular success. His review highlights a Grenache-dominant blend, aged mainly in large foudres, with a small proportion of Syrah and Mourvèdre aged in demi-muids. The wine reveals impressive aromas of camphor, blueberry, blackberry, black raspberry, lavender and floral notes. The palate is full-bodied, massive and remarkably intense, yet surprisingly light in its balance. A pure, powerful and masterful cuvée, praised as a true tour de force.

In summary: a deep and spectacular Châteauneuf-du-Pape Chante le Merle Vieilles Vignes 2010 in magnum, awarded 99 points by Wine Advocate, driven by old-vine concentration, vintage freshness and a finish of remarkable persistence.

Food pairings: roast lamb with herbs, matured rib of beef, Provençal beef stew, game, duck with sweet spices, lamb tagine, confit vegetables, garrigue-inspired cuisine or mature hard cheeses.