Tardieu-Laurent, Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Speciale Vintage:2009 Good acidity gives the palate

Good acidity gives the palate length and finesse

fresh cherries and nuances of chocolate

Riper aromas include those of rosemary oil

well-balanced and beautifully persistent finish

Compared to other examples I have enjoyed

Tardieu-Laurent, Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Speciale Vintage:2009 Good acidity gives the palate(100% grenache from La Crau) Opaque ruby. Highly perfumed bouquet of red and dark berry preserves, flowers, fruit pit and sassafras. Sweet, palate staining black raspberry and mulberry flavors are framed by velvety tannins and become spicier and more energetic on the back end. Big and gripping but surprisingly graceful wine with very good finishing lift and precision. This saw no new oak. Josh Raynolds