1/14/2013 - tr09 wrote:

well, I've always preferred opulent Bolly/Krug styles, but DP has never disappointed me quite like this. no nose at all, bitter melon skin palate, so little fruit but also none of the DP elegant toasty subtlety. The sulphurous/burnt rubber notes are very unpleasant, I hope they will evolve away into something interesting. Really hope this was bad bottle, because we got little pleasure from this, although nothing obviously off to call a flaw. no score anyway. I should rate it 80, but just can't bring myself to until I give it a chance by tasting again. I have 5 more, drink another now and see, or just wait 5 years and hope?

edit: marked as flawed because I don't believe this bottle is representative, and in a restaurant I'd have sent it back.

3/8/2012 - navybrat wrote:

Wine Advocate #197
Oct 2011 Robert Parker 96
Drink: N/A $41-$80 (65)
The monumental 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Prestige is a creative blend of 60% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre, and the rest grapes such as Vaccarese, Muscardin, Cinsault, Terret Noir and Counoise. Most of the fruit is aged in foudre, with the Syrah and Mourvedre components aged in new oak. The fabulous 2009 offers an opaque purple color along with a gorgeous nose of charcoal, burning embers, black currants, soy, Asian plum sauce, blackberries and kirsch. The wine-s complexity is nearly off the charts. Moreover, once it hits the palate, the high glycerin, silky tannins, low acidity and luxurious concentration provide a compelling drinking experience. This spectacular Chateauneuf du Pape is one of the wine-s of the vintage. It can be drunk now or cellared for 15+ years.