Domaine La Barroche, Châteauneuf-du-Pape Signature 2009 12x75cl

91-93 Points, Josh Raynolds, Vinous Dark ruby. Ripe cherry, blackcurrant, garrigue and anise on the slightly medicinal nose. Supple and smooth on entry, then chewy and firm in the middle, with smoky minerality keeping the dark berry flavors tight. A serious, deeply pitched wine that seems destined for slow evolution; the finish is long, spicy and offers notes of bitter cherry and licorice. Julien told me that this was made from 66% grenache, 17% syrah, 12% mourvedre and 5% cinsault; this syrah would usually go into the high-end Fiancee bottling.Review Date: 01 Mar 11