Giraud Chateauneuf-du-Pape Les Gallimardes Rouge 2010

Deeper, richer, more concentrated, and shockingly good, Girauds 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Les Gallimardes is an incredible expression of Grenache from the southern part of the appellation. Loaded with ripe black raspberry, cassis, licorice, roasted herbs and crushed rock-like characteristic, it has awesome richness, thrilling purity and sweet tannin that emerges on the finish. A stunning success that should not be missed, it will drink well for 15-20 years.

The 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Gallimardes blew me away. Made from 90% Grenache from vines planted in 1905) and 10% Syrah from 40 year old vines), it boasts a black/purple color along with a glorious perfume of kirsch, blackberries, sweet cherries, smoked meats, charcuterie and spice box. This rich, full-bodied, opulent blockbuster possesses good acidity as well as sweet, silky tannin. It should drink well for 25 years.
This morsellated estate, which has nearly 50 acres of vines all organically farmed) spread throughout the appellation, has been resurrected and reinvigorated by Francois and Marie Giraud, whose cellars are in the northwest area of the village of Chateauneuf du Pape, close to Clos du Mont Olivet. Philippe Cambie, the consulting oenologist, has helped make this one of the up-and-coming super-stars of the appellation. In top vintages, three cuvees are produced, the classic Tradition along with single vineyard offerings from the Les Gallimardes lieu-dit and a spectacular wine called Les Grenaches de Pierre from 105 year old Grenache vines planted in pure sand from the Grand Pierre lieu-dit adjacent to Chateau Rayas.