2009 Tardieu-Laurent Cuvee Speciale Chateauneuf-du-Pape

"The wine that blew me away was the 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape La Crau. I think this will probably end up being called “Cuvee Speciale,” which is what Tardieu has done in the past. This 100% Grenache cuvee tips the scales at 16% natural alcohol. Blueberry, black cherry jam, plum, marmalade, hoisin sauce, balsam wood, and licorice all seem to jump from the glass of this inky/purple-colored wine." 95/100 - Wine Advocate