Tardieu-Laurent, Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Speciale Vintage:2009 20% Cabernet Franc and 10%

20% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon

Riper aromas include those of rosemary oil

the 2020 Prälat Auslese is carried by acidity that comes onto the palate like a laser to cut this rich and concentrated Riesling into very thin slices

And despite the succulent mid-palate

Densely packed but quite tight and dry

Tardieu-Laurent, Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Speciale Vintage:2009 20% Cabernet Franc and 10%(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