2010 Domaine Paul Autard Chateauneuf du Pape

When I began drinking wine, Chateauneuf du Pape was one of the reasons I became obsessed. A little AOC in France’s Southern Rhone Valley, it is unusual for a French wine because it can include up to 13 different grapes in the blend, although grenache is usually the primary grape. The best have complexity, balance, power and finesse all in one bottle.

Tonight’s wine exemplifies what Chateneauf du Pape is all about. It’s a beautiful example of old world wine. Garnet in color, the nose hints of the cellar with black cherry, sage, eucalyptus, spice, and a touch of gamey French funk. Medium body, nice mid-palate of berries and herbs, there is soft-tannin and the wine is well-structured with a smooth, round finish. This is a wine to fall in love with, absolutely lovely and you can easily pay twice as much for this complexity. While I generally like pairing wine with food, this is one I prefer to enjoy all by itself.