Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2009

One of the more endowed 2009s, this is packed with dark smoldering cocoa, mesquite, tobacco and roasted fig notes, all inlaid with pure cassis and plum preserves fruit flavors. Long and authoritative on the finish, with singed vanilla bean and tar notes adding length and dimension. Best from 2015 through 2026. Collectibles. Score - 96. (James Molesworth, winespectator.com, Feb. 29, 2012)