Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2009: Best Value - Monpertuis Classique! Also Starring - Bosquet des Papes, Mont Olivet Papet, Texier Vieilles Vignes, La Janasse Chaupins, Le Vieux Donjon, Clos des Brusquieres, Lucien Barrot!

9/21/11 -

As a resident of New York's East Village since the seventies, I might say that gentrification has brought some advantages, although the soul of the old neighborhood is largely gone. The same might be said for Chateauneuf-du-Pape, where old foudres have been replaced by barriques, Grenache has been softened with more Mourvedre and Syrah, and every estate seems to have one of the same two oenologists. But the junkies don't break into my building anymore, vineyard practices have improved in CDP and yes, a bit of more modern winemaking is creating consistently delicious, ageworthy, terroir-expressive wines at many estates. (I didn't really like "rancio" Chateauneuf anyway!) So today's email presents a group of traditional estates as well as a few examples of a more modern style, while avoiding the over-priced super-cuvèes. Our top pick for value and quality is Paul Jeune's Monpertuis "Classique." This is a beautiful wine in 2009, in a style true to the traditions of Chateauneuf. It will drink well young and age gracefully for 15 years or more - at $33.29 per bottle on a case it's an outstanding value! (The wines have just arrived. Notes are by Jonathan Livingston-Learmonth of "Drink Rhône" - the most reliable Rhône writer we know - and the ever-dependable Josh Raynolds of the IWC.) (NOTE; All wines discount 10% on 12 bottles, except La Janasse Chaupins)