Chapelle St. Theodoric 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape La Guigasse

100% Grenache (75 to 95 year-old vines) from yellow sand with a little clay on 1.7 hectares on Guigasse in the northeast of CDP near Pignan. Organic farming and old-school winemaking with 2-3 week whole bunch concrete vat vinification, natural yeasts only, minimal extraction, aged in 4-10 year-old 600-litre oak casks for 24 months, bottled unfined, unfiltered. The 2010 Guigasse is showing traces of lush dark red fruits that become exponentially more prominent with air. What really makes this wine compelling is an intense savoriness, reminiscent of dried herbs and browning meat that makes one's stomach growl in anticipation. The tannins feel quite well-integrated and there is good acidity, indicating that this has many years still ahead of it. This is very fine serious Chateauneuf and well worth a splurge as we head into the fall and winter months. SE