The vines of the Châteauneuf estate average 45 years of age, and replanting of new vines takes place amidst the older vines in order to moderate the former's growth and productivity. All of the grapes at the estate are handpicked and then 90-95% de-stemmed before crushing, fermentation and aging. This is the first cuvee, which is typically 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre and spends 6-8 months in new oak before racking and then 6-8 more months in barrel. Look for this stylish wine to show robust flavors of dark cherry, crushed red berries and pepper with notes of chocolate and citrus peel on the nose, set in a ripe, integrated tannic structure and ending in a long, sweet finish.

Inky purple. Pure, enticing aromas of strawberry, raspberry, five-spice powder and lavender expand with air. Seamless and sweet, with pinot-like weight and texture to the fresh red fruit flavours and a late note of Asian spices. This is already quite attractive and will drink well on release. (Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar –91-94 points)

Exotic aroma of raspberry preserves, cherry pie, Asian spices and garrigue expands with air and picks up a deeper cherry quality. Spicy, mineral-driven red and dark berry flavors are impressively lithe and precise, with silky tannins lending support. This very fresh wine finishes with excellent clarity and spicy persistence. Score: 92 Points; International Wine Cellar

This has a core of dark plum and fig fruit, but it's pushed by a slightly high-toned black cherry and floral note, with hints of anise and black licorice checking in on the finish. Tangy for the vintage. Drink now through 2019. 2,000 cases imported. Score: 90 Points; James Molesworth, July 31, 2010; Wine Spectator