Wine Advisor
Marcoux, Chateauneuf Du Pape 2009
Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
Tasted at the H2Vin Rhone tasting in London. The Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2009 boasts a lovely, rounded bouquet with succulent redcurrant and strawberry scents that come across so natural and well defined. The palate has a plump entry with touches of white pepper and bay leaf. It is beautifully balanced and plush on the finish with a spicy kick at the finish. This is very fine indeed, although here I prefer the 2007. Tasted February 2011.
Reviewed by: Jeb Dunnuck
We started the retrospective with the 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape, which is a wine I've always loved from this estate. About as Provencal as they come, with tons of herbes de Provence, sweet cherries, garrigue, incense and spice, it has full-bodied richness, a big core of sweet fruit and a layered texture. Count yourself lucky if you have a case of this in the cellar. I'd happily drink it today, but it has another 15+ years of prime drinking.
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape 80% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre and the rest Syrah and Cinsault aged in cement tanks (2/3) and barrel (1/3) reveals a healthy dark ruby/plum color as well as a sweet perfume of peppery blackberry and kirsch fruit interwoven with hints of licorice, incense and truffles. It is a medium to full-bodied, round Chateauneuf that will be drinkable when released and should keep for 10-12 years. (Not yet released) This estate has been long run with great attention to detail and passion by the Armenier sisters, Sophie and Catherine. One of the oldest estates in Chateauneuf du Pape (records go back to the 14th century), the vineyards are biodynamically farmed at this small, 42-acre property. The Armenier sisters’ newest acquisition is the Domaine de la Lorentine in the up and coming appellation of Lirac. This wine gets better with each vintage as they get to know the vineyard. Importer: Eric Solomon, European Cellars, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape is showing slightly better out of bottle than it did last year. A blend of 80% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre and the rest Syrah and Cinsault, the wine has a deep plum/purple color and a sweet nose of raspberries, ground pepper, white flowers and licorice. It is full-bodied, opulent, and difficult to resist. It should drink well for 15 or more years. Given the fact that the Armenier family can trace their roots in Chateauneuf du Pape back to 1344, one could say that they may have even more experience than the Chaves up in the northern Rhone, which only go back to the late 15th century! Run for well over a decade now by sisters, Sophie and Catherine, this biodynamically administered estate of 42 acres produces some of the very finest, complex, and most natural wines not only in France, but anywhere in the world. Perhaps the wine that is most under the radar for consumers is their brilliant white Chateauneuf du Pape. Importer: Eric Solomon, European Cellars, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565
Reviewed by: Joe Czerwinski
Featuring a healthy dose of delicate herbal-floral notes, hints of black tea and copious red fruits, the 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape is in no danger of heading over the hill anytime soon. Full-bodied, ripe, rich and open-knit, it's easy to drink and right in the middle of its drinking window, still showing a touch of tannin on the licorice-laced finish.
Reviewed by: Josh Raynolds
Vivid ruby. Red berry preserves and potpourri on the exotically perfumed nose. Deep and intensely fruity but light on its feet, offering an array of red and dark fruit flavors lifted by peppery spices. Shows no rough edges and finishes with excellent clarity, cut and length. This wine is surprisingly approachable now.
Reviewed by: Josh Raynolds
Bright ruby. A complex, highly perfumed bouquet displays raspberry, blackberry preserves, lavender and star anise, accented by a strong mineral overtone. Pliant and alluringly sweet, offering precise red fruit flavors that gain weight and intensity with air. The finish strongly echoes the floral note and clings with excellent tenacity and focus.
About the Producer
Chateau Marco has 17.5 hectares of vineyards that are biodynamically cultivated. The average age of the vines is 50 years, and some of the older vines are even more than 100 years old. These old vines grow on 2.3 hectares of gravel land and are the raw material for the production of Domaine de Marcoux Vieille Vignes. Marco Winery operates according to the traditional method. After the grapes are harvested, the grapes are individually destemmed, sorted and then fermented in stainless steel tanks for 3 weeks. Among them, the malo-lactic fermentation process also takes place in the tank. After that, the wine is aged for 16 to 18 months in stainless steel tanks or large oak barrels. Chateau Marco produces 3 Châteauneuf du Pape reds and 2 white Châteauneufs, as well as some Cotes du Rhone wines. Château de Pape Marco is a blend of 80% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre, 5% Syrah and a few other varieties. The Domaine de Marcoux Ephemere is made from 90% Grenache and 10% Syrah, and is a semi-new wine made by sisters Catherine and Sophie. The origin of this wine was purchased in 2002, and the first vintage was 2003. Made from 100% Grenache, Marco Old Vine Special Wine is one of the top wines in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape region. It has an amazing style and is extremely enticing, with a pure and wonderful fruity aroma. This wine is expensive and hard to get in the market.
