Tasted: Xavier Chateauneuf-du-Pape ‘Cuvee Anonyme’ 2009
2012
We’ve been working our way through our latest container, trying the new arrivals. Some that have impressed so far are the wines from our new Rhone agency, Xavier Vins. Last week we tried out their excellent value Viognier and last night we decided to head for the top and popped the cork on this 2009 Chateauneuf-du-Pape ‘Cuvee Anonyme’. This is their top Chateauneuf, a blend of grapes selected from several top growers in the area. The exact domains providing fruit for the wine remain a secret, hence the name Anonyme.
A blend of one quarter each of old vine Grenache, Mourvedre and Syrah with the remaining quarter made up of various other permitted varieties. Deep purple colour. The nose is big and complex with plenty of ripe, dark fruit characters, spicy notes and a hint of savoury herbs. Full-bodied and viscous, this a massive wine! 2009 was a warm, ripe vintage but while this is definitely a big, modern, fruit-driven style, it’s still fresh with no hint of jamminess. There’s just a hint of oak. Long finish with smooth, ripe tannins.
