Producer: Domaine Lafond
Region: Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France  
Blend: 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre
Year: 2010 

Jeb Dunnuck, 93 Points 

"A blend of 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, and 10% Mourvedre that is aged partially in small barrels, the 2010 Domaine Lafond Châteauneuf-du-Pape Roc-Epine is a beauty! Displaying a deep, almost opaque purple color, it offers up creamy raspberry, melted licorice, spice-box, and sappy, freshly picked flower and lavender-like nuances on the nose. This leads to a full-bodied, beautifully textured and elegant Châteauneuf-du-Pape that has superb concentration, solid freshness, and a chewy, rich finish. Give bottles 3-4 years in the cellar, and then drink over the following decade or more." 

Wine Advocate, 92 Points 

"While the 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Roc-Epine has closed down slightly, it remains a sexy Chateauneuf filled with sumptuous black currant, black cherry and raspberry flavors interwoven with garrigue, licorice and roasted Provencal herbs. Full-bodied with good acidity and precision, it is somewhat forward for a 2010, and should drink well over the next 10-15 years." 

Wine Spectator, 92 Points 

"This delivers a delicious core of plum, boysenberry and blackberry fruit, studded with licorice, fruitcake and roasted fig notes. Offers the grip of the vintage, but not as dense as the top examples, so one for drinking now while you cellar the big boys. Drink now through 2022. 800 cases made." 

Vinous, 90 Points 

"Opaque ruby. Red berry compote and cherry pit on the pungent, spice-accented nose. Chewy and sharply focused, offering intense redcurrant and bitter cherry flavors and a hint of dark chocolate. Dusty tannins add grip to a long, spicy finish. This wine could use some time to unwind but shows very good promise." 

Alcohol: 14% 

*Price and availability in store may vary. Vintage date may differ from pictured.