My favorite of the tank samples, the 2012 Chateauneuf du Pape The Chato9 possesses solid aromatic complexity with perfumed spice, underbrush, herbs, licorice and spring flower notes that are grounded by vibrant black-and-blue-styled fruit. Medium-bodied, supple and textured, with sweet tannin, this fruit-loaded effort will be a crowd-pleaser and drink well on release. It’s slightly straightforward, but I like the fruit quality here and it’s worth checking out. Drink 2015-2020. This estate offers up plenty of easygoing, fruit-loaded efforts that have solid Southern Rhone character. Importer: Grape Expectations, Raleigh, NC ; tel. (919) 781-1655

A step up in terms of richness and depth, yet still playing in that 2011 front-loaded style, the 2011 Chateauneuf du Pape The Chato9 dishes out plenty of sweet berry fruit, violets and garrigue to go with a medium-bodied feel on the palate. Nicely concentrated through the mid-palate, with loads of fruit and texture, this solid effort should drink nicely through 2021. Drink now-2021. This estate offers up plenty of easygoing, fruit-loaded efforts that have solid Southern Rhone character. Importer: Grape Expectations, Raleigh, NC ; tel. (919) 781-1655