The 2015 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Chaupin is all Grenache

The pretty 2011 Barolo Tre Tine shows elegance

at least today

fullness and cheerful generosity of fruit

Very rich on the palate

Fontodi, Flaccianello della Pieve Size:6L The 2015 Chateauneuf du PapeThe 2011 and 2012 vintages are close cousins, with the 2011 Flaccianello della Pieve appearing a bit softer and plumper around the midsection. This was a notoriously warm vintage that saw sugar and phenolic ripeness shoot up very quickly at the end of the growing season. Indeed, this wine produces a noticeable level of sweetness on the finish, all surrounded by jammy flavors of cherry confit and blackberry marmalade. My observation is that this 2011