2010 Domaine Tour Saint-Michel Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee du Lion

• 98 pt, Near Perfect Vintage - Wine Advocate
• 31% Off Library collectible
• 10+ International Critical Reviews of 91+ for this wine
• 4th Generation Family Run Estate
• Free Shipping on 12 or More Bottles

About the Wine

Tending vines on the red-pebble covered hillsides of Chateauneuf du Pape is a labor of love for the Fabre family. Domain Tour Saint Michel is a 4th generation family-run estate. Situated in the sunniest and warmest area of the appellation in the south, on the round pebble terroir, called galettes. A tribute to Henri Fabre, whose nickname was "The Lion"  an explosive personality, generous and powerful. We can find these characteristics in Cuvee du Lion which takes possession of your palate with a roar, with both elegance and distinction.

The esteemed estate is located two miles southeast of the town of Chateauneuf du Pape and two miles east of the Rhone River. The family parcels are located in the areas of Galimardes, Crouscroute, Petites Serres, Grand Coulet. 

Tasting Notes

 Red Wine. 75% Grenache 20% Syrah 5% Mourvedre. The color of this wine has a dark purple core with a lighter ruby rim. The nose is pure and floral, displaying Kirsch, cassis, fresh berries, garrigue, and a meaty spiciness. The full-bodied wine has ripe tannin, a fresh acidity underneath, and layers of unctuous dark fruit, bay leaf, sage, and pepper with a very long finish. This wine is still in its adolescence and has an excellent aging potential. Drinking window to 2030+.

Critical Reviews

More traditional and mineral-laced, the 2010 La Tour du Lion is a blend of 75% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 5% Mourvedre that is aged mostly in tank, with 20% of the blend seeing 2-year-old barrels. Elegant and more approachable than the Feminessence, it delivers plenty of black fruit characteristics to go with notions of smoked earth, wet stone, and meaty qualities, with only a hint of the barrique aging showing. This is followed by a full-bodied, gorgeously fruited 2010 that has a fleshy, mouth-filling texture, brilliant purity, and a seamless finish. It should be better in a handful of years and have 10-12 years or more of overall longevity. ~94 Jeb Dunnuck

A very bright and enticing red, with an almost piercing feel to the racy loganberry, blueberry, and raspberry fruit, which is carried by a lovely floral edge. Sleek and tightly focused, with brisk acidity that's well-embedded and a long, pastis-tinged finish that has ample depth in reserve. This should blossom with cellaring. Best from 2014 through 2030. 1,500 cases made. October 2012 ~93 Wine Spectator

The full-bodied 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape La Tour du Lion displays impressive fruit intensity as well as a seductive, up-front character, but more power, density, and meatiness than the Deux Soeurs. It exhibits plenty of peppery, roasted Provencal herb, strawberry and kirsch aromas as well as blacker fruits on the palate. Nicely textured, rich, and full, it is capable of lasting 10-15 years. The wines of Tour Saint-Michel have been dramatically rising in quality over the recent vintages. Owned by two women, Elaine Fabre and her daughter, Mireille Porte, assisted by well-known consultant Xavier Vignon, this large estate was created in 1930, and now encompasses over 90 acres of vines. In most top vintages, three cuvees of Chateauneuf du Pape are produced. I only tasted two offerings in 2011, both of them very good. ~92 Wine Advocate

Bright ruby. Sexy, oak-spiced aromas of raspberry and cherry-cola are complemented by hints of anise and candied flowers. Supple and expansive, offering sweet red and dark berry flavors that put on weight with air. Energetic and precise, with strong finishing cut and lingering spiciness. January 2013 ~91 Vinous

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