Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée du Lion 2011 - Domaine Tour St Michel

Few wines are praised by a 90 from Robert Parker AND a 17 from Jancis Robinson - and even fewer are under £30 a bottle. This cuvée, created in 2003, exhibits a concentrated nose of ripe black cherries and kirsch. One the palate, this full-bodied red shows a powerful structure with silky tannins and a spicy finish, brought by oak barrels and a bigger proportion of Syrah and Mourvedre. A big, beautiful, elegant Châteauneuf-du-Pape, which has fully contributed to the great reputation of the domain. Already nice to drink today if decanted, it will age very well in the cellar.

17/20 "75% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre. Particularly dark crimson. Thick and richly textured with lots of ripe fruit and structure. Rather sophisticated winemaking. Dry finish. Some black cherries, some meatiness. More acid than tannin."

90/100 "More layered and interesting, the 2011 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee du Lion (75% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 5% Mourvedre and Cinsault, aged mostly in foudre) exhibits aromas of creamy berry fruit, licorice, crushed flowers and exotic spice as well as a medium-bodied, textured and rich palate feel. Beautifully put together, with great fruit and solid freshness, it should drink nicely for just over a decade. Drink now-2021. "

91/100 "Sleek and focused, with dark cassis, plum sauce and graphite notes wrapped with a black tea accent that wafts through the pure, coiled finish. Drink now through 2022."

16/20 "The juicy grenache of this Châteauneuf-du-pape explode with notes of raspberry and sundried tomatoes. Very profound and tasty, it shows a remarkable harmony, despite its youth. Beautiful bottle!"

Bronze Medal at Decanter World Wine Awards "Smoky fruit nose. Lovely generous palate entry, built softly with blackberry compote and well merged tannins." (previous vintage)