A wine that seems to bridge the gap between a full international style (such as the Barberini) and a traditional style (such as the Cornelia Constanza) is the 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve Secrete, which was aged in small barrels (65%) and tanks (35%). A blend of 55% Syrah and 45% Grenache, it boasts a deep ruby/purple hue, massive, powerful flavors of black fruits, licorice, acacia flowers, and a hint of toast, full body, and a singular, dense personality. It needs 3-4 years of bottle age, and is meant for 20+ years of cellaring.
95+ points - The Wine Advocate (October 2009)
Big, lush and mouthfilling, but with excellent definition, thanks to a nice graphite edge that holds the core of anise, roasted plum, hoisin sauce and macerated black currant fruit together. The long, powerful finish lets bittersweet cocoa and violet notes chime in. Syrah and Grenache. Best from 2012 through 2025. 291 cases made.
94 points - Wine Spectator (July 2010)
(a 55/45 blend of syrah and grenache) Bright violet color. Fresh raspberry and boysenberry on the nose, with complementary notes of spicecake, incense and lavender. Large-scaled but surprisingly lively in the mouth, offering sweet red and dark berry compote flavors and penetrating minerality and spiciness. Very suave and focused on the finish, with the dark berry and floral notes echoing.
93 points - Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar (Jan/Feb '10)
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