Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: 88-89 points

Due for bottling immediately after my visit (Pedrenos crew was at the door by the time I left soon after 9 a.m.), the 2009 Roc dAnglade reflects its early picking (even Syrah already on August 30) in a mere 13% alcohol, and the vintages vine stress in a near absence of Grenache (from young, vulnerable vines) in the blend. As for Pedrenos extremely light touch with fermentative extraction, it certainly hasnt resulted in lack of color, as this is the darkest in a line-up that otherwise more resembles in hue and saturation a typical Burgundian Pinot Noir than a Languedoc blend. Smoky, toasted nut notes typical for the slightly reductive side of Carignan rise from the glass along with smoky Keemun tea and scents of fresh blackberry and elderberry scents. There is vintage-typical tannin here that results in a slight gum-numbing accompanying an otherwise impressively persistent finish featuring nuts, berries, tea with mouthwatering salinity. I would plan to drink this over the next 3-5 years as Im not convinced that the tannins will truly resolve.

Review date: August 2011