- ROTEM & MOUNIR SAOUMA Châteauneuf-du-Pape Arioso 2021. Score 95
- ROTEM & MOUNIR SAOUMA Châteauneuf-du-Pape Arioso 2020. Score 96
- ROTEM & MOUNIR SAOUMA Châteauneuf-du-Pape Arioso 2019. Score 96
- ROTEM & MOUNIR SAOUMA Châteauneuf-du-Pape Arioso 2018. Score 96
- ROTEM & MOUNIR SAOUMA Châteauneuf-du-Pape Arioso 2017. Score 96
- ROTEM & MOUNIR SAOUMA Châteauneuf-du-Pape Arioso 2016. Score 97
- ROTEM & MOUNIR SAOUMA Châteauneuf-du-Pape Arioso 2015. Score 98
- ROTEM & MOUNIR SAOUMA Châteauneuf-du-Pape Arioso 2014. Score 95
- ROTEM & MOUNIR SAOUMA Châteauneuf-du-Pape Arioso 2013. Score 95
- ROTEM & MOUNIR SAOUMA Châteauneuf-du-Pape Arioso 2012. Score 97
- ROTEM & MOUNIR SAOUMA Châteauneuf-du-Pape Arioso 2011. Score 97
- ROTEM & MOUNIR SAOUMA Châteauneuf-du-Pape Arioso 2010. Score 96
- ROTEM & MOUNIR SAOUMA Châteauneuf-du-Pape Arioso 2009. Score 94
ROTEM & MOUNIR SAOUMA Châteauneuf-du-Pape Arioso 2021. Score 95
Tasting Note
Starts off perfumed and stylish but slowly opens up to reveal a wealth of depth and dimension. Seriously structured, with layers of graphite, toasty cedar spice and wild woodsy notes, plus tobacco leaf and red fruit, all on a foundation of cast iron. Tangy acidity brings freshness to the densely packed finish. The oak influence still needs time to fully integrate; those with patience to cellar this will be rewarded. Grenache. Drink now through 2040. 20 cases imported. –KB
ROTEM & MOUNIR SAOUMA Châteauneuf-du-Pape Arioso 2020. Score 96
Tasting Note
An alluring red, with equal parts fruit, spice, mineral and earth notes, all seamlessly integrated. A generous gush of red currant is flanked by salty iron, lavender and singed alder smoke. The tannins have taken on a velvety texture, harmoniously knitting all of the elements together through the long, complex finish, which pulses with energy. Drink now through 2040. 55 cases imported. –KB
ROTEM & MOUNIR SAOUMA Châteauneuf-du-Pape Arioso 2019. Score 96
Tasting Note
Smoldering incense and salty iron share the stage with ripe red fruit and a lacquer of toasty cedar in this polished, expertly crafted red, which is texturally stunning, with extremely fine tannins effortlessly carrying the weight. The oak signature will continue to fade into the backdrop with a bit of cellaring, and the powerful, tightly wound core of graphite and fruit will unfurl, so patience will be rewarded. Beautiful and complex. Best from 2025 through 2040. 50 cases imported. –KB
ROTEM & MOUNIR SAOUMA Châteauneuf-du-Pape Arioso 2018. Score 96
Tasting Note
Very expressive, with seductive, gently mulled plum, raspberry and blackberry fruit flavors seamlessly layered together, while hints of black tea, singed anise, apple wood, incense and warm earth filter through on the finish. A long, mouthwatering mineral note echoes to the last moment. Gorgeous. Best from 2024 through 2040. 400 cases made, 29 cases imported. –JM
ROTEM & MOUNIR SAOUMA Châteauneuf-du-Pape Arioso 2017. Score 96
Tasting Note
A bird of a different feather, from the beguiling charms of the floral and red fruit aromas to the silky yet persistent structure that carries the core of kirsch, cherry preserve and violet notes along. Ends with a flurry of incense, rooibos tea and iron accents that give one pause before taking another sip. Best from 2023 through 2037. 175 cases imported. –JM
ROTEM & MOUNIR SAOUMA Châteauneuf-du-Pape Arioso 2016. Score 97
Tasting Note
Thoroughly beguiling from the get-go, with captivating perfume and a seductive, silky mouthfeel that serves as a canvas for the range of cassis, bitter cherry, blood orange and damson plum fruit flavors infused with rooibos, sandalwood and garrigue. There’s a subtle mineral twinge at the very end. A beautiful Burgundian-style Châteauneuf. Drink now through 2036. 70 cases imported. –JM
ROTEM & MOUNIR SAOUMA Châteauneuf-du-Pape Arioso 2015. Score 98
Tasting Note
A stunning display of fruit, with a seamless and beguiling show of açaí, raspberry, plum and blackberry puree notes gliding through in lockstep. Light anise, black tea and incense elements weave around while the finish is pulled along by a mouthwatering combo of shiso leaf and iron details, with the fruit easily keeping pace. Approachable now because of the fruit, but this will cellar well for some time. Drink now through 2040. 35 cases imported. –JM
ROTEM & MOUNIR SAOUMA Châteauneuf-du-Pape Arioso 2014. Score 95
Tasting Note
Alluring, with blood orange, raspberry and bergamot notes that glide through on silky but persistent tannins, while black tea, dried anise and incense notes weave in and around them. A refined mineral echo pierces the otherwise very seductive finish, making for an intriguing contrast. An impressive effort for the vintage. Drink now through 2035. 12 cases imported. –JM
ROTEM & MOUNIR SAOUMA Châteauneuf-du-Pape Arioso 2013. Score 95
Tasting Note
Beguiling, with Lapsang souchong tea, singed cinnamon, clove and warm cassis aromas leading the way for a rich and silky core of crushed cherry and raspberry fruit flavors. Everything glides together through the refined, incense-filled finish. Best from 2020 through 2035. 12 cases imported. –JM
ROTEM & MOUNIR SAOUMA Châteauneuf-du-Pape Arioso 2012. Score 97
Tasting Note
This is cut from different cloth, with beguiling loganberry, açai berry and raspberry fruit seamlessly melded with dried star anise, singed cinnamon and black tea notes, all carried by substantial yet remarkably silky tannins. A light echo of iron pervades the finish, adding extra cut to the copious fruit and spice elements. Hard to resist now but should cruise in the cellar. Drink now through 2032. 350 cases made, 12 cases imported. –JM
ROTEM & MOUNIR SAOUMA Châteauneuf-du-Pape Arioso 2011. Score 97
Tasting Note
Lightly mulled raspberry, bergamot, persimmon and black cherry fruit flavors are seamlessly stitched together, with hints of black tea, cinnamon and sous-bois filling in the background. Graceful overall, but with ample anise- and ganache-edged grip that is well-embedded through the finish. This should unfurl beautifully in the cellar. A thoroughly captivating wine. Best from 2017 through 2035. 315 cases made. –JM
ROTEM & MOUNIR SAOUMA Châteauneuf-du-Pape Arioso 2010. Score 96
Tasting Note
Aromas of raspberry and boysenberry confiture lead the way, followed by notes of mocha, cinnamon, black tea, bergamot, anise and singed apple wood, which are seamlessly entwined, finishing with a silky feel that lets the fruit take a lengthy encore. Distinctive and beautifully rendered. Best from 2015 through 2030. 350 cases made. –JM
ROTEM & MOUNIR SAOUMA Châteauneuf-du-Pape Arioso 2009. Score 94
Tasting Note
Shows the heady ripeness of the vintage, with a lush core of fig, boysenberry confiture and steeped plum fruit flavors, presenting a good spine of iron and violet notes. The finish lets smoldering charcoal and wood spice notes play out. A distinctive Châteauneuf, revealing a mix of Rhône and Burgundian elements. Grenache. Drink now through 2028. 250 cases made, 50 cases imported. –JM
