2006 Chateauneuf du Pape

The traditional 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape shows the classic kirsch liqueur, Provencal herb, and loamy soil notes in a full-bodied, attractive, spicy style with dark ruby color and good length and richness. Drink it over the next 7-8 years. This is one of the appellation’s most consistent and brilliant producers of Chateauneuf du Pape, with an impressive record of consistency and high quality dating back well over the thirty years I have been tracking the wines of this appellation. They have been adding new cuvees, starting in 1990 with their Chante Le Merle Vieilles Vignes, and then their old vine Grenache cuvee, La Gloire de Mon Grandpere. In 2007 they added a new cuvee from very old vines of Grenache and Mourvedre on the plateau of Mont Redon called La Folie, which is aged in 100% new oak foudres. Importer: Christopher Cannan, Europvin; www.europvin.com

Slightly sickly sweet on the nose. Then thick and a bit too grainy on the palate. Firm but a little bit clumsy. (JH)

Dark crimson. High volatility – quite dangerous wine! Lots of very ripe Grenache and (apparently 10%) Mourvèdre with black olive flavours. Then some fine tannins. The limit of ripeness here and some very animal notes. For fans of this style – it almost over-delivers, and could be enjoyed quite young. About 15% was aged in new demi-muids. The vines are 80 to 90 years old. (JR)