2000 Chateauneuf du Pape

The 2000 Chateauneuf du Pape, a blend of 47% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 18% Mourvedre, 7% Cinsault, and the rest miscellaneous grapes, is made in an open-knit, friendly style with less tannin, structure, and power than the 2001. Although it has less volume, it is rich and sweet, with gorgeous fruit, excellent purity, and long, luscious flavors redolent with blackberries, cherries, licorice, earth, and vanilla. It can be drunk now or cellared for 12+ years. Feb 2003, www.robertparker.com

Good deep red. Complex aromas of smoky red and black fruits, licorice, truffle and earth; distinct suggestions of surmaturite. Broad, sweet and lush; silky and voluminous, with a complete absence of rough edges. Finishes subtle and long, with very suave tannins. Has the balance to age, but delicious already.