2004 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Renaissance
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Tasting notes
Slightly more dense and concentrated, with beautiful mid-palate density and depth (no doubt from the Mourvedre), the 2004 Chateauneuf du Pape Renaissance (60% Grenache, 40% Mourvedre, aged in 25% new French oak) boast stunning notes of blackberry, cassis, licorice, spice-box, white chocolate and roasted garrigue. Full-bodied, rich and thrillingly textured, with a un-2004-like hedonistic appeal, it will continue to dish out loads of pleasure over the coming decade. Winemaker Baptiste Grangeon hit a home run with his 2004s, and both his Vieilles Vignes and cuvee Renaissance are some of the top wines in the vintage. They show uncommon depth and richness, with big textures, loads of fruit and solid structure. While they’re both a joy to drink now, I see no reason they won’t continue to evolve gracefully (especially the Renaissance).
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
The 2004 Domaine de Cristia Châteauneuf-du-Pape Renaissance is gorgeous stuff. The nose started out slight different from the 2005 with some dark, charred earth and chocolate notes but with air, this was very similar to the 2005. The nose is big and perfumed with cassis, blackberry, charcoal, graphite and licorice all showing up. The palate is gorgeous and definitely more integrated than the 05 at this point. Lush, rich and seamless with massive body (the fullest bodied 2004 I've tasted) and a long finish.
Ripe raspberry and strawberry aromas are accented by exotic spice notes and vanillin oak. Lush, supple and sweet, with candied red berry flavors and gentle tannins. Finishes lush, sweet and liqueur-like. I can understand the appeal of this style but I'd like to see a bit more energy.
The brilliant 2004 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Renaissance is fashioned from 70% old vine Grenache aged in neutral wood and 30% Mourvedre aged all in small barrels of which some are new. It has an inky/purple color, and beautiful notes of blackberry, melted licorice, espresso roast, and sweet pot roast and herbs simmering on the stove. Beautifully rich in a full-bodied style with opulence, sweet tannins, and phenomenal flavor dimensions and texture, this is a killer wine for the vintage and approachable now but capable of lasting 12-15 years. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate # 169 Feb 2007
About the producer
Product details
Grenache/ Garnacha , Mourvedre/Monastrell/Mataro
Red
Dry