2006 Chateauneuf du Pape

The 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape displays the peppery, licorice, tapenade, spicy side of Chateauneuf du Pape along with plenty of grilled vegetable, meat, and Provencal herb characteristics. It is a medium to full-bodied, delicious wine to drink over the next 7-8 years. This large estate, run by the Elie Jeune family, has plenty of surface area in vine as well as some super parcels. There are three cuvees produced. The traditional Chateauneuf du Pape, made from 70-year-old vines, represents a blend of 85% Grenache, 10% Syrah, and 5% Mourvedre. The Cuvee Alexis Establet, a remarkable effort from the appellation's sector known as Gardiole (renowned for its diverse soils), is fashioned from 103-year-old vines. It is aged in a combination of wood foudres, old small barrels, and cement tanks. The newest offering, the tank-aged Heres, is made from a single parcel of 100% old vine Grenache from Gardiole. Not surprisingly, 2007 is a terrific vintage for this estate. Importers: J & R Selections, Mt. Pleasant, MI; tel. (517) 772-3695 and Alain Junguenet, Wines of France, Mountainside, NJ; tel. (908) 654-6173

Mid crimson, suave nose with a little oak in evidence. Some tar and high tones too. The oak makes its presence felt on the finish – very drying tannins (12-24 months in foudres). Shame because the fruit is lovely. Claret style Châteauneuf. Very well made but no-one should expect traditional richness from this wine. (JR)

Pale greenish gold. Quite sophisticated oaked example with some tension. Fine white wine, perhaps not archetypal white Châteauneuf but a very obvious alternative to white burgundy. (JR)