2001 St Joseph Cuvee Papy

(a representative blend taken from four barrels; the crop level was lower in 2001 and the grapes were smaller, according to Montez; aging in 70% new oak) Bright medium ruby. Oaky aromas of blackberry, black cherry, bitter chocolate, pepper and black licorice. Dense and juicy, with sappy, spicy flavors of primary black fruits, gunflint and pepper. More powerful than the 2000 but perhaps less refined. Montez planned to rack the 2001 reds the day after my visit.