2003 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Special

Dark red. Highly pungent, wild aromas of spicy cherry, licorice and illegal herbs. "But it would difficult to smoke this," quipped enologist Philippe Cambie. Fresh and exuberant but also sweet and lush, with vibrant, resiny red berry flavors. Finishes with fine, silky tannins and superb persistence of flavor.

The 2003 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes Cuvee Speciale is composed primarily of Grenache with a touch of Cinsault. While the two previous Chateauneufs were made from destemmed fruit, this offering includes 100% stems. All from the famed La Crau parcel, it was made from 80-year old vines, and boasts 15% alcohol. Loads of pepper, garrigue, licorice, seaweed, and sweet currant, cherry, and plum-like fruit emerge from this full-bodied, fleshy, ripe, low acid Chateauneuf du Pape. Drink it over the next 10-15 years. Importers: Martin Scott Wines, Little Neck, NY; tel. (516) 327-0808 and Stacole Fine Wines, Boca Raton, FL; tel. (561) 998-0029

The 2003 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Speciale boasts a dark ruby/plum color and a big, sweet nose of garrigue, new oak, blackberries, and sweet cherries. The wine is full-bodied, ripe, moderately tannic as well as powerful, and rich. It is another wine that will benefit from 2-3 years of cellaring, and last for 15 or more years. Feb 2006, www.robertparker.com