1989 Chateauneuf du Pape Hommage Jacques Perrin

Very sweet and rich with notes of liquorice. Pure pleasure and with tannins long since dissipated. Note the relatively modest alcohol level. (JR)

A legendary, world-class wine that's still pure perfection and drinking at point, the 1989 Châteauneuf Du Pape Hommage A Jacques Perrin reveals ripe smoky red and black fruits, truffly earth, graphite, licorice, and peppery, sappy garrigue nuances on the nose. Full-bodied on the palate, it has a deep, layered, multi-dimensional mouthfeel, resolved tannins, and a blockbuster finish. As always, it's a slightly darker, richer, more focused example of this cuvée compared to the ever so slightly more seductive styled 1990. The first vintage of this cuvée, it's an incredible tribute to the late Jacques Perrin. Drink bottles over the coming 10-12 years. Drink 2026-2038.

The first vintage for this cuvee, the still inky colored 1989 Châteauneuf du Pape Hommage À Jacques Perrin is deeper, richer and more powerful than the 1990, yet slightly less evolved and exuberant. From a scorching hot and dry year, this incredible cuvee is massive on all counts, with classic dark fruits, roasted herbs, charred meats, melted licorice and truffle aromas and flavors, full-bodied richness, a dense, layered, multidimensional texture and a blockbuster finish that just wouldn’t quit. Like the 1990, there’s certainly some evolution here, and it’s a gorgeous drink today, but it should easily continue to evolve through 2030+.