2005 Chateauneuf du Pape

The 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape shows beautifully sweet black cherry and raspberry notes and crushed rock along with some roasted herb and mineral notes. It is dense, elegant, full-bodied, pure, and deep ruby/purple to the rim. This wine should drink well for 12-14 years. After the tragic death of the young proprietor, Jean-Denis Vacheron, following the 2001 harvest, his widow Sylvie, assisted by winemaker Bruno Gaspard as well as renowned oenologist Philippe Cambie, has gone through a transitional period but has finally gotten this estate back to the brilliant heights her husband achieved between 1998 and 2001. 2004 is a strong vintage but is surpassed/eclipsed by the brilliant wines of 2005. This is great news for an estate that had long sold much of its production to negociants and then had a complete renaissance when the late Jean-Denis Vacheron took over control in 1996. Sylvie Vacheron is to be applauded for maintaining his vision of distinctive wines of world-class quality. The 2004s are the strongest vintage since 2001, but even they have to take a backseat to the 2005s. Importers: David Hinkle, North Berkeley Imports, Berkeley, CA; tel. (510) 848-8910, and a Christopher Cannan Selection, various American importers, including: Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300 and Diamond Wine Merchant, Oakland, CA; tel. (510) 567-9897

Dark red. Vibrant red berry and mineral scents, with a hint of Asian spices. Very suave on the palate, with zesty redcurrant and strawberry flavors and a pinot-like texture and sweetness. Finishes stony, intense and sweet, with a whiplash of bright red fruit. Delicious right now.

Sweet, round and opulent. Very seductive though I’d like to see just a tad more refreshment. Very powerful and alcoholic though interesting and vibrant. (JR)