2005 Chateauneuf du Pape

The classic 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape is a beautiful wine that offers lots of ripe blackberry, toasted spice, olive and garrigue to go with a full, fleshy, Provençal style on the palate. Made from 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 5% Cinsault and 5% Mourvèdre, it spent 12 months in 80% foudre and 20% barrel. Drink this classic traditional cuvee anytime over the coming 4-6 years.

Turning the corner and just on the cusp of its drinking window, the 2005 Domaine Pierre Usseglio & Fils Châteauneuf-du-Pape exhibits gobs of ripe Grenache fruit, garrigue, licorice and earth aromas and flavors. The wine is medium bodied on the palate with smooth, supple fruit, fresh acidity and a long finish. I’ve been through close to a case of this wine over the past 3 years and it’s always shown beautifully. Recent bottles have shown more evolution and maturity so I think my early drinking window estimates were a smidge too generous and I’d opt for consuming these over the following 8 to 10 years at the latest. Textbook Châteauneuf and a solid value, year in, year out.

Bright red. Strikingly fresh aromas of vibrant strawberry and cherry, gaining depth and ripeness with air. The darker fruits continue onto the palate, which is brightened by a spicy blood orange quality. Finishes with excellent snap and drive, especially for a "basic" bottling. This has gained richness since last year but not at the expense of vivacity.