2001 Chateauneuf du Pape

Owned by the Brunier family (also proprietors of the famed Vieux-Telegraphe), Chateau La Roquette has fashioned a very good 2001. Revealing more structure than usual, this deep ruby-colored 2001 is a blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 10% Mourvedre. It exhibits wonderful sweetness, surprising tannic structure, and fragrant aromas of ground pepper, kirsch liqueur, licorice, and underbrush. Ripe, tannic, and medium to full-bodied, there are 10,000 cases of this fine effort. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2014. Importer: Chateau and Estates Wine Co., New York, NY; tel. (212) 527-7724