1999 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Prestige

The 1999 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Prestige (14.5% alcohol) reveals a dark plum/garnet color as well as a gorgeously complex nose of licorice, pepper, black cherries, and cassis. As the wine sits in the glass additional nuances develop. It is a seductive, open-knit, layered, succulent, fleshy effort to enjoy now and over the next 12-15 years. Dec 2001, www.robertparker.com

Bright, saturated ruby-red. Liqueur-like cherry aroma; quintessential Chateauneuf grenache. Superripe, very rich and sweet in the mouth, with plenty of alcoholic clout but also excellent balancing acids. Finishes with fine, nicely buffered tannins, excellent length and a late note of dark chocolate.