2006 Chateauneuf du Pape Reine Bois

A deep, brooding ’06 that will compete with anything from the vintage, the 2006 Domaine de la Mordorée Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée de la Reine des Bois delivers an inky, black color to go with aromas of smoked plum, blackberry, black chocolate, licorice, and truffle on the nose. While lacking complexity at the moment and showing primarily dark, dense fruit, this has fantastic intensity and focus, as well as solid purity of fruit. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and beautifully balanced, possessing a thick, rich texture, serious concentration, and a classically styled, long and mineral driven finish. Give bottle another 2-4 years and then drink over the following decade.

Glass-staining purple. Sexy aromas of red and dark berry preserves, incense and garrigue, with complicating cola and mineral qualities. Round and deeply concentrated, offering lush black raspberry, cherry-cola and candied lavender flavors and gently bracing acidity. The sweet, vibrant berry flavors cling impressively.