2005 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes

One of the true superstars in the vintage, the Sabon’s 2005 Châteauneuf du Pape Cuvee Vieilles Vignes is deeper and richer than the cuvee Chaupin, yet stays just as balanced, fresh and drinkable. Loaded with notes of ripe black fruits, smoked herbs, smoked meats and licorice, it has full-bodied richness and power, a deep, decadent texture and beautifully integrated acidity which keeps it pure, lively and fresh. It’s another incredible wine from this estate that will continue to thrill for a decade.

Wow, the 2005 Domaine de la Janasse Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes is simply amazing, massive and concentrated juice. Just a stunningly rich and dark nose of black currant, black cherry, earth, licorice and graphite. With air this picks up some tar and hot asphalt notes. The palate is full bodied, precise and powerful with perfect balance, massive structure, a gorgeous texture and a very long finish.

Opaque ruby. Remarkably pure raspberry, boysenberry and floral aromas are eerily similar to a great Vosne-Romanee, with an exotic array of floral and incense qualities adding complexity. Uncanny for its combination of depth, sweetness and finesse, with suave minerality building exponentially through the finish. Flat-out stunning wine, and one of the greatest examples of young Chateauneuf I have ever tasted. I can't wait to actually drink it.