2004 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Etienne Gonnet

Along the same lines, yet slightly richer, the 2004 Chateauneuf du Pape Etienne Gonnet is an old-vine blend (100-year-old vines) of 70% Grenache and 15% each of Mourvedre and Syrah. Aged half in demi-muid and half in tronconique (oak tanks), it delivers gorgeous notes of red and black fruits, spices, underbrush and forest floor to go with a medium to full-bodied, rich, yet elegant and seamless profile on the palate. It too is drinking great and hard to resist. While I think it will continue to evolve gracefully for a number of years, I’d plan on drinking it over the coming 2-4 years.

Very rich and seductive. Lovely cocktail. Great soothing balance and extremely aromatic spices. Very sweet indeed. (JR)

Dark red. Impressively deep and expansive on the nose, with aromas of fresh red berries, kirsch, smoked meat, licorice and lavender. Juicy and quite sweet, with focused red and dark berry flavors, a mouthcoating texture and supple tannins. The finish is deep, powerful and very long, with a whiplash of ripe cherry and a late mineral note. (JR)