2004 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Val de Dieu

With a much more saturated ruby/purple color than the regular bottling, the 2004 Chateauneuf du Pape Val de Dieu is a blend of 56% Grenache, 27% Syrah, and the rest Mourvedre. This is a seriously endowed, fleshy wine with superb ripeness, plenty of purity, and notes of Provencal herbs mixed with blackberry, cassis, cherry, and earth. The wine is spicy, rich, supple-textured, and ideal for drinking over the next decade. These are modern-style Chateauneuf du Papes. Vaudieu has a splendid location just to the south of Rayas, and I am among many others who have been waiting for the quality from these impressively situated vineyards to soar. mporter: Daniel Johnnes Wines, New York, NY; tel. (212) 625-2505