2004 Chateauneuf du Pape Clos du Calvaire

The 2004 Clos du Calvaire has a medium ruby color, good concentration, and tasty berry and cherry fruit intermixed with some herbs, incense, and spice. It is best drunk within its first 3-4 years of life. As I have written in the past, all three cuvees from Pere Pape are Provencal in their typicity. In short, they are up-front and delicious, with forward fruit and plenty of character/personality. I don’t think they will make old bones by any means, as they are clearly designed for immediate consumption, or aging for up to a decade in the case of their top cuvee, Le Crau de Ma Mere. The 2004s have turned out to be richly fruity, forward wines of medium weight as well as pure, spicy, and heady. Importer: Fred Ek, Ex Cellars, Solvang, CA; tel. (805) 686-9153