2006 Chateauneuf du Pape

The medium ruby-colored 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape displays less saturation than the 2007, and is more narrowly constructed. It comes across as slightly austere, angular, and lacking generosity. This estate is well-worth following, especially for their top cuvee from the sandy soils of Pignan, near Rayas. Most consumers have not yet caught on to the quality of their wines (including their Cotes du Rhones), so prices remain reasonable. Importers: Simon N Cellars, Charlottesville, VA; tel. (434) 977-4476, and Christopher Cannan, Europvin; www.europvin.com

Purplish glowing crimson. Warming, well integrated, complex nose already. Strong, potent but with absolutely masses of fruit and sturdy build. The heavy charge of ripe tannin is almost hidden by the fruit, Very long. A kerpow of a wine but textbook Châteauneuf. Eric Bonnet is taking over this Courthezon property from this father. Unoaked blend. (JR)

Light nose with hints of tobacco leaves! Very interesting wine with lovely texture and an interesting array of fruity/floral flavours. Very long. (JR)