2005 Domaine Les Cailloux Châteauneuf-du-Pape

One of my favorite producers, Domaine Les Cailloux’s 2005 Châteauneuf du Pape is a terrific effort that’s hard to resist today. Checking in as a blend of 70% Grenache, 17% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah and the rest Cinsault, aged mostly in tank, if gives up a ripe, sexy and medium to full-bodied style to go with classic red and black raspberry fruit, garrigue, pepper and spice. Drink this beauty over the coming 4-6 years, although there’s no need to delay gratification.

70% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 17% Mourvèdre, 3% Cinsault. 70% destemmed. Grenache and Mourvèdre in tank, Syrah in one- to two-year-old barrels. Concentrated ruby. Some autumn leaves on the nose. Sweet and rich yet lively too. Still quite youthful but the fruit is fast becoming more complex and the tannins are well on their way. A hint of strawberry jam but no excess heat. Though certainly not especially concentrated. Falls away a little on the finish. (JR)

Deep, bright red. Pungent, highly complex bouquet evokes cherry-cola, blood orange, fresh flowers and minerals; smells like a Burgundy, and an awfully good one at that. Supple red berry preserve flavors are enlivened by juicy minerality and pick up a wild, smoked meat quality on the finish. Very impressive cuvee classique