2000 M. Chapoutier Châteauneuf-du-Pape Croix de Bois

There are approximately 500 cases of this wine. It is a large-scaled Chateauneuf du Pape that represents the antithesis of La Bernardine. This wine has been spectacular, and I have been a frequent buyer and consumer of this wine since the first vintage Michel Chapoutier made, 1989. From the eastern side of the Chateauneuf du Pape appellation, from soils with less of the famed galets roules (the melon and football-sized boulders that cover much of the appellation), comes the Croix de Bois. The stunning 2000 Chateauneuf du Pape Croix de Bois reveals aromas of sweet cherry liqueur intertwined with pepper, incense, and Asian spices. Spicy, with distinctive garrigue and lavender characteristics, it is a full-bodied, unctuously-textured, glorious heady, classic Chateauneuf to drink over the next 15-20 years. Importer: Paterno Imports, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-8900

There are approximately 500 cases of this wine. It is a large-scaled Chateauneuf du Pape that represents the antithesis of La Bernardine. This wine has been spectacular, and I have been a frequent buyer and consumer of this wine since the first vintage Michel Chapoutier made, 1989. Feb 2003, www.robertparker.com

Bright, deep ruby-red color. High-toned aromas of roasted plum, raspberry and strawberry. Sweet, deep and chewy; a large-scaled mouthful (15% alcohol) of superripe grenache, finishing with major chewy tannins and excellent grip. This still has about four grams per liter of residual sugar (4 g/l is the maximum legal limit for Chateauneuf, by the way) and still holding a good bit of gas. Offers outstanding potential.