2005 Domaine du Caillou Châteauneuf-du-Pape

The 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape shows beautifully sweet black cherry and raspberry notes and crushed rock along with some roasted herb and mineral notes. It is dense, elegant, full-bodied, pure, and deep ruby/purple to the rim. This wine should drink well for 12-14 years. After the tragic death of the young proprietor, Jean-Denis Vacheron, following the 2001 harvest, his widow Sylvie, assisted by winemaker Bruno Gaspard as well as renowned oenologist Philippe Cambie, has gone through a transitional period but has finally gotten this estate back to the brilliant heights her husband achieved between 1998 and 2001. 2004 is a strong vintage but is surpassed/eclipsed by the brilliant wines of 2005. This is great news for an estate that had long sold much of its production to negociants and then had a complete renaissance when the late Jean-Denis Vacheron took over control in 1996. Sylvie Vacheron is to be applauded for maintaining his vision of distinctive wines of world-class quality. The 2004s are the strongest vintage since 2001, but even they have to take a backseat to the 2005s. Importers: David Hinkle, North Berkeley Imports, Berkeley, CA; tel. (510) 848-8910, and a Christopher Cannan Selection, various American importers, including: Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300 and Diamond Wine Merchant, Oakland, CA; tel. (510) 567-9897

Dark red. Vibrant red berry and mineral scents, with a hint of Asian spices. Very suave on the palate, with zesty redcurrant and strawberry flavors and a pinot-like texture and sweetness. Finishes stony, intense and sweet, with a whiplash of bright red fruit. Delicious right now.

Sweet, round and opulent. Very seductive though I’d like to see just a tad more refreshment. Very powerful and alcoholic though interesting and vibrant. (JR)