2004 Domaine Charvin Châteauneuf-du-Pape

The 2004 Chateauneuf du Pape shows the style of the vintage, yet has plenty of fruit, medium-bodied richness and bright acidity. Possessing a darker slant to its fruit and loads of Christmas spice, pepper, iron and cured meat-like aromas and flavors, it’s at full maturity, yet will continue to hold nicely for 4-5 years, and then have a gradual evolution after that. One of the softest spoken, yet reflective and hardworking people in Chateauneuf du Pape, Laurent Charvin farms his eight hectares in the northern portion of the appellation, in the lieux-dits of Maucoil, Cabrieres, and l’Arnesque, to a “T”. A sixth generation farmer (his family has been at this site since 1851), Laurent was the first to move away from selling all of their grapes to the negociants, and bottled his first release in 1990. As this tasting shows, his wines are consistently outstanding and age gracefully. In addition, Laurent also excels in the difficult vintages, which is common for vignerons who spend the majority of their time in the vineyards. Remaining staunchly in favor of a single cuvee, Laurent’s Chateauneuf du Pape is always a rough blend of 85% Grenache, 5% Syrah, 5% Mourvedre and 5% Vaccarese. He never destems and the wine sees absolutely no oak, aging 21 months in large concrete tanks. In addition to his Chateauneuf, he produces a beautiful Cotes du Rhone (from the vines located around his house, next to the lieu-dit of Maucoil), and, just recently, a rose. We finished the tasting with a trio of Laurent’s Cotes du Rones, which come from vineyards located around his estate, in the northwestern part of the appellation. It’s always a rough blend of 85% Grenache and the balance Syrah and Carignan, that’s aged all in tank. Importer: Peter Weygandt, Weygandt-Metzler, Unionville, PA; tel. (610) 486-0800

The 2004 Domaine Charvin Châteauneuf-du-Pape possesses a sublime, clean and pure nose with cherry and strawberry fruit. The palate really shines and is elegant, perfectly balanced and has a drop dead gorgeous texture. Silky, smooth and almost seamless. Despite the seemingly easy going feel, this wine shows considerable structure and tannin on the long finish.

Dark red. Explosively aromatic, assertive nose combines red and dark berries, exotic spices and a strong lavender note. Lush, creamy and sweet, but with good focus to the bright raspberry, blackberry and licorice flavors. Silky, focused and pure on the long, juicy finish. This very sexy wine will drink well young but is balanced to improve with cellaring.