1989 M. Chapoutier Châteauneuf-du-Pape la Bernardine

While the 1989 La Bernardine was splendid prior to bottling, I have found the wine to be lighter and not nearly as profound as I had once hoped. Nevertheless, this is an excellent wine, with a big, spicy, berry-scented nose intermingled with the scent of herbs, almonds, and gobs of red fruits. In the mouth there are voluptuous, nicely concentrated, supple flavors. The finish is long and heady. Anticipated maturity: now-2005. Last tasted 6/96.