1985 Chateauneuf du Pape Clos des Papes

Made during the period when, by their own admission, the Avrils were doing too much fining and filtering, this wine has turned out well, but it is fully mature. It exhibits a deep ruby color with plenty of rust and orange at the edge, followed by a spicy nose with scents of Provencal herbs, garrigue, and sweet cherry fruit. The wine has lost some of its fatness, and now tastes medium-bodied, with good length but low acidity. It needs to be drunk up before the turn of the century. Last tasted 8/96.