Châteauneuf-du-Pape

2003 Les Cailloux (André Brunel) Châteauneuf-du-Pape – France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape (3/27/2006)In the slightly “stinky” nose nice red fruit, kirsch, pepper. Nice, sweet red fruit (cherries) on the palate, followed by herbs, pepper and kirsch. The alcohol needs to integrate more, but this is already delicious. (93 pts.) In de lichtjes “stinkende” neus mooi rood fruit, kirsch en peper. > Read more …

2003 Clos Saint-Michel Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Réservée – France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape (1/13/2006)Very nice. Red and black fruits, barnyard, refreshing acidity, pepper, black coffee. The label states 14,5% alc. but this is barely noticeable. A lot of material, but balanced in a CNP kind of way. Primary but very enjoyable, especially with some breething. (91 pts.) Rood en zwart fruit, > Read more …

2004 Domaine Remy Ferbras Châteauneuf-du-Pape – France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape (2/18/2006)My first CDP 2004. Slightly barnyardy nose, with traces of red grenache-like fruit. The palate is balanced, with spices and pepper, red and black fruit, some kirsch, some liquorice. Tasty. Not overly complex, but not bad either. Good everyday quaffer. About 12,5 euros @ Delhaize in Belgium. (88 pts.) > Read more …

2003 Domaine de Cristia Châteauneuf-du-Pape – France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape (3/21/2006)Minimal barnyard, herbs, red fruit, sweets, kirsch and spices in the nose. The palate is rather sweet, but there’s balancing acidity and a hint of sweet tannins; also sweets, kirsch and herbs. Not overly complex, but drinking well. The second day this had gained in weight and complexity. I > Read more …

2003 Domaine La Millière Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes – France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape (3/19/2006)On the nose slightly smokey meat, red berries, some kirsch and white pepper. Balanced palate, with red berries, meat, pepper and kirsch. Rather light bodied, with a good but not very long aftertaste. I do not see this gaining much complexity with age. Fell apart after a > Read more …

2003 Domaine du Pégaü Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Réservée – France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape (3/3/2006)The nose is rather closed. Slightly stinky nose with red berries and kirsch. Hint of cough sirup. The palate is almost sirupy, but in a good way: lots of glycerol, red fruit, pepper, kirsch, exotic spices… incredible balance for such a young wine with such a high > Read more …

2003 Domaine Gerard Charvin Châteauneuf-du-Pape – France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape (3/18/2006)Right after opening this wine is singing with delicious red berry fruit on the nose (strawberries!), a very slight hint of barnyard and a dollop of kirsch. The palate is unbelievably fruity, but with a serious backbone of almost dusty slightly sweet tannins, exotic spices, kirsch… the aftertaste is > Read more …

1996 Domaine du Pégaü Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Réservée – France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape (1/6/2006)Based on some notes I’ve read I wasn’t expecting much of this, but this bottle showed beautiful today, especially on the nose. Nice mature CNP aroma’s with a noticeable animal stink that somewhat blew away after decanting. Sweet black and red fruit on the palate, with an > Read more …

2003 Clos de l’Oratoire des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape – France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape (12/7/2005)While not a blockbuster, this is very enjoyable and a good qpr as far as CDP’s go. The nose is dominated by berry fruit, with dollops of coffee, pepper and kirsch. Balanced on the palate with nice fruit tones, kirsch, pepper and fruit syrup. Based on my > Read more …