TASTING NOTE: This outstanding effort displays loads of cassis fruit interwoven with notions of espresso roast, white chocolate, and menthol. It possesses a terrific front end, good mid-section, and moderately high tannin in the finish. Approximately 15,000 cases were produced. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2025.
Score - 90.
(Robert Parker Jr.,
www.erobertparker.com,
June 2007)
ChÂteau Gruaud Larose 2004 2e Cru, St.-Julien
663732
(XD) 750 mL $69
TASTING NOTE: Plummy aromas, with leaf and tobacco undertones. Medium-bodied, with soft, silky tannins and a medium finish. Balanced and delightful already, yet needs a little more concentration to be outstanding. Best after 2010.
Score - 89.
(James Suckling,
www.winespectator.com,
March 31, 2007)
ChÂteau Lafon-Rochet 2004 4e Cru, St.-Estèphe
663617
(XD) 750 mL $49
TASTING NOTE: Beautiful aromas of crushed berries and hints of spices. Medium- to full-bodied, with fine tannins and a fresh, clean finish. Long and caressing. Consistently very good quality. Best after 2010.
Score - 88.
(James Suckling,
www.winespectator.com,
March 31, 2007)
Château Lagrange 2004 3e Cru, St.-Julien
663773
(XD) 750 mL $55
TASTING NOTE: A dense ruby/purple color and a heady, vibrant, crunchy (what the French would call croquant) fruitiness (raspberries and cherries) along with spicy oak and herb notes emerge from this medium-bodied, moderately tannic 2004. Drink it over the next 12-14 years. Drink 2006-2020.
Score - 88-90.
(Robert Parker Jr.,
www.erobertparker.com,
June 2006)
Château L'Eglise Clinet 2004 Pomerol
664227
(XD) 750 mL $135
TASTING NOTE: The dense purple-hued 2004 L’Eglise Clinet exhibits classic truffle-infused black raspberry and cherry fruit, a hint of vanilla, a sweet, expansive attack and mid-palate, and a long, opulent, full-bodied, moderately tannic finish. This beauty should be long-lived. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2025.
Score - 90-93.
(Robert Parker Jr.,
www.erobertparker.com,
June 2006)
Château Montrose 2004 2e Cru, St.-Estèphe
669713
(XD) 750 mL $99
TASTING NOTE: Dark-colored, with beautiful spice, blackberry and licorice aromas. Full-bodied, round and velvety, with wonderful balance and a long, long finish. This is a Montrose that caresses your palate. Best after 2011.
Score - 92.
(James Suckling,
www.winespectator.com,
March 31, 2007)
Château Pichon-Longueville-Baron 2004 2e Cru, Pauillac
664441
(XD) 750 mL $105
TASTING NOTE: Lots of currant, licorice and light tar aromas and flavors. Full-bodied, yet refined and silky on the palate, with a lightly chewy finish. Needs time. Best after 2010.
Score - 92.
(James Suckling,
www.winespectator.com,
March 31, 2007)
ChÂteau Rauzan-Ségla 2004 2e Cru, Margaux
672105
(XD) 750 mL $79
TASTING NOTE: Very pretty aromas of blackberry and vanilla. Medium- to full-bodied, with silky tannins and a delightful finish. Not a big wine, but pretty and attractive. Hard not to drink now. Best after 2009.
Score - 90.
(James Suckling,
www.winespectator.com,
March 31, 2007)
ChÂteau BEAU-SÉJOUR BECOT 2003 1er Grand Cru Classé (B), St.-Émilion
591248
(XD) 750 mL $99
TASTING NOTE: From a 41-acre vineyard situated on St.-Emilion’s limestone plateau, Beau-Sejour-Becot’s blend can vary, but it is approximately 70% Merlot, 24% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon. Production can be as low as 4,000+ cases (in a tiny vintage such as 2003), or as high as 7,000+ cases (in an abundant year such as 2004). The 2003, which reminds me of a 1990 Right Bank Bordeaux, tips the scales at 13.5% alcohol. Its dark plum/ruby/purple color is followed by a sweet nose of creosote, scorched earth, black cherries, currants, and pain grille. Deep, full-flavored, muscular, textured, and rich with light to moderate tannin in the finish, this lavishly rich, full-bodied effort requires 1-3 years of bottle age, and should drink well over the following 12-15. Drink 2007-2022.
Score - 93.
(Robert Parker Jr.,
www.erobertparker.com,
April 2006)
Le Fer 2003 Saint-Émilion Grand Cru
38190
(XD) 750 mL $74
TASTING NOTE: Plenty of blackberry and cherry character on the nose. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and a chocolate, berry aftertaste with just a hint of wet earth. Nicely done for this estate. Best after 2007.
Score - 88.
(James Suckling,
www.winespectator.com,
Web Only 2006)
ChÂteau VRAY CROIX DE GAY 2003 Pomerol
592832
(XD) 750 mL $89
TASTING NOTE: Aromas of blackberry with hints of green olive, plum and flowers. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a medium finish. Subtle and refined. Best after 2008.
Score - 88.
(James Suckling,
www.winespectator.com,
March 31, 2006)
Château Bourgneuf 2001 Pomerol
937409
(XD) 750 mL $64
TASTING NOTE: An up and coming property, as evidenced by recent vintages, the 2001 Bourgneuf Vayron exhibits more finesse and elegance than typical for this rustic offering. A deep ruby/purple color is followed by a pronounced spicy, fragrant nose of roasted meats, licorice, and sweet red as well as black fruits. With medium to full body, loads of flavor, and more sweet tannin and upfront charm than normal, it is reminiscent of a civilized, more supple style of the famed Chateau Le Gay. Drink 2004-2015.
Score - 90.
(Robert Parker Jr.,
www.erobertparker.com,
June 2004)
ChÂteau de Sales 2001 Pomerol
47415
(XD) 750 mL $44
TASTING NOTE: This property, the largest vineyard in Pomerol, has been coming on strong over recent vintages. Soft, caramel-infused cherry candy-like aromas jump from the glass of this dark ruby/purple-tinged, hedonistic 2001. Plush, with good expansiveness, sweetness, and a sexy, up-front, opulent personality, it is meant to be enjoyed over the next 7-8 years. Drink 2004-2012.
Score - 87.
(Robert Parker Jr.,
www.erobertparker.com,
June 2004)
Château LÉOVILLE-BARTON 2001 2e Cru, St.-Julien
930313
(XD) 750 mL $79
TASTING NOTE: Consistent from bottle (I tasted it three times), this is an outstanding offering, although not quite at the prodigious level of the 2000. Civilized and approachable for a young Leoville-Barton, it exhibits a saturated plum/purple color along with classic Bordelais aromas of damp earth, creme de cassis, smoke, vanillin, and tobacco. Medium to full-bodied and rich, with high but well-integrated tannin, and a long, 40+ second finish, it should turn out to be a brilliant effort, and one of the stars of the Medoc. However, patience is essential. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2020.
Score - 92.
(Robert Parker Jr.,
www.erobertparker.com,
June 2004)
ChÂteau D'Arche 2000 2e Cru, Haut-Médoc, Cru Bourgeois Supérieur
38216
(XD) 750 mL $59
TASTING NOTE: Gorgeous aromas of crushed berries, spices and cherries. Medium-bodied, with a solid core of ripe fruit and silky tannins. Very long finish. Lovely. Best after 2005.
Score - 89.
(James Suckling,
www.winespectator.com,
March 31, 2003)
CHÂTEAU HOSANNA 2000 Pomerol
41665
(XD) 750 mL $319
TASTING NOTE: Dense ruby/purple, with a glorious nose of blackberries, cassis, white flowers, licorice, and a hint of sweet oak, this seamless wine is a classic example of purity and symmetry. Combining power with charm and finesse in a deeply textured, rich, elegant, yet authoritatively flavorful style, this is a brilliant effort as well as a compliment to proprietor Christian Moueix. Sadly, there are only 1,500 cases of this fabulous offering. It displays a singular style reminiscent of a hypothetical blend of Cheval Blanc and L'Evangile, the famous St.-Emilion and equally renowned Pomerol situated across from each other. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2020.
Score - 96.
(Robert Parker Jr.,
www.erobertparker.com,
April 2003)
Château Figeac 1999 St.-Émilion Grand Cru
694596
(XD) 750 mL $139
TASTING NOTE: Complex aromas of figs, ripe plums, sweet cedar, tobacco, and new wood jump from the glass of this Burgundian-like St.-Emilion. It is medium-bodied, lush, and elegant, rather than powerful. The wine possesses supple tannin and a distinctive personality. Although it will not make old bones, it will offer graceful, well-balanced drinking over the next 12 years. Drink 2002-2014.
Score - 89.
(Robert Parker Jr.,
www.erobertparker.com,
April 2002)
CHÂTEAU HAUT-BRION 1999 1er Cru, Pessac-Léognan
998989
(XD) 750 mL $399
TASTING NOTE: Deep plum, currant, and mineral notes emerge from the concentrated, beautifully balanced, pure 1999 Haut Brion. It seems to be cut from the same mold as years such as 1979 and 1985. There is a hint of graphite in the abundant fruit. The wine is medium to full-bodied, nuanced, subtle, deep, and provocatively elegant. It is made in a style that only Haut Brion appears capable of achieving. The finish is extremely long, the tannins sweet, and the overall impression one of delicacy interwoven with power and ripeness. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2025.
Score - 93.
(Robert Parker Jr.,
www.erobertparker.com,
April 2002)
ChÂteau La Tour Figeac 1999 St.-Émilion Grand Cru
47423
(XD) 750 mL $64
TASTING NOTE: Red-ruby. Aromas of redcurrant, raspberry, tobacco, smoked meat and minerals. Fat and ripe in the mouth, with rather complex flavors of red berries, earth, burning tobacco and minerals. Offers good density in the middle but showed some slightly drying tannins as it opened in the glass.
Score - 88.
(Stephen Tanzer,
International Wine Cellar,
May/June 2001)
CHÂTEAU BEAUSÉJOUR DUFFAU-LAGAROSSE 1998 1er Grand Cru Classé (B), St.-Émilion
47183
(XD) 750 mL $135
TASTING NOTE: Slinky. Loads of milk chocolate and berry aromas, with hints of stone and earth. Full-bodied, with superpolished tannins and a long, silky finish. A beauty. Best after 2008.
Score - 92.
(James Suckling,
www.winespectator.com,
Jan. 31, 2001)
France Red
Wines - August 2007
Burgundy – Côte de Nuits
Maison Champy Gevrey-Chambertin Cazetiers 2005 1er Cru
46169
(XD) 750 mL $85
TASTING NOTE: A more elegant and distinctly more floral nose of earthy red, black and violet aromas nuanced by hints of game and spice leads to fleshy, ripe and solidly rich big-bodied flavors that are a bit animale in character on the chewy but not hard finish. This will require up to a decade of cellar time to really round out. Outstanding! Drink: 2013+.
Score - 89-92.
(Allen Meadows,
www.burghound.com,
April 1, 2007)
Faiveley Gevrey-Chambertin Cazetiers 2004 1er Cru
736090
(XD) 750 mL $69
TASTING NOTE: Upper register aromas of both red and black pinot fruit aromas tinged with nuances of plum, menthol and mocha plus undertones of something distinctly animale in character lead to mouth coating, intense and this is perhaps even bigger and more powerful yet with slightly better depth and concentration. Outstanding! Drink: 2014+.
Score - 89-92.
(Allen Meadows,
www.burghound.com,
Jan. 1, 2006)
Faiveley Nuits-St-Georges Aux Chaignots 2004 1er Cru
722090
(XD) 750 mL $65
TASTING NOTE: A lightly mentholated character combines with the dark berry and earthy aromas that also displays attractive spice hints to the rich, sweet and notably ripe flavors supported by dusty tannins and a persistent finish. This is not quite as concentrated and it's certainly less structured, indeed even rather forward. Drink: 2011+.
Score - 88-90.
(Allen Meadows,
www.burghound.com,
Jan. 1, 2006)
Faiveley Nuits-St-Georges Les Porets Saint-Georges 2004 1er Cru
728568
(XD) 750 mL $59
TASTING NOTE: Surprisingly high-toned for [a wine from the village of] Prémeaux with intensely floral and redcurrant aromas sitting atop supple, forward and earthy medium full flavors that possess a beguiling texture that is at once firm yet velvety though there is a somewhat dry quality to the moderately long finish. Drink 2012+.
Score - 87-89.
(Allen Meadows,
www.burghound.com,
Jan. 1, 2006)
France White
Wines - August 2007
Burgundy – Côte de Nuits
BERTAGNA LES CRAS VOUGEOT BLANC 2003 1er Cru
29017
(XD) 750 mL $119
TASTING NOTE: Nuts, pears, minerals, anise, and toasty oak can be found in the nose of the 2003 Vougeot Les Cras. Lush, sensual, and satin-textured, this medium-bodied wine bursts with pears, yellow plums, and candied apples. While it will require near-term drinking, it is sure to please. Projected maturity: now-2009.
Score - 90.
(Pierre Rovani,
www.erobertparker.com,
Aug. 2005)
France Red
Wines - August 2007
Burgundy – Côte de Beaune
DOMAINE JACQUES PRIEUR BEAUNE GRÈVES 2005 1er Cru
46995
(XD) 750 mL $70
TASTING NOTE: Deep ruby-red. Primary aromas of black raspberry, dark cherry, violet and minerals. Suave on entry, then juicy and tight in the middle, with relatively unevolved flavors of black fruits and violet. This one finished its malolactic fermentation later than the Clos de la Feguine and is considerably more backward. Finishes aromatic, firmly tannic and long.
Score - 88-91.
(Stephen Tanzer,
International Wine Cellar,
March/April 2007)
Maison Champy Corton 2005 Grand Cru
46177
(XD) 750 mL $75
TASTING NOTE: More discreet toast aromas set off distinct floral notes and ripe red berry and pinot fruit notes that can also be found on the intensely earthy, rich and minerally flavors that are powerful and well-muscled on the suave yet firm finish that displays admirable length. A very solid wine that will require at least a decade to really come into its own.
Score - 89-92.
(Allen Meadows,
www.burghound.com,
April 1, 2007)
Faiveley Beaune 2004 1er Cru
39826
(XD) 750 mL $49
Gently scented and fruited, this round, medium-bodied Beaune displays pretty aromas and flavours of red currant and spice. Exquisite with lamb or perfect for an evening of wine and French cheeses such as Reblochon, Morbier, Comté and Beaufort.
France White
Wines - August 2007
Burgundy – Côte de Beaune
DOMAINE DU CHÂTEAU DE PULIGNY-MONTRACHET PULIGNY-MONTRACHET 2002
21741
(XD) 750 mL $65
TASTING NOTE: This is a small but noticeable step up in both elegance and complexity with pretty white fruit and honeysuckle aromas that merge into sweet, precise and admirably pure flavors that are both defined and refined and possess excellent length. This is a wine of understatement and obvious minerality if not necessarily great density. Outstanding! Drink 2007-12.
Score - 88-90.
(Allen Meadows,
www.burghound.com,
July 1, 2004)
DOMAINE DU CHÂTEAU DE PULIGNY-MONTRACHET PULIGNY-MONTRACHET 2003
21725
(XD) 750 mL $79
TASTING NOTE: Indisputably the most elegant of these five villages wines with beautiful and nicely detailed white flower and green apple aromas that precede the delicious, sweet and notably complex medium full flavors that possess both style and grace, all wrapped in a persistent, mouth coating finish. Drink: 2007+.
Score - 86-89.
(Allen Meadows,
www.burghound.com,
July 1, 2005)
Maison Champy Corton Charlemagne 2005 Grand Cru
46151
(XD) 750 mL $119
TASTING NOTE: As one would reasonably expect, this is a substantial step up in quality with vanilla and wood spice notes marrying into airy, pure and ripe aromas of green fruit and floral notes that continue onto the rich, sweet and very full-bodied flavors that possess both good power and energy on the minerally and linear finish that is quite long but not strict. Drink: 2011+.
Score - 91.
(Allen Meadows,
www.burghound.com,
July 1, 2007)
France White
Wines - August 2007
Burgundy – Chablis
DOMAINE LOUIS MICHEL CHABLIS MONTÉE DE TONNERRE 2005 1er Cru
717231
(XD) 750 mL $45
TASTING NOTE: This too is much more classic in style than many of the preceding wines with upper register green fruit, oyster shell, algae and sea breeze nuances that introduce intensely stony, delicious and generous flavors that are at once round yet retain a good sense of underlying precision on the bone dry and persistent finish. Classy juice and worth a close look. Sweet spot outstanding! Drink: 2009+.
Score - 90-92.
(Allen Meadows,
www.burghound.com,
Oct. 1, 2006)
DOMAINE Louis Michel Chablis Butteaux 2005 1er Cru
41426
(XD) 750 mL $39
TASTING NOTE: This is the most aromatically complex of the three climats [vineyards] eligible to be included under the umbrella of Montmains (Montmains proper, Forêts and Butteaux) with floral and airy aromas trimmed by subtle spice and oyster shell notes that introduce rich, full and intense flavors that display a distinct saline character, all wrapped in a punchy, racy and vibrant finish. Lovely and distinctly different from its two counterparts. Drink: 2009+.
Score - 88-91.
(Allen Meadows,
www.burghound.com,
Oct. 1, 2006)
DOMAINE Louis Michel Chablis Fourchaume 2005 1er Cru
41418
(XD) 750 mL $45
TASTING NOTE: A beautifully elegant and refined nose of white flowers, green fruit and iodine and marine nuances that transition gracefully into rich, defined and impressively pure flavors that are harmonious and understated plus this offers the most evident Chablis character of any wine to this point as the oyster shell and saline hints are prominent. This finishes quite dry as well which is in contrast to the average wine in this vintage. Outstanding! Drink: 2009+.
Score - 89-91.
(Allen Meadows,
www.burghound.com,
Oct. 1, 2006)
Domaine Louis Michel Chablis Grenouilles 2005 Grand Cru
720490
(XD) 750 mL $69
TASTING NOTE: A fruity, floral and notably spicy nose of moderate elegance leads to round but impressively focused flavors that like the Vaudésir, possess more minerality than usual for both the cru and the vintage, all wrapped in a finish that offers ample Chablis character and outstanding power and length. This too could surprise to the upside. Drink: 2009+.
Score - 90-92.
(Allen Meadows,
www.burghound.com,
Oct. 1, 2006)
Domaine Louis Michel Chablis VaudÉsir 2005 Grand Cru
665018
(XD) 750 mL $65
TASTING NOTE: This too is very pure and classic in character with wonderfully forceful notes of seaweed and green fruit that complement perfectly the rich, punchy, intense, powerful, concentrated and sappy flavors that finish with remarkable length on the very dry finish. This is unusually minerally for both Vaudésir and the vintage and at this stage, it's the clear class of the cellar in 2005. Don't miss! Drink: 2009+.
Score - 91-93.
(Allen Meadows,
www.burghound.com,
Oct. 1, 2006)
Domaine William Fèvre Chablis Bougros 2005 Grand Cru
941229
(XD) 750 mL $59
TASTING NOTE: Pale, green-tinged color. Ripe aromas of crystallized citrus peel and stone. Very ripe and creamy but high-pitched, with an exhilarating sugar/acid balance. Still holding a bit of gas. A very elegant Bougros with creaminess and cut. Conveys a strong sense of sucrosite but this is thoroughly dry. You don't have to be a Chablis connoisseur to enjoy this!
Score - 92-94.
(Stephen Tanzer,
International Wine Cellar,
Nov./Dec. 2006)
Domaine William Fèvre Chablis Montée de Tonnere 2005 1er Cru
977579
(XD) 750 mL $39
TASTING NOTE: An unmistakable step up on almost every dimension as this is more elegant, more refined, more sophisticated and more complex, particularly on the airy white flower fruit and menthol nose that introduces powerful, concentrated and gorgeously intense flavors that feature an explosively long finish. This has real energy to it plus grand cru caliber class. Sweet spot outstanding! Drink: 2010+.
Score - 90-93.
(Allen Meadows,
www.burghound.com,
Oct. 1, 2006)
DOMAINE WILLIAM Fèvre LES CLOS CHABLIS 2004 Grand Cru
641381
(XD) 750 mL $79
TASTING NOTE: Stylistically, this closely resembles the Valmur with its ultra elegant and pure aromas featuring white flowers, oyster shell and subtle spice notes that perfectly complement the round, powerful, rich and full-bodied flavors that coating the mouth and culminate in a saliva-inducing, incredibly intense finish that reminded me more than a little of a great Corton-Charlemagne. This just oozes minerality and the texture is minerally to the point of this resembling a block of stone. A great Les Clos. Drink 2012+.
Score - 95.
(Allen Meadows,
www.burghound.com,
Oct. 1, 2006)
France Red
Wines - August 2007
Rhône – Northern Rhône
M. Chapoutier L'Ermite Ermitage 2004
13102
(XD) 750 mL $229
TASTING NOTE: All of the single vineyard Ermitages turned out as good as I had hoped, possibly even better. In short they are among the strongest wines one could hope for in this vintage. The 2004 Ermitage l’Ermite exhibits blueberry and floral notes with that undeniable minerality lurking beneath the surface. It is full-bodied, which is rather remarkable in this vintage, with serious concentration for a 2004 and sweetness to the tannin. This wine might well be the most approachable of these wines, and drink well young yet last for 15 or more years. Drink 2007-2022.
Score - 93.
(Robert Parker Jr.,
www.erobertparker.com,
April 2007)
M. Chapoutier La MordorÉe CÔte RÔtie 2004
13169
(XD) 750 mL $139
TASTING NOTE: Dark red. Powerful, ripe cherry and blackcurrant aromas deepened by strong mineral and smoked meat tones. A rich, almost brooding style, resembling a wine from Hermitage, with chewy texture and deep, liqueur-like red and dark fruit flavors. Finishes ripe and very long, with powerful tannins. Score – 90. (Josh Raynolds, International Wine Cellar, Jan./Feb. 2007)
M. Chapoutier Le Pavillon Ermitage 2004
13144
(XD) 750 mL $199
TASTING NOTE: All of the single vineyard Ermitages turned out as good as I had hoped, possibly even better. In short they are among the strongest wines one could hope for in this vintage. The 2004 Ermitage Le Pavillon is outstanding, but certainly not one of the most compelling wines Michel Chapoutier has made. It is dense, dark ruby/purple, and seems more austere and backward than the Le Meal, but I still think these are 15- to 20-year wines as opposed to the normal 50+ that the top vintages of these single vineyard Ermitages produce. Dense with black currant fruit intermixed with licorice, sweet blackberries, and white chocolate, this is an elegant, mid-weight Pavillon that should be drinking well in about 5-6 years and last 15-20. Drink 2012-2027.
Score - 92.
(Robert Parker Jr.,
www.erobertparker.com,
April 2007)
M. Chapoutier Les Granits Saint-Joseph 2004
13185
(XD) 750 mL $49
TASTING NOTE: Ruby-red. Intense red fruit aromas are underscored by a stony tone, along with strong graphite and iron qualities. Lush and sweet, with cherry preserve and raspberry flavors deepened by tobacco and succulent herb notes. Finishes sweet and juicy, with excellent focus and length. An impressively balanced wine that should repay cellaring.
Score - 92.
(Josh Raynolds,
International Wine Cellar,
Jan./Feb. 2007)
HERMITAGE GAMBERT DE LOCHE 2003
941849
(XD) 750 mL $79
TASTING NOTE: Terrific fruit--fig, blackberry and boysenberry--with licorice, dark chocolate and tar notes as well. Stays fleshy and silky through the long finish, with mineral hints peeking in for added effect. Drink now through 2014.
Score - 92.
(James Molesworth,
www.winespectator.com,
May 31, 2006)
France White
Wines - August 2007
Rhône – Northern Rhône
M. Chapoutier Vin de Paille Hermitage Blanc 2003
13219
(S) 375 mL $169
TASTING NOTE: Deep gold. Intense, complex aromas of dried apricot and honey. Thick, silky and superconcentrated, with distinctly wild flavors of apricot, truffle and damp earth. Conveys a tactile impression of extract. The '02 version is much fresher but not as honeyed, notes Mazoyer. Finishes silky and impressively long. This is 14% alcohol with 160 grams per liter of residual sugar.
Score - 93.
(Stephen Tanzer,
International Wine Cellar,
Jan./Feb. 2005)
France Red
Wines - August 2007
Rhône – Southern Rhône
DOMAINE DU VIEUX TÉLÉGRAPHE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2004
951475
(XD) 750 mL $59
TASTING NOTE: Certainly Vieux Telegraphe has acquitted itself well in these two vintages with the 2004 Vieux Telegraphe Chateauneuf du Pape boasting big, smoky, peppery, garrigue notes intermixed with black cherry, licorice, smoke, and sweet currants. The wine is ripe and full-bodied with decent acidity and some mineral notes. Daniel Brunier stated it actually tips the scales at 15% alcohol, which is high for this vintage. It should drink well for 12-15 more years. Drink 2007-2022. Score - 92.
(Robert Parker Jr.,
www.erobertparker.com,
Feb. 2007)
M. Chapoutier Barbe Rac Châteauneuf du Pape 2004
13177
(XD) 750 mL $69
TASTING NOTE: Displaying a deep ruby hue, the 2004 Chateauneuf du Pape Barbe Rac is a classic example of Chateauneuf offering superb aromas of roasted herbs, licorice, ground pepper, and sweet black cherry fruit. It, too, tips the scales at over 16% natural alcohol, but doesn’t show it, which is a tribute to these ancient Grenache vines. Deep, full-bodied, and opulent, it is best consumed during its first 15 years of life. Drink 2007-2022.
Score - 93.
(Robert Parker Jr.,
www.erobertparker.com,
Feb. 2007)
France Red
Wines - August 2007
Midi
Mas de Daumas Gassac 2005 VdP de l'Herault Haute Vallée du Gassac
910687
(XD) 750 mL $47
Robert Parker Jr. appears to be a fan of this domaine. He remarked: "This was one of the first Languedoc-Roussillon estates to fully exploit the potential that exists in this windswept, sunny region. I have had the pleasure of buying, cellaring, and drinking all of the Mas de Daumas Gassac reds since 1978." (www.erobertparker.com) Hailing from France's 'New World', this Languedoc red is well-structured yet it also displays an exuberant fruitiness. A lovely wine that will be a hit at any dinner party. Enjoy over the next 3-5 years.
