The 2001 Chateauneuf du Pape, an unfined/unfiltered blend of 65% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre, and 15% Syrah, is more structured than the open-knit 2000 or muscular 1998. The 2001 is a dense, archetypical effort offering a classic bouquet of Provencal herbs intermixed with loamy soil, Asian spice, kirsch liqueur, cedar, and tobacco aromas. Sweet, peppery black cherry jam-like flavors emerge in the mouth. Dense, full-bodied, rich, and spicy, its tannic structure suggests 1-2 years of cellaring is warranted. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2014.
Published : 2004-02-01