Grand Cru Wine Merchants

Possibly better, but certainly not as charming as the Chaupin or the regular bottling of Chateauneuf, the 2004 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes has the most tannin and rigidity at present, and needs 3-4 years of bottle age before it will be drinkable. It should keep for 15 or so years. Dense dark purple to the rim with a beautiful nose of flowers, blueberries, black raspberries and cherries, this is intense, full-bodied wine with moderately high tannins and brilliant symmetry as well as purity. Year in and year out, this is certainly one of the dozen or so top wines of Chateauneuf du Pape, and 2004 is no exception. -93pts WA