Grand Cru Wine Merchants

Even though the 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape Tradition needs 3-4 years of bottle age, this wine (aged 80% in foudres and 20% in tank and made from a blend of 80% Grenache and the rest Syrah Mourvedre, and Cinsault) exhibits a dense ruby/purple color and a big, sweet nose of tree bark, blackberry, raspberry, and cherry with licorice, damp earth, and a hint of Provencal herbs. The wine is long, full-bodied, but still tannic and closed. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2018. -89pts WA