2004 Clos des Pape Chateauneuf du Pape Rouge
Condition:
The 2004 Clos des Papes Chateauneuf du Pape is a surprisingly powerful wine that actually came in at alcohol levels equivalent to the 2003 (both 15.3%.) The wine is certainly one of the top wines of the vintage, with a dense ruby/purple color and a fresh nose of black raspberries and white flowers intermixed with kirsch, licorice, and spice. It is medium to full-bodied, not as voluminous and fleshy as the 2003, but beautifully made from their traditional blend of 65% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre, 10% Syrah, and the rest tiny percentages of other miscellaneous grapes. Everything is aged in large wood foudres prior to being bottled unfiltered. This wine is a strong effort from father and son Paul and Vincent Avril, and looks to have at least 20 years of longevity ahead of it. Think of it as a richer, more intense version of the 2001. - RP
WA95.93