2005 Chateauneuf du Pape La Plume du Peintre
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Tasting notes
As in 2003, Delorme has produced a 1,500-bottle cuvee of the 2005 La Plume du Peintre, which is 100% Grenache, all of it from old vines on one of the famed sectors of Chateauneuf du Pape, the lieu-dit known as La Crau. Tipping the scales at 16.3% alcohol, this wine is aged two-thirds in neutral wood and tank and one-third in small barrels. It is 100% destemmed Grenache and is meant to last 30-40 years. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the 2003 and 2005 last 40-50 years. The 2005 is inky blue/purple in color with an extraordinary nose of blueberries, off-the-chart levels of polyphenols and dry extract. Tasting just like the concentrated essence of a vintage port but totally dry, this is profound stuff and probably the Chateauneuf du Pape of the vintage, but with such a minuscule production, only a few bottles will ever make it outside the domaine. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2035. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate # 169 Feb 2007
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Average Score
Robert Parker
Jeb Dunnuck
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The tiny production 2005 Châteauneuf du Pape la Plume du Peintre is a monumental wine. Coming all from the La Crau lieu-dit and made from 100% Grenache aged 30% in small barrels and 70% in stainless steel tanks, it offers massive amounts of cassis, blueberry, licorice, graphite and spice, full-bodied richness, building tannin and a youthful, unevolved profile that’s hard to believe. It won’t hit maturity for another 4-5 years and will keep through 2035+. This is a singular Châteauneuf du Pape that I wish every reader could taste; unfortunately, it’s almost impossible to find in the market. eRobertParker.com.February, 2015