2004 Chateauneuf du Pape Chante le Merle Vieilles Vignes

The old-vine cuvee, the 2004 Chateauneuf du Pape Chante le Merle Vieilles Vignes, is more rustic and rich, with aromas and flavors of asphalt, licorice, roasted herbs and soy. Comprised of roughly 80% Grenache and 20% Mourvedre, it is a mature, medium to full-bodied effort that is nicely balanced and finishes with solid length. I don’t think it will improve going forward, but it should hold nicely for a number of years. The first vintage where winemaker Nicolas Boiron was completely in charge, 2004 is a solid year for this estate and the wines show classic profiles across the board. In addition, this was the first vintage where they started to implement partial destemming.

Primarily old vine Grenache, the 2004 Bosquet des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape Chante Le Merle Vieilles Vignes (Chantemerle) has a big, perfumed nose of garrigue and roasted herbs that give way to subtle black cherry, fennel and truffle notes. There's almost a slight sauvage note and to be honest, this is drinking really well and shows mature nuances along with fresh fruit. The palate fleshed out with an hour in the glass and is medium bodied, rich, texture and beautifully balanced. It has the fresh acidic profile and medium concentration character of the vintage but is smooth, rich and a great example of a quality Chateauneuf!

Dark red. Spicy raspberry and strawberry on the nose, with complicating notes of smoked meat and garrigue At once silky and focused, with pure red fruit flavors, subtle mineral notes and compelling purity. Remains bright and precise through the long, juicy finish. Lovely stuff, and balanced to repay cellaring.