2005 Chateauneuf du Pape Pure

A wine I've had many times, Julien's 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape Pure is a heavenly Chateauneuf du Pape that's a tribute to the heights Grenache can hit when grown in a great terroir and made by a great winemaker. Possessing about as much kirsch liqueur, blackberry, licorice, bouquet garni and spice as you could pack into a wine, this flamboyant, voluptuous and sexy beauty doesn't show any of the harsh tannin common in the vintage, has awesome purity and a blockbuster finish. When a wine is drinking this good, I see no reason to hold off, but I've no doubt it will hold nicely going forward.

Representing the very essence of Grenache, the 2005 Domaine la Barroche Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Pure, 100% Grenache from a single plot of vines planted over a century ago, aged all in foudre, boast spectacular aromatics of kirsch, garrigue, licorice, and hot stones. Massively perfumed and complex on the nose, the palate is deep and layered, presenting a rich, unctuous texture, that somehow stays light and airy, loads of sweet fruit, and a blockbuster finish that has insane levels of richness, structure and length. This improves beautifully with air and is a monumental wine that should drink well for two decades or longer.

(100% grenache) Deep red. Wonderfully sexy strawberry, raspberry, blood orange and floral aromas are downright Burgundian-and great Burgundy at that. Silky and sweet, with deep red berry flavors and an array of floral pastille and mineral qualities carrying through the finish. There are tannins here but they don't appear until very, very late, allowing the seductive fruit to shine. This was as alluring a wine as I tasted on this year's trip.