1996 Chateauneuf du Pape

Even though the 1996 Chateauneuf du Pape requires consumption within its first 8 or so years of life, it is close to outstanding. From its exotic, gorgeously fragrant nose of pepper, crushed sea shells, Provencal olives, and plum/cherry fruit, this dark garnet-colored wine is open-knit, juicy, rich, fat, medium to full-bodied, and expansive and succulent. It delivers its considerable quantity of fruit and spice in an easy-going, generous, precocious style. Yummy! Paul Avril, one of the stars of this appellation, has performed well in this light-styled vintage. The wine is a sexy example with significant density and richness.|| Importer: Alain Junguenet, Wines of France, Mountainside, NJ; tel. (908) 654-6173|| Wine Advocate.February, 1999

Darker red but a bit less saturated. Reticent nose hints at fresh dark berries and kirsch; more floral and less spicy than the Clos des Pape's '97 Châteauneuf. Supple and stylish, with firm acids and modest fat. Good but not outstanding intensity and grip. Finishes firm and persistent, with cherry, smoke and earth notes. Winemaker, Vincent Avril compares this wine to the '93 and '88.