2001 Chateauneuf du Pape

(a blend of 65% grenache, 20% mourvedre and 15% syrah) Dark red. Soil-inflected aromas of gunflint, hot rocks, woodsmoke and plum. Saline, tactile and concentrated, with terrific density of texture leavened by strong but harmonious acidity. Tart berry notes, in conjunction with the wine's rocky, minerally quality, accentuate the impression of spine. This is rigorous today, but also seamless and suave. Very firm, building finish goes on and on.

Good full deep red-ruby. Superripe, liqueur-like aromas of chocolate and spice cake. Sweet, fat, full and smooth; a suave, seamless wine with impeccable balance and noteworthy finesse. Lovely berry flavors carry well on the finish, which features thoroughly buffered tannins. A real essence of Chateauneuf, in a very stylish package.