2006 Chateauneuf du Pape

Winemaker Bernard Tranchecoste. 63% Grenache, 21% Syrah, 14% Mourvèdre and 2% other grapes. Limited use of chemicals (‘lutte raisonnée’). Hand-harvested grapes. Partial destemming, traditional vinification with punching of the cap and pumping over to get the best extraction possible. Vatting for 22-29 days. 70% of the wine was aged in oak barrels for 14 months . Bright healthy crimson. Not as arresting not as aromatic as the Gigondas at £17. Some good freshness though and there is something to get your teeth in to here. Still pretty tannic. But serious liquorice stuff. (JR)

Dark red. Very oaky aromas of cherry-vanilla, cola, clove, scotch and smoked meat qualities. Sweet and pliant, with strong vanillin oak and candied cherry flavors, supple texture and mounting sweetness. The oak spices cling tenaciously to the long, sweet finish. I might have guessed this to be a cult Napa cabernet.

Glowing crimson. Very intense and concentrated nose. Quite dramatic. Heady almost coconut notes as though there were even a hit of American oak in here! Very full and plump - I keep being reminded of young vintage port! You’d have to be careful not to drink too much of this, I suspect, but it’s certainly an attention grabber. Barriques from Pauillac in this Bordeaux-controlled property? (JR)