2001 Cotes du Rhone Vieilles Vignes

The 2001 Cotes du Rhone Vieilles Vignes (primarily Grenache with a touch of Counoise and Mourvedre) is an elegant, Burgundian-styled offering with aromas of sweet currants, black cherries, and flowers presented in a medium-bodied, silky-textured style that caresses the palate. Enjoy it over the next 5-6 years. Jean-Pierre Daumen (only 43 years old) is at the top of his game ... and we are all the beneficiaries. A new label debuted in 2001 as Jean-Paul Daumen is fed up with the bickering going on between the two Chateauneuf du Pape syndicates. He has eliminated the engraved bottle, using a standard Burgundy-styled bottle, and also has a new label. Daumen told me that after 2001, there will no longer be a Cuvee Vieilles Vignes as everything will go into the traditional Chateauneuf du Pape bottling. The only exception will be great vintages when they will produce limited quantities of a Reserve cuvee. Importer: A Christopher Cannan Selection, various American importers including Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300 and Diamond Wine Merchants, Oakland, CA; tel. (510) 567-9897