2005 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Boisrenard

Mostly Grenache in a blend containing all 13 varieties allowed in Châteauneuf, from very old vines (60-110 years). Lieux-dits: Boisrenard, Cabrières, Coteaux de L'ange and La Nerthe. Destemmed, indigenous yeasts, 18 months in French oak barrels (20% new). 10,000 bottles produced. pH 3.6 , RS 1.7 g/l. Harvested end September. Blackish ruby. Thick, sweet and dense but without much refreshment factor. Pretty heavy with still-marked tannins. But lots to get your teeth into. Still a bit severe but promising and with good structure. Attractive, cool, unexaggerated finish. (JR)

Inky ruby. Exotically perfumed nose offers a striking array of red and dark berries, flowers and garrigue Fresh cherry and boysenberry flavors are sweetened by vanillin oak and candied licorice, finishing with gentle grip and superb persistence. Leaves a lingering spicy quality on the palate, along with clinging dark fruit preserves.

Saturated ruby. Deeply floral nose offers spicy strawberry and raspberry complicated by rose and lavender. Round and creamy in the mouth, displaying wonderfully fresh, sweet red berry flavors and silky tannins. The finish is impressively long and throws off an array of red fruit and exotic spice notes.