2000 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Prestige

The Cuvee Prestige is full-bodied, sexy, concentrated, and loaded with the essence of Provence. The 2000 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Prestige smells like liqueur of black pepper intermixed with lavender, game, and black fruits. It tastes so much like Provence that one almost expects some of their famous miniature figurines (santons) to jump out of the glass. Ripe, layered, and spicy, with soaring aromatics, this fleshy, chewy 2000 is undoubtedly hiding some serious tannin. Anticipated maturity: now-2016. Importer: Eric Solomon, European Cellars, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565

The Cuvee Prestige is full-bodied, sexy, concentrated, and loaded with the essence of Provence. The 2000 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Prestige smells like liqueur of black pepper intermixed with lavender, game, and black fruits. It tastes so much like Provence that one almost expects some of their famous miniature figurines (santons) to jump out of the glass. Ripe, layered, and spicy, with soaring aromatics, this fleshy, chewy 2000 is undoubtedly hiding some serious tannin. Anticipated maturity: now-2016. Feb 2003, www.robertparker.com

Medium-deep color. Superripe aromas of plum, redcurrant, chocolate and spice cake, with a faint raisiny character. Sweet, open, easygoing and showy; quintessential ripe Chateauneuf texture and flavors. Complicating note of sweet herbs. Finishes with sweet tannins and moderate grip. I would have scored this wine even higher but for a slight suggestion of imperfect wood.