2001 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes

A blend of 90% Grenache and 10% Mourvèdre, the 2001 Domaine de la Charbonnière Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Vieilles Vignes is drinking at point, showing resiny underbrush like qualities to go with sweet spice, cigar, Provencal herbs, and licorice notes on the nose. Evolved and open, with a silky texture, sweet fruit, and a classic, long finish, this should continue to shine for another 5-7 years.

Bright red-ruby. Blackberry and cassis fruit aromas complicated by exotic spices, mocha and cola. Dense, thick, silky and seamless; at once plush and sharply delineated. Very concentrated, pliant Chateauneuf du Pape with excellent lift: very 2001 in style. Smooth and persistent on the back end.

Red-ruby. Complex nose melds red fruits, smoke and roasted herbs. Dense but penetrating, with ripe acids giving the wine enticing inner-mouth perfume. Quite full and smooth, with less impression of alcohol than the 2000. Finishes long and ripe. Offers excellent potential.