2006 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes

One of the wines of the vintage is the 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes, and I still remember tasting this beauty at the domaine on release. Almost all Grenache and aged in tank, it has sensational notes of wild strawberries, raspberries, flowers, olive and Provencal garrigue all literally soaring from the glass. This gives way to a full-bodied, utterly seamless, weightless 2006 that has fabulous depth of fruit, fine tannin and a finish that just won’t quit. It’s flat out great today, but will continue knocking your socks off for another decade.

Deep red. Sexy, pinot-like red fruits and minerals on the nose, with a suave floral overtone. Lush raspberry and cherry preserve flavors are enlivened by zesty minerality and framed by silky tannins, picking up more wild garrigue and tobacco qualities on the finish. For all its flavor impact, this is remarkably light, even delicate, with superb balance and precision.

The 2006 Vieilles Vignes however, lags its ’07 counterpart in aromatics only. Where the ’07 is fresh and focused, the ’06 is just slightly more rustic and heavy, showing deep black cherry, raspberry, licorice and garrigue. The palate is every bit as good as the ’07 and if anything, offers a touch more integration and finesse at this point. It’s also interesting to note that Sophie prefers her ’06 Vieilles Vignes to the ’07 at this point. Either way, this is a stunning wine that will drink for 20+ years.