2006 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes
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The debut vintage of the Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes, the 2006 (nearly all Grenache) has totally closed down. It possesses a Chateauneuf du Pape style with a Bordeaux structure. Dense ruby/purple to the rim, it displays a hint of new oak along with sensational levels of kirsch liqueur, licorice, lavender, and loamy soil. Full-bodied and powerful, with high tannin, it is built for the long haul. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2044. ||This estate, owned by the Jaume family, has been on fire over the last decade. The wines are made in a polished, civilized, modern style, but they do not lack Provencal or Chateauneuf du Pape typicity. In 2006, they added a third cuvee of Chateauneuf du Pape, an old vine cuvee that was mostly all Grenache in 2006, but a different blend in 2007. The real bargain among the Chateauneuf du Papes is their traditional offering. Over the last 4-5 years, Grand Veneur has produced a bevy of terrific Cotes du Rhones, and the following two cuvees are indicative of what they are capable of achieving. Wine Advocate.October, 2008
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Robert Parker
Jeb Dunnuck
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The first vintage for the cuvee, the 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes is a blockbuster that’s up with the top two to three wines of the vintage. Giving up terrific notes of blackberries, currants, bouquet garni, licorice and a kiss of barrique, this beauty is full-bodied, has stunning purity of fruit, sweet tannin, and an overall elegant feel that belies its underlying concentration and density. Made from 50% Grenache, 40% Mourvedre and 10% Syrah that spent 16 months in equal parts concrete tanks and smaller barrels, it’s a thrill ride of a drink today, but has another 10-15 years of overall longevity. Mar 2016, www.robertparker.com