2006 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes
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While I have a slight preference for the 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes to the '05, both are insanely good Chateauneufs that deliver just about everything you could want. Made from 100% old-vine Grenache and aged in a combination of new and used barrels, this beauty offers tons of cassis, licorice, spring flowers, chocolate and garrigue on the nose. Full-bodied, ultra-pure, supple and charming, it has more purity and finesse than the '05, but not as much concentration. Drink it anytime over the coming decade or more.
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Average Score
Robert Parker
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
One of the top 2006s, the Domaine de Cristia Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieille Vignes possesses notes of dark, earthy fruit, meat and minerals, full body, sweet fruit, great balance and a fantastic texture. More precise and streamlined than both the ’05 and ’07, this should drink beautifully over the next 15+ years.
Saturated ruby. Exotic, sexy bouquet of blackberry, blueberry, lavender, anise and mocha. The dark berry qualities repeat in the mouth, with sexy floral pastille and dark chocolate notes adding sweetness and depth. The floral character refuses to let go of the palate. You could drink this now but it has the depth and energy to carry it through a long life.
Very dark crimson. Heat and ripeness on the nose without any other clear characteristics. Super hedonistic – positively polished into smooth texture and massive alcohol. Still needs those tannins to settle down but should provide modernists with lots of pleasure although it will be too hot on the finish for many palates. All Grenache aged in barrique. (JR)