2001 Chateauneuf du Pape Haut Brusquieres

Coming all from the sand and clay soils of the Les Hautes Brusquières vineyard, which is located in the northern/central part of the appellation, Domaine de la Charbonnière’s 2001 Cuvée Spéciale Les Hautes Brusquières is a blend of 60% Grenache, and 40% Syrah that’s completely destemmed and aged for 12-18 months in a combination of old foudres and smaller, older barrels. A tremendous effort (and one that makes me think I’m under rating the ’05 & ’07), the wine is floral and perfumed, possessing loads of lavender, garrigue and earthy aromas that are supported by a meaty core of dark fruit. Pure, intense, and beautifully focused on the nose, the wine is full bodied on the palate, showing lush fruit, a silky texture, and an overall balanced, harmonious personality. Drinking brilliantly, this should continue to perform for a decade, if not longer.

Full red-ruby. Reticent aromas of medicinal berries, licorice and gingerbread. Intensely flavored but a bit youthfully tough and closed; tightly wound and not yet pliant. Finishes a bit pinched, with a firm tannic spine. Dominated today by its rather inscrutable syrah component.