2006 Chateauneuf du Pape La Reserve

One of the top wines in the vintage, the 2006 Le Clos du Caillou Châteauneuf-du-Pape Domaine du Caillou Reserve is a blend of 60% Grenache, from the lieu-dit La Guigasse, and the balance an even split of Mourvèdre and Syrah from the Les Bedines lieu-dit. Aged for 18 months in demi-muid, it displays a deep ruby/purple color as well as knockout aromatics of black currant, truffle, meat juice, garrigue, and licorice. A touch more graphite and earthy characteristics develop over the course of the evening, but the wine stays firmly planted in the south of France. Full-bodied on the palate and beautifully balanced, with solid concentration, very fine tannin structure, and a fresh, long finish, this top-notch Châteauneuf-du-Pape is superb now, but should continue to drink superbly for another 12-15 years. There’s not many other ‘06s I’d rather have in the cellar.

Inky ruby. Alluring perfume of red and dark berries, cinnamon, incense and fresh flowers. Lush, creamy and sweet, offering palate-coating dark berry flavors and a sweet lavender pastille quality. Expands and gains depth and energy on the finish, leaving behind zesty cherry and berry skin and bitter chocolate notes. Extremely impressive and built to age. (JR)

Bright crimson. Very heady – the first wine that really sings of the garrigue. Spicy too – most mulled wine in its flavours! Definite cinnamon there… Lots of effort here. Lovely tannins – so ripe yet present, Very rich and flattering. (JR)