2005 Chateauneuf du Pape Fiancee
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Tasting notes
Still tight and backward, the 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape Fiancee (50/50 Grenache and barrel-aged Syrah) was showing its oak elevage on this occasion, yet had terrific cassis, blackberry, graphite and leathery aromas and flavors that developed with time in the glass. Modern-styled, balanced and fresh, it's still youthfully concentrated and structured on the palate and will be a long-lived Chateauneuf du Pape. It needs another year or two in the cellar and will drink nicely over the following decade.
Critic scores
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Jeb Dunnuck
Josh Raynolds
More reviews and scores
The 2005 Domaine la Barroche Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Fiancée is a big, black cherry, cassis and mineral infused wine that while displaying ripe, modern fruit, also has underlying licorice and spice aromas that keep this planted firmly in the south of France. Medium to full bodied on the palate with rich fruit, impressive structure and a very long finish. This really improved with air and showed better on the second day.
Deep ruby. Smoky raspberry and licorice aromas, with a complex array of garrigue, fresh flowers and spices building with air. Vibrant cherry and dark berry flavors are youthfully gripping and finely etched, becoming more tannic on the palate-staining finish. Very young and more brooding than the Pure; give it some cellar time.
(a blend of 50% grenache and 50% syrah) Inky purple. Smoky tobacco, espresso and licorice accent ripe blackberry and boysenberry fruit aromas. Full, fleshy and sweet, with powerful cherry and dark berry flavors, solid tannins and an expansive finish. Deepens and gains weight with aeration, with the tannins building. A serious Chateauneuf that's built for the cellar.