2000 Chateauneuf du Pape Clos des Papes

The 2000 Châteauneuf-du-Pape also showed beautifully and is fully mature. Garrigue, kirsch, forest floor, and mature red and black fruits give way to a silky, elegant red that still improves with time in the glass. I don't see this getting better since it’s fully mature, so I'd opt for drinking bottles over the coming 4-5 years. Paul-Vincent Avril continues to be one of the most talented and passionate winemakers in Châteauneuf-du-Pape today. From his estate located on the southern end of the village and pulling from roughly 90 acres of vines spread throughout the appellation, he makes a single white and red Châteauneuf-du-Pape and has resisted the urge to produce any special cuvées. The wine is always a blend of 60% Grenache 20% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah and the rest a mix of permitted varieties, aged all in older foudre in a temperature-controlled and humidified cellar. His Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a staunchly traditional and world-class wine that always shines for its elegance and texture. Time will tell, but my money is on his 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape being the greatest wine ever made at this address, although the 2007 from my cellar will give it a run for its money. Also, Vincent always pulls out older vintages during visits and I’ve included those wines here as well as few from my cellar.

65% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre, 15% Syrah, Counoise, Vaccarèse and Muscardin. Milk chocolate, incredible rose-petal perfume, chewy texture but loads of truffle scent and rich, succulent fruit. Quite light in body, but full of substance and length. Still has plenty to give. (RH)

The Burgundian-styled 2000 Chateauneuf du Pape is drinking at point today. Possessing beautiful notes of forest floor, truffles, spice, garrigue and sweet cherry and kirsch like fruit, this beauty has notable freshness and purity, medium to full-bodied richness, fine tannin and a layered, integrated texture that keeps you coming back to the glass. There's no need to delay gratification here and I'd enjoy bottles over the coming 4-5 years.