2005 Domaine de Marcoux Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Fresh, full-blown strawberry and raspberry aromas are complemented by fresh lavender and baking spices. A smoothly textured midweight, offering sweet red fruit flavors and gentle mineral lift. The round, supple character will allow for early drinking pleasure.

2005 was a fabulous year for Marcoux, and the 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape (80% Grenache and 20% Syrah and Cinsault) boasts a dark plum/purple color along with beautiful bouquet filled with scents of flowers, truffles, roasted meats, blueberries, black raspberries, and licorice. This opulent, intense wine possesses heady alcohol as well as a sweet, soft, full-bodied, moderately tannic finish. This beauty is one of the finest traditional cuvees made over the last decade. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2020+. This brilliant estate in the northern sector of Chateauneuf du Pape is admirably run by Sophie and Catherine Armenier. They continue to fine tune the wines produced at this biodynamically farmed vineyard, and their white Chateauneuf du Pape is now one of the three or four finest of the appellation. Sadly, they only make about 4,000 bottles of this blend of 66% Roussanne and 34% Bourboulenc. Importer: Eric Solomon, European Cellars, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565

I drank this bottle of 2005 Domaine de Marcoux Châteauneuf-du-Pape over two days and while young, it’s actually fairly open and did not close down. Bright and pure raspberry fruit is mixed with licorice, spice and garrigue notes. The palate is medium bodied, beautifully balanced and slightly feminine with medium concentration and a stunning pure and precise texture. The finish is long and has plenty of tannic grip but this comes across as an elegant, streamlined wine as opposed to one of pure power. I thought this noticeably improved overnight and gained both richness and depth on the palate. Beautiful wine.