1991 M. Chapoutier Châteauneuf-du-Pape Barbe Rac

Full bottle 1,397 g. I see that Parker writes in his Rhône book that this was 'one of the two or three best wines I tasted in Châteauneuf-du-Pape in this dreadful vintage' (which he describes as 'thin, hollow, nasty and best forgotten'. He predicted it should keep for 15 years. Darker, blacker, than the Rayas 2005 served alongside. Meaty, gamey, more savoury, less sweet nose. Though there is certainly sweetness on the palate that rather reminds me of a mature Napa red. So much sunshine here! But this is certainly not over the hill yet! Though there is more noticeable acidity than in the Rayas – which may not be a bad thing actually. A very good bottle of this wine! (JR)

Opened to partner a beef and veal stroganoff. Transparent ruby with a pale rim. Very mature nose with spice and camphor and with top notes of dried herbs. On the palate there's sufficient acidity with sweet fruit very slightly fading. Really rather subtle for a Châteauneuf, with a light, tarry finish. (JR)

Because Michel Chapoutier makes so many outstanding northern Rhone wines his Chateauneuf du Pape receives less attention than it merits. There are two cuvees of Chateauneuf du Pape, La Bernardine and a luxury cuvee called Barbe Rac. The 1991 Chateauneuf du Pape Barbe Rac is one of the two or three best wines I tasted in Chateauneuf du Pape from this dreadful vintage. It displays a deep ruby color, a spicy, herbaceous-scented nose, and rich, curranty fruit. Although it possesses a more narrow flavor profile than the 1992 and 1993, there is medium to full body, as well as excellent concentration and ripeness. With more noticeable tannin than the 1992 and 1993, it will benefit from 2-3 years of cellaring; it should keep for 15 years. Importer: Paterno Imports, Chicago, IL; Tel. (312) 247-7070