2003 Domaine de Beaurenard Châteauneuf-du-Pape

A brilliant wine, the dark ruby/purple colored 2003 Chateauneuf du Pape exhibits a distinctive and possibly controversial nose of spearmint and eucalyptus intermixed with melted black chocolate, roasted meats, and plenty of herbs and black cherry liqueur. It is deep, fleshy, full-bodied, and savory. I would drink this wine over the next decade without hesitation. Importer: New Castle Imports, Myrtle Beach, SC; tel. (843) 497-8625

Bright red. Funky, wild aromas of espresso, garrigue, wild berries, underbrush and dried flowers, with a hint of leather. Ripe and full, with a rich, dried cherry character that builds with air and serious tannins. A powerful, solid, long wine that needs to time to unwind.