2006 Domaine Charvin Châteauneuf-du-Pape

The 2006 Domaine Charvin Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a tradition Chateauneuf with boatloads of garrigue, herbs de Provence, lavender and perfumed, licorice infused fruit. Showing beautiful complexity and intensity on the nose, the palate is medium to full bodied with sweet fruit, a soft, supple texture and an overall elegant character. I’d drink these over the coming 10 to 12 years.

Bright red. Captivatingly perfumed scents of fresh red berries, cherry, minerals and flowers, plus an exotic note of incense. Pliant and sweet, with deep raspberry and candied cherry flavors, silky texture and firm mineral cut. Reminds me of serious, decadent Burgundy. Finishes with excellent clarity and red fruit persistence. This is gorgeous.

Charvin’s 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape has turned out to be one of the vintage’s top efforts. Lovely sweet notes of glove leather, roasted meats, spice box, ground pepper, kirsch, and raspberries are present in this deep, full-bodied 2006. More evolved than the 2007, with copious concentration, elegance, and a Burgundy grand cru-like complexity as well as freshness, it should be enjoyed over the next 12-15+ years. Importer: Peter Weygandt, Weygandt-Metzler, Unionville, PA; tel. (610) 486-0800