France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Wine 1 of 4. Good red fruit, dried herbs, leather, spice notes, liquorice, cinnamon and clove are joined by roasted herbs on the finish, with fine, firm, well-integrated tannin and good length. Very balanced and harmonious. Drank very well.
On day two, the fruit was less fresh and the wine was a little less energetic, but it was intact structurally and still drank well.
France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Wine 2 of 4. Looks and smells more developed than the first wine. Pruny. Some VA. A little warming and a slightly bitter on the end. Not enough fruit left to counter the pronounced acidity and dry tannin, disjointed in that sense. Still drinkable, but not much enjoyment to be found, unfortunately. Seems to be past peak, don't think it will make a comeback. (NR)
Wine 3 of 4. Good, ripe fruit, cherry, blueberry, herbal notes, intense chocolate, lovely, intense spice, with supporting acidity, well-integrated tannin and superb length. Good body and concentration. Dense, concentrated and long. Well-structured. I could drink a whole bottle. Great wine! In a good place.
Even more striking on day two. Except for the high-class chocolate note, this is the closest thing to top notch CdP I have had from outside the Southern Rhône!
France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Wine 4 of 4. Concentrated sweet red and dark fruit, pastille, fresh herbs, intense spice notes, liquorice, gamy notes and stony mineral notes, with supporting acidity, fine, high-class tannin and superb length. Very dense and concentrated. Well balanced.
Very complete by day three, except for some warmth on the finish. Great wine!
1988 La Petite Bastide Châteauneuf-du-Pape 90 Points
France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Wine 1 of 4. Good red fruit, dried herbs, leather, spice notes, liquorice, cinnamon and clove are joined by roasted herbs on the finish, with fine, firm, well-integrated tannin and good length. Very balanced and harmonious. Drank very well.
On day two, the fruit was less fresh and the wine was a little less energetic, but it was intact structurally and still drank well.
Even fresher than the last bottle.
Post a Comment / 1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue
1998 Cuvée du Vatican Châteauneuf-du-Pape
France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Wine 2 of 4. Looks and smells more developed than the first wine. Pruny. Some VA. A little warming and a slightly bitter on the end. Not enough fruit left to counter the pronounced acidity and dry tannin, disjointed in that sense. Still drinkable, but not much enjoyment to be found, unfortunately. Seems to be past peak, don't think it will make a comeback. (NR)
Post a Comment / 1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue