Vineyard Gate Retail Tasting

New Chateauneuf du Pape Releases. Two whites and three reds served.

• 2005 Domaine Grand Veneur Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape
  Pretty nose of flowers mixed with minerality and perhaps a little honeyed. Pleasant, but unremarkable palate of white fruits. Finish is a bit harsh and bitter without much accompanying complexity. Note to others: I'm very new to tasting white CdP. Perhaps this is a bit young? (86 pts.)
• 2005 Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc La Crau - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape
  Concentrated nose displaying mineral character and pear notes. Very concentrated on the palate, with a dry fruit feel and an interesting spicy element. While new to tasting CdP whites, I can see how this might improve over time From 2016. (89 pts.)
• 2004 Domaine Roger Perrin Châteauneuf-du-Pape - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape
  Fresh red berry nose jumped from the glass while some dark fruit brooded in the background. Concentration is quite good with a strong fruit character and well balanced. Rustic finish with some fairly rough tannins. Seemingly unique for its liveliness that I've tasted in red Chateauneuf. From 2010. (91 pts.)
• 2004 Domaine Grand Veneur Châteauneuf-du-Pape - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape
  Deeper nose and darker palate than the Roger Perrin. Seemingly more typical of young Chateauneuf with dark fruits, smoke and an earthy complexity. While not profound, should be very good with time. From 2010. (92 pts.)
• 2004 Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Crau - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape
  Packed and concentrated wine. Bold and still very balanced. However, did not seem to be yielding any definite flavors during the tasting. Score should rise greatly as this wine emerges. (93 pts.)