Chateauneuf du Pape Tasting Dinner (mainly '98s)

This was the kind of hedonistic, informal, midweek treat that reminds one that there are few wines out there that are as reliably satisfying as great Chateauneuf du Pape. Delicious wines, a group of good friends to enjoy them with and some decent food (and no corkage)--what else does a body need?

• NV Perrier-Jouët Champagne Grand Brut 90 Points

  France, Champagne

  Nice stony, peach, mineral nose with lime edges; tart peach, lime and mineral palate; medium finish 90+ pts.

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The Vaudieu was a tasty intro. The Invitare had a terrific nose, but was already a year or two past its prime drinking window.

• 2007 Château de Vaudieu Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 92 Points

  France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

  Light yellow color; banana, vanilla, kiwi nose; oily textured, lovely, rounded lime, kiwi, apple palate; medium-plus finish

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• 2005 M. Chapoutier Condrieu Invitare 90 Points

  France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Condrieu

  Medium canary yellow color; beautiful floral, orange blossom, mineral nose; on the palate, more than a little faded, tangy, apple, orange blossom, lime palate; medium-plus finish

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This was a tasty and very satisfying flight. The Gardine and Veneur Les Origines were thoroughly wonderful. How can things get any better?

• 2003 Clos des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape 92 Points

  France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

  Dark red violet color; nice big garrigue, plum, berry and herb nose; big, mouthfilling, berry, raspberry, spice palate, a little hot; medium-plus finish 92+ pts.

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• 2000 Domaine Pierre Usseglio & Fils Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée de mon Aïeul 93 Points

  France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

  Opaque, dark red violet color, slightly bricking, with pale meniscus; brett, mineral, clove nose; tasty palate of tart red fruit, black fruit, plum, and mineral with a touch of brett; medium finish (group's WOTF)

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• 1998 Château de la Gardine Châteauneuf-du-Pape 94 Points

  France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

  Sexy tart red fruit, pepper, berry, mineral, spice nose; very tasty, balanced, tart berry, mineral, tart cherry palate; medium-plus finish

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• 1998 Domaine Grand Veneur Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Origines 95 Points

  France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

  Dark red violet color with clear meniscus; tough of brett on nose; but deep sexy, berry, ripe cherry, black fruit bay leaf and fig palate; medium-plus finish 95+ pts.

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By pouring an even more fabulous flight, including the stunning '98 Cuvee Laurence and one of my all-time CdP faves, the '90 Barbe Rac.

• 1998 Domaine de la Janasse Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes 95 Points

  France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

  Opaque dark red violet color with pale meniscus; lovely, rich plum, cherry, black fruit, clove, sexy nose; ery tasty, plum, black fruit, charcoal, mineral and cherry palate; medium-plus finish

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• 1998 Domaine du Pégau Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Réservée 93 Points

  France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

  Opaque, dark red violet color with floating sediment and pale meniscus; brett, Dr. Pepper nose; brett, Dr. Pepper, black fruit, fig, smoke palate with good acidity; medium-plus finish 93+ pts.

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• 1998 Domaine du Pégau Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Laurence 96 Points

  France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

  Opaque dark red violet color; ravishing berry, ripe cherry, fig, caramel nose; sexy ripe cherry, chocolate, caramel palate; long finish

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• 1990 M. Chapoutier Châteauneuf-du-Pape Barbe Rac 97 Points

  France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

  Cloudy, bricking, dark red violet color with cherry red meniscus; very sexy, bacon fat, pepper nose; gorgeous, bacon fat, tart red fruit, mineral palate; long finish

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a very satisfied Richard