Relying on Syrah more than on Grenache, this is an unusual wine for Chateauneuf du Pape, yet it may well be a harbinger for things to come if the worldly Syrah is used in increasing amounts. Expansive in its aromas and combining dried grapes and the chocolatey notes of high ripeness with distinct raspberry, blackberry, smoked meat and rich oak characteristics, it is long on the palate and noticeably tannic. It cries out for bottle aging.

Full red-ruby. Roasted plum, strawberry, woodsmoke, violet, minerals, baking spices and underbrush on the complex nose; quintessential Chateauneuf aromas, despite the high percentages of syrah and mourvedre. Then sweet and rich but also bright and penetrating, with chewy depths of flavor and superb persistence. This wine's terrific grip suggests it will age slowly and well.

Rating: (91-94) - As reviewed in Wine Advocate # 138 on Dec-01

Rating: 93/100 - As reviewed by Wine Spectator on 12/15/03