2005 Chateau de Beaucastel Rouge, Chateauneuf-du-Pape

Reminiscent of the 1995, the 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape is tight, structured and backward, with high acidity and tannin. Showing notes of blackcurrants, black raspberry, truffle, damp earth and cedar, with medium to full-bodied richness and depth, it needs another 3-5 years to reach the early stages of maturity, at which point it will hold for another decade or more. - Jeb Dunnock, The Wine Advocate #217

Deep ruby. Intense dark berry scents expand and deepen with air, picking up dusky espresso and licorice tones. Lush, powerful and sweet, with impressively concentrated, pure dark berry flavors and supple, finely integrated tannins. There's a great fruit/tannin balance here, and the supple finish boasts impressively concentrated and remarkably persistent cherry and blackberry fruit.

The 2005 Châteauneuf-du-Pape opens with meaty gradations, followed by dried fruits, forest floor, tobacco and grilled herbs. Savory and expressive, this fleshy red remains firmly structured by grippy tannins yet captures wonderful freshness. Finishing with lovely persistence, the 2005 should continue to drink well over the next five years.