Bright red. Spicy raspberry and cherry aromas are underscored by musky garrigue and dried flowers. Fresh, mineral-accented red fruit flavors are firmed by juicy acids and finish with gentle tannic grip. Picked up a suave baking spice character with air, along with an intriguing floral pastille quality. I've been underestimating this.

The 2001 Chateauneuf du Pape Marie Beurrier offers wonderful meaty, roasted herb, resiny, pine forest, and balsam wood scents intermixed with notions of fresh mushrooms, pepper, lavender, and plenty of beef blood characteristics. Opulent, fleshy, and soft, with some tannin in the background, this is a sensational vintage that should drink beautifully for 15 or more years. I can’t say enough about the great Henri Bonneau, who seems to be a bigger-than-life character in the spiritual rather than physical sense, and who is an inspiration for every young producer in the Rhone Valley. It is a privilege to taste there, and I am thrilled with how well the tastings went this year. Importer: Alain Junguenet, Wines of France, Mountainside, NJ; tel. (908) 654-6173