Ruby-red. Intense red berry aromas, with complicating notes of orange peel and potpourri. Suave and silky on the palate, with red fruit flavors taking on a lavender aspect with air. The very long and wonderfully sweet finish features fine-grained tannins and a persistent raspberry note.

Bright ruby. Vibrant red berry and cherry aromas are complemented by suave mineral and fresh floral nuances. Resembles a great pinot noir in its clarity and sexy raspberry expression, with silky tannins adding grip. Gains weight on the finish, picking up cherry and cassis preserve qualities, with no loss of energy or focus. I love this wine's suave texture.

The 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape is superb, but it has to take a back seat to the 2006. Dark ruby with notes of underbrush, the seaweed wrapper nori, kirsch liqueur, and a bit of pepper and spice box, it is deep and broad, with outstanding concentration, moderately high tannin, and a nicely structured, pure mouthfeel. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2022.

CS Looks quite evolved. Meaty/punchy nose that’s so sweet it’s a bit like a vin de liqueur! Fine dry tannins on the finish but very exciting energy on the palate. Very youthful because this wine it reticent but there is real core of fruit here…. Not so heavy or alcoholic but fine and rather elegant for a Châteauneuf. Transparent and intriguig rather than sheer mass. (JR)