Wine Advocate December, 2001 One of the undeniable stars of the vintage, the 1999 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve is a blockbuster in a year that did not generally produce wines of such power and richness (of course, it includes the declassified Vieilles Vignes cuvee in the blend). A deep purple color is followed by aromas of cassis, kirsch liqueur, flowers, plums, and blackberries. Full-bodied, multi-layered, and fabulously extracted, with low acidity, sweet tannin, and magnificent purity, this is a sumptuous, prodigious Chateauneuf du Pape that should drink well for 15-20 years. It is hard to believe that something this special could have been produced in 1999, but there are a half dozen or so wines at this level in 1999.

One of the undeniable stars of the vintage, the 1999 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve is a blockbuster in a year that did not generally produce wines of such power and richness (of course, it includes the declassified Vieilles Vignes cuvee in the blend). A deep purple color is followed by aromas of cassis, kirsch liqueur, flowers, plums, and blackberries. Full-bodied, multi-layered, and fabulously extracted, with low acidity, sweet tannin, and magnificent purity, this is a sumptuous, prodigious Chateauneuf du Pape that should drink well for 15-20 years. It is hard to believe that something this special could have been produced in 1999, but there are a half dozen or so wines at this level in 1999. Importer: A Christopher Cannan Selection, various American importers, including: Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300 and Diamond Wine Merchant, Oakland, CA; tel. (510) 567-9897

Young and tight on the nose, this 1999 Domaine de la Vieille Julienne Châteauneuf-du-Pape Reserve is still a young pup with a long life ahead of it. The nose shows rich black cherry, new leather, garrigue and graphite notes but it’s not singing either and takes some coaxing. It does deliver on the palate though and is medium to full bodied, concentrated, pure and long. The purity to the fruit is notable as is the depth on the mid-palate and the length. This opened up with air but should flesh out and show more complexity with air.

Bright ruby-red. Perfumed aromas of cassis, violet pastille and mint. Dense but juicy and penetrating, with enticing flavors of black fruits, licorice and mint. Tightly wound but already quite aromatic in the middle and on the very long finish. Structured to age.