I’ve had numerous bottles of the 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape recently and it never fails to disappoint. Always a rough blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah and Mourvèdre, aged all in concrete tanks, this classic beauty is loaded with notions of kirsch liqueur, wild strawberries, gamy meats and olive tapenade. Medium to full-bodied, seamless, silky and elegant, you can't go wrong here, and this will provide immense drinking pleasure anytime over the coming decade (although I see no need to delay gratification).

Bright red. Energetic red berry and cherry aromas are brightened by minerals, dried flowers and anise. Racy redcurrant and wild strawberry flavors are braced by youthful tannins and become sweeter with air, finishing with great snap and sappy length. Reminds me of an elegant Chambolle-Musigny.

The stunning, deep ruby/purple-hued 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape exhibits black fruits, licorice, incense, and hints of grilled meats and garrigue. While not as explosively aromatic or full as the 2007, the full-bodied, velvety textured, big, substantial 2006 is a top success for the vintage. Drink it over the next 15 years.

The 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape, which achieved 15.5% natural alcohol, exhibits a dark ruby/purple color along with a big, sweet nose of framboise, blackberries, black currants, sweet cherries, roasted herbs, and hints of licorice as well as incense. Full-bodied, opulent, and fleshy with light to moderate tannin in the finish, it should drink well for 15 or more years. This brilliant estate in the northern sector of Chateauneuf du Pape is admirably run by Sophie and Catherine Armenier. They continue to fine tune the wines produced at this biodynamically farmed vineyard, and their white Chateauneuf du Pape is now one of the three or four finest of the appellation. Sadly, they only make about 4,000 bottles of this blend of 66% Roussanne and 34% Bourboulenc. Importer: Eric Solomon, European Cellars, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565