The 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape Reine des Bois is one of the few wines of the vintage to rival the estate’s 2007 counterpart. I suspect Mordoree’s 2007 will put on more weight, but they have made one of the singular wines of the vintage in 2006. Performing far greater from bottle than it did last year from barrel, the 2006 boasts a dense purple color as well as an amazing bouquet of charcoal, blackberries, cherries, licorice, incense, and spring flowers. It hits the palate with a rush of full-bodied opulence and decadence with super-rich fruit, superb purity, a broad, layered, velvety-textured mouthfeel, and a stunningly long finish that lasts nearly 50 seconds. This is a great effort for a 2006! Anticipated maturity: 2010-2025

Delorme’s 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee la Reine des Bois is up with the top eight to ten wines of the vintage. Made from 80% Grenache then smaller amounts of Mourvèdre, Vaccarèse, Syrah and Counoise—all from the famed la Crau lieu-dit—it reveals an inky ruby color as well as sexy, youthful notes of barbecue smoke, black currants, licorice, toasted spice and graphite. Reminiscent of the estate's terrific 2000 Cuvee de la Reine des Bois, this full-bodied, concentrated and layered beauty has plenty of tannin, terrific purity and a big finish. It will drink nicely for another decade.

Inky purple. Explosively aromatic, captivating bouquet of raspberry, cherry, mocha and Asian spices. Very sexy wine, with deep, sweet red and dark fruit preserve flavors, silky tannins, outstanding palate coverage and lingering spiciness.