Critics Ratings

‘A wine I underestimated post-bottling, this wine has put on weight and developed an intoxicating perfume of balsam wood, pepper, kirsch liqueur, and tobacco. Thick, unctuously-textured, full-bodied, and gorgeously pure, it is more evolved than expected, but there is no doubting this Chateauneuf will drink well for two decades. It is still slightly behind the other-worldly qualitites of the 1990 Cuvee du Papet. Anticipated maturity: now-2018.’ – Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 95/100 (Dec 2001)

‘Deep bright red-ruby color. Higher-pitched, more perfumed aromas of dark berries, violet, leather and black pepper. Very dense and firm in the mouth; a wine of impressive structure. Not an especially sweet style of Chateauneuf thanks to its peppery intensity. Will obviously develop very slowly in bottle yet already offers compelling inner-mouth perfume. Very classy and very long on the aftertaste, with notes of gibier and leather.’ – Stephen Tanzer, Vinous, 94/100 (Jan 2000)

‘Dark and smoky, with bacony toast, cedar, mesquite grilled beef and chestnut notes leading the way for a core of solid currant and plum fruit. Shows some brawn, along with a playful hint, on the rich, dark fruit-filled finish. Approachable now, but a little more cellaring won't hurt. Best from 2008 through 2025.’ – James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 94/100 (Sep 2007)

Provenance

Private Client