I was surprised by the softness and roundness on the attack of the 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape. It reveals beautiful sweet blackberry, a hint of apricots, and strawberry notes intermixed with garrigue, leather, and spice. In the finish, the tannin finally does kick in, as one would expect from this vintage. It is a beautiful, outstanding, traditional style of Chateauneuf du Pape that should be drunk now or over the next 12-15 years. Brilliant wines from the northernmost sector of Chateauneuf du Pape emerge from the Chaussy family, and in 2006 they have added a third cuvee which looks sensational although somewhat unusual in that it is 100% Mourvedre cuvee aged in demi-muids and barrels.Importer: Alain Junguenet, Wines of France, Mountainside, NJ; tel. (908) 654-6173

Ripe fruit tones, black cherry, prune, good intensity. Lush, ripe fruit and spice with a good density. Very attractive, very now.