The 1989 is essentially equivalent to the 1990, with a more muscular, backward personality as well as enormous concentration, density, and length. It offers up a tell-tale bouquet of melted licorice, creme de cassis, blackberries, and blueberries. Like the 1990's, the finish lasts for 60 seconds. The 1989 requires an additional 2-3 years of cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2020.Catherine and Sophie Armenier continue to fashion one of France’s greatest wines. There are 750 cases produced from 80% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre, and 10% miscellaneous varietals.Importer: Importer: Eric Solomon, European Cellars, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565

The first year a Vieilles Vignes bottling was made, the 1989 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes is bricking throughout and offers mixed scents of mouthwatering smoked meat and decaying leaves, yet on the palate, it's full-bodied, wonderfully silky, elegant and long, with delicate hints of black tea on the finish. Drink up!