The 2004 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes was fashioned from 80-year old vines. Stunningly rich, with more kirsch than blackberry notes, it possesses a dense ruby/purple color as well as plenty of flower, licorice, and garrigue, and hints of sweet meat juice and barrique. This beauty should last for two decades.Importer: A Christopher Cannan Selection, various American importers including Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300, Diamond Wine Merchants, Oakland, CA; tel. (510) 567-9897 and JAO Wine Imports, McLean, Va; tel (703) 628-9615

The first vintage for the tiny production, old-vine Grenache cuvee, the 2004 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes is 100% Grenache, from the oldest holdings of the estate, that was raised in older, small barrels. It's a sensational 2004 that exhibits lots of plum, black cherries, caramelized meats, chocolate and violet aromas and flavors. Big, rich, full-bodied and uncommonly sexy and textured in the vintage, it is drinking beautifully today but should have no issues evolving through 2019+.