I expected the 2000 Chateauneuf du Pape to possess more stuffing, so perhaps there was too much fining and/or filtration before bottling. Nevertheless, it is a very good effort offering up aromas of truffles, sweet cherries, Provencal herbs, and pepper. While medium to full-bodied, ripe, and pure, it lacks the substance and length expected from the finest wines of the appellation. Anticipated maturity: now-2009. Importer: Exceptional Wines, Atherton, CA; tel. (650) 322-1067