Starting off the 2005s, the classic 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape showed slightly better on this occasion than during my retrospective last year. Loaded with notions of roasted herbs, cured meats, dried violets, garrigue and currants, it's medium to full-bodied, rounded, beautifully textured and loaded with character. Drink it over the coming 4-5 years.

The 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape possesses a dark ruby/purple color in addition to a classic Provencal nose of roasted herbs, ground pepper, lavender, balsam wood, and kirsch. This thick, juicy, full-bodied Chateauneuf reveals sweet tannin as well as tangy acidity. It can be drunk now or cellared for 10-12+ years. Proprietors Alain and Baptiste Grangeon have re-written this estate’s book on quality in a short period of time. Domaine de Cristia, which has rapidly become one of the appellation’s most dramatically improved estates, has expanded their operation to include some negociant selections bottled under the moniker, Cristia Collection. However, the Chateauneuf du Papes are only made from the estate vineyards and are bottled under the estate label. They are all noteworthy efforts. In 2006, the estate did not have enough high quality Mourvedre to produce a Cuvee Renaissance, so that fruit was all blended into the Vieilles Vignes offering.Importer: A Christopher Cannan Selection, various American importers including Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300 and Diamond Wine Merchants, Oakland, CA; tel. (510) 567-9897