As I stated last year, this historic estate, long owned by the famous Baron Leroy, is making a comeback. 1994 is the first outstanding wine made at the estate since the great 1978. Readers should give thanks to Baron Leroy's grandson, Bruno Leroy, and his peripatetic oenologist, Jean-Luc Colombo (of Cornas). The exceptional 1994 Chateauneuf du Pape boasts a deep ruby/purple color, as well as aromas of jammy cassis fruit allied to smoky notes. The wine is sweet, rich, fleshy, and full-bodied with gobs of wild blackberry fruit intermingled with cassis. There is soft tannin, low acidity, and a large, full-bodied, opulent, sumptuous finish. This is a terrific Chateauneuf du Pape for drinking over the next 12-15 years. Readers should keep in mind that this is one of the few Chateauneuf du Pape estates that utilizes a high percentage of Syrah in the final blend. In 1994, a whopping 40% was included (which no doubt accounts for the blackberry/cassis character). How thrilling it is to see this famous Chateauneuf du Pape estate make such dazzling wines. This wine was tasted between June 1 and June 16, 1996. Importer: Alain Junguenet, Wines of France, Mountainside, NJ; tel. (908) 654-6173

As I stated last year, this historic estate, long owned by the famous Baron Leroy, is making a comeback. 1994 is the first outstanding wine made at the estate since the great 1978. Readers should give thanks to Baron Leroy's grandson, Bruno Leroy, and his peripatetic oenologist, Jean-Luc Colombo (of Cornas). The exceptional 1994 Chateauneuf du Pape boasts a deep ruby/purple color, as well as aromas of jammy cassis fruit allied to smoky notes. The wine is sweet, rich, fleshy, and full-bodied with gobs of wild blackberry fruit intermingled with cassis. There is soft tannin, low acidity, and a large, full-bodied, opulent, sumptuous finish. This is a terrific Chateauneuf du Pape for drinking over the next 12-15 years. Readers should keep in mind that this is one of the few Chateauneuf du Pape estates that utilizes a high percentage of Syrah in the final blend. In 1994, a whopping 40% was included (which no doubt accounts for the blackberry/cassis character).How thrilling it is to see this famous Chateauneuf du Pape estate make such dazzling wines.This wine was tasted between June 1 and June 16, 1996.Importer: Alain Junguenet, Wines of France, Mountainside, NJ; tel. (908) 654-6173