The 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape Etienne Gonnet is another fine wine from this estate. Located in a cool, north-facing terroir, the wines from Domaine Font de Michelle always shine for their elegance more than power, and this 2006 is no exception. Kirsch, sweet black cherries, dried flower and hints of olives all emerge from this medium to full-bodied, elegant and layered effort. It has fine tannin, moderate concentration, and is ideal for drinking over the coming 4-5 years.

Slightly broader, with a more velvety texture and slightly more concentrated fruit is the round, generous 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Etienne Gonnet. This wine displays lots of spice, earth, plum, fig, and black cherry flavors, has no hard edges, and is quite hedonistic, but again, best drunk over the next 7-8 years. This has been one of the most reliable estates in Chateauneuf du Pape for well over two decades. The Gonnet brothers and their family, working in their cellars in Bedarrides, just next door to Vieux Telegraphe, produce two estate cuvees and a negociant wine. The general practice is to age the Syrah and Mourvedre components in small barrels and the Grenache in tank before blending.Importer: Robert Kacher Selections, Washington, DC; tel. (202) 832-9083