The 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape offers a very aromatic display of white chocolate, black cherry, roasted herbs, pepper, and espresso. The wine has excellent concentration, lush tannins for the vintage, and a round, opulent mouthfeel. It is almost atypical for a 2005 in its fullness and headiness. Certainly the tannins have melted effectively over the last year. Drink it over the next 12-15 years. One of the great families of Chateauneuf du Pape, the Coulons, have been estate bottling for nearly 100 years, and have an impressive, nearly unmatched record of quality. Moreover, one needs to keep an eye out for their best value wine, the Rasteau cuvees they produce.Importer: New Castle Imports, Myrtle Beach, SC; tel. (843) 448-9463

The 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape offers a classic bouquet (dark fruits, spice, licorice, roasted garrigue), but is still surprisingly structured and tannic on the palate. Made from 70% Grenache and 10% each of Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault, this medium-bodied effort has good overall purity and focus, but falls off slightly on the mid-palate, and when all is said and done, its tannin might outlive the fruit. Nevertheless, it’s drinking nicely now and should have no issues holding through 2020.

A heady, opulent nose with refined blackberry and mulberry fruits. A touch of freshness. Lush attack of dense fruit with fine-textured tannins. Full-on wine, well crafted.

An honest wine, with liquoricey black fruits. Nice palate with lively fruit. A bit closed but will open to show layers of complexity.