Cut from the same mold as the 2006, the 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape Roc-Epine possesses more pepper, garrigue, and spice box characteristics, as well as similar quantities of black cherry and blackberry fruit. Made in a full-bodied, voluptuous style with decent acidity, ripe silky tannin, and luscious glycerin, it should drink well for 10-14 years.This is an outstanding source for excellent Cotes du Rhones, Liracs, and limited production Chateauneuf du Papes. They are made in a modern style, yet retain Provencal typicity. Always darkly colored with loads of fruit, they are meant to be consumed during their first 8-10 years of life.Importer: Alain Junguenet, Wines of France, Mountainside, NJ; tel. (908) 654-6173

Lovely round, plummy fruit nose. Super flavour. Ripe, lots of backbone. An abundance of complexity. Long - a classic.