Notes:

The deep plum/ruby/purple-colored 2003 Chateauneuf du Pape (80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, and 10% Mourvedre and Cinsault; 40,000 bottles produced) exhibits aromas of cassis, black cherries, earth, and pepper. This full-bodied, tannic, rich, ageworthy 2003 will benefit from 1-2 years of bottle age, and drink well for 12-14 years.

One cannot say enough about the extraordinary qualitative revolution that has quietly taken place at this well-known domaine north of the village of Chateauneuf du Pape. While father Pierre is still on the premises, providing a wealth of historical information about the vineyards, his two sons, Jean-Pierre and Thierry, have introduced two extra-special cuvees, pushing this estate into the top echelon of Chateauneuf du Pape producers. This domaine is notorious for incredibly low yields (in 2003 yields were 25-28 hectoliters per hectare) as well as traditional winemaking. They now have a small, 1-hectare plot of vin de pays planted with Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Alicante, and Merlot.

Wine Advocate Issue #156