Notes:

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, Jan/Feb 06
Dark violet with a bright rim. Powerful, intensely floral aromas of kirsch, candied licorice and rose oil, plus a sweet damp earth quality that reminded me of a great young vintage port. But this is by no means porty in the mouth, as the vivid strawberry and raspberry flavors are streamlined and nervy, showing excellent lift. Finishes with fine, dusty tannins, very firm structure and outstanding length. 93-95 points

The 2004 Clos des Papes Chateauneuf du Pape is a surprisingly powerful wine that actually came in at alcohol levels equivalent to the 2003 (both 15.3%.) The wine is certainly one of the top wines of the vintage, with a dense ruby/purple color and a fresh nose of black raspberries and white flowers intermixed with kirsch, licorice, and spice. It is medium to full-bodied, not as voluminous and fleshy as the 2003, but beautifully made from their traditional blend of 65% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre, 10% Syrah, and the rest tiny percentages of other miscellaneous grapes. Everything is aged in large wood foudres prior to being bottled unfiltered. This wine is a strong effort from father and son Paul and Vincent Avril, and looks to have at least 20 years of longevity ahead of it. Think of it as a richer, more intense version of the 2001. Parker 93-95