Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Domaine Charvin 2001

One of the most Burgundian-styled wines of the appellation is Charvin’s Chateauneuf du Pape, made in a style not dissimilar from the classic vintages of its nearby neighbor, Rayas. The deep ruby-colored 2001 Chateauneuf du Pape reveals a gorgeously scented nose of kirsch liqueur, plums, and figs. It boasts an expansive, full-bodied palate, great purity, a sensual, silky texture, and a long, flowing finish with raspberries, cherries, licorice, and a hint of roasted Provencal herbs. Always a model of symmetry, balance, and complexity, this is as complex and elegant as Chateauneuf du Pape gets. Anticipated maturity: now-2016.

More open and exuberant than the 2000, with a sweeter core of fruit, the 2001 Chateauneuf du Pape tastes like the essence of this region, with its garrigue, leather, ground herbs and sweet, licorice-laced blackberry fruit. It too is medium to full-bodied, balanced and beautifully textured on the palate, with a mature, yet still youthful profile that’s perfect for prime- time drinking over the coming 2-4 years.

The glories at this estate are unquestionably their Chateauneuf du Papes. The 2001 Chateauneuf du Pape should prove to be the finest offering yet produced by Laurent Charvin, although that may be a bit premature given how brilliantly the 2000 and 1998 are performing. The 2001 exhibits a deep ruby/purple color, firm tannin in the background, a sweet, creamy texture, and a gorgeously pure nose of raspberry and black cherry fruit intermixed with notions of flowers and licorice. Dense, powerful yet elegant, with an opulent texture, a tannic style, and a 45-second finish, it represents a true expression of the fruit of the vine. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2016. Readers who believe Chateauneuf du Pape can not be a wine of finesse and elegance should taste Charvin!