CDP Quartz, Le Clos du Caillou 2006

The 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Quarts comes from the pebble soils of the Les Cassanets lieu-dit and checks in as a blend of 85% Grenache and 15% Syrah. Destemmed, vinified in oak tanks, and aged 18 months in a combination of tanks and foudre (Grenache), as well as small barrels (Syrah), it’s a killer bottle of wine that offers ripe, full-bodied notes of garrigue, scorched earth, currants and spice. Possessing both freshness and terrific richness, it will drink well for another decade, although there’s no need to delay gratification. This doesn’t quite hit the heights of the 2007, 2009 or 2010, but it’s not far behind.