Chateauneuf du Pape 2004

Charvin made a fine 2004 Chateauneuf du Pape which is a blend of 82% Grenache, 8% Syrah, and the rest equal parts Mourvedre and Vaccarese. The wine is classic Chateauneuf, a naked expression of its site and varietals with beautifully pure black cherry fruit notes intermixed with licorice, some roasted herbs, and a hint of spice and roasted meats. With its wonderful intensity, beautiful purity, and loads of finesse and flavor, it’s a beauty that is drinking well and should continue to evolve for at least 10-12 years. As I have said so many times, young Laurent Charvin, working from this vineyard in the very northern sector of Chateauneuf du Pape, produces one of the most elegant and sublime Chateauneuf du Papes of the area . In short, the wines most closely resemble the finesse of Chateau Rayas when it was made by the late Jacques Reynaud. A real value from this estate is their Cotes du Rhone, which is a wonderful introduction to the style of the winemaking and is essentially a down-sized version of their Chateauneuf du Pape.

Score: 90

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2007-2019 28 February 2007