CRITIC REVIEWS
Jeb Dunnuck
As a comparison to the 2015, Paul-Vincent pulled out a 2005 Châteauneuf du Pape which is a vintage he finds comparable. I can’t disagree with him that wines show similar characters today, however, the 2005 was much more opulent and powerful on release compared to the 2015 today. The 2005 is drinking beautifully and is just now starting to show secondary nuances. Spice-box, cedar, beautiful black (and some red) fruits and garrigue emerge from this beauty and it’s polished and elegant on the palate. It terrific today with a short decant and will keep for another decade.
Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape has a deep ruby/purple color, identical alcohol to the 2006, and the same pH, but it is a much more tannic wine and the acids seem slightly more elevated, even though the analysis says they are not. A complex nose of resiny pine forest notes intermixed with black raspberry, sweet kirsch, licorice and lavender jumps from the glass of this deep ruby/purple-colored wine. Full-bodied, powerful, rich, and tannic, this wine begs for 4-5 years of bottle age and should keep for 25+ years. In short, you can’t go wrong with either of these vintages, although the 2006 will provide more up-front charm, and the window for drinking it will be just as long as the 2005. Patience will be required for the 2005.