DOMAINE DE CRISTIA CHATEAUNEUF DU PAPE CUVÉE VV 2005

Wine Advocate : Robert Parker 96/100.

One of the vintage’s most compelling efforts is Cristia’s 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes. It boasts a dense purple hue along with spectacular aromas of camphor, creosote, incense, blackberries, and caramelized cherries. Made from 100% old vine Grenache and aged in neutral small oak casks, this spectacularly rich wine exhibits a multilayered texture, fabulous density, and a finish that lasts nearly 60 seconds. It is an amazing, even prodigious Chateauneuf du Pape, but patience will be required. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2025+. Proprietors Alain and Baptiste Grangeon have re-written this estate’s book on quality in a short period of time. Domaine de Cristia, which has rapidly become one of the appellation’s most dramatically improved estates, has expanded their operation to include some negociant selections bottled under the moniker, Cristia Collection. However, the Chateauneuf du Papes are only made from the estate vineyards and are bottled under the estate label. They are all noteworthy efforts. In 2006, the estate did not have enough high quality Mourvedre to produce a Cuvee Renaissance, so that fruit was all blended into the Vieilles Vignes offering.