1994 Chateauneuf du Pape Clos des Papes

This great Chateauneuf du Pape estate, always one of the appellation's leaders, is run with notable competence and enthusiasm by proprietor Paul Avril. The 1994 Chateauneuf du Pape has turned out to be one of the most successful wines of the vintage. It exhibits a sweet nose of kirsch, cedar, and spice, full body, outstanding ripeness, and an exotic, spicy, smoked meat component. The wine is chewy and fleshy, with moderate tannin in the finish. Readers should keep in mind that this estate utilizes a relatively high percentage of Mourvedre in the final blend, which is usually 65% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre, 10% Syrah, and the rest a blend of such diverse varietals as Counoise and Muscardin. The 1994 should be cellared for 2-3 years and drunk over the following 15 years. This wine was tasted between June 1 and June 16, 1996. Importer: Alain Junguenet, Wines of France, Mountainside, NJ; tel. (908) 654-6173