2004 M. Chapoutier Châteauneuf-du-Pape Croix de Bois
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More forward and textured, with a hedonistic slant, the 2004 Chateauneuf du Pape Croix de Bois (also 100% Grenache) gives up earthy, meaty notes of tobacco leaf, olive, rare steak and sweet black fruit on the nose. Full-bodied, rich and voluptuously textured, it is drinking at maturity, yet should hold nicely for another 5-7 years. Chapoutier’s single vineyard efforts are always some of the most impressive in a vintage, and 2004 is no exception.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Josh Raynolds
More reviews and scores
Evolving beautifully, the 2004 M. Chapoutier Châteauneuf-du-Pape Croix de Bois is a beauty, showing silky, perfumed and sweet red fruits, licorice, garrigue, and solid minerality that comes through more with air. While this lacks a touch of complexity, it excess on its approachable, downright gulpable and hedonistic personality. Medium to full bodied, silky, integrated, and with a core of sweet fruit, this is superb now, and should have another decade of prime drinking.
Medium red. Explosive red berry aromas are utterly room-filling, which is no surprise as this packs 16% alcohol. Pure, lush and uncommonly sweet, with a viscous texture but surprisingly lively raspberry and strawberry preserve flavors. Finishes lush and velvety, with a clinging raspberry tone and no obvious tannins. This got no wood treatment at all.