1994 Domaine de la Janasse Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes

The three cuvees of Chateauneuf du Pape all merit interest. The 1994 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Vieilles Vignes is a fuller-bodied, deeper wine with greater stuffing than the 1994 Cuvee Chaupoins, more glycerin, smoke, kirsch, and cherry fruit, as well as more alcohol. It is a terrific young Chateauneuf du Pape that is already surprisingly developed and delicious. The wine hits the palate broadside with fruit, followed by plenty of ripeness, richness, and purity. There is some tannin, but the overall impression is one of gloriously ripe, rich fruit presented in a velvety-textured, beautifully well-focused format. It should drink well for 10-12+ years. This wine was tasted between June 1 and June 16, 1996. Aime Sabon is one of the new stars of the southern Rhone. The Domaine de la Janasse wines offer gorgeous displays of ripe fruit, plenty of character and extract, as well as balance, complexity, and as much finesse as you will find in an appellation better-known for exuberance, power, and gutsiness. Importer: Eric Solomon, European Cellars, New York, NY; tel. (212) 924-4949