The biggest, most unctuous and sexy of the three cuvées from this first estate, the 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Gallimardes is 90% Grenache and 10% Syrah, all from the Gallimardes lieu-dit located in the southern part of the appellation. It reveals a healthy ruby color as well as classic, Provencal notes of dried herbs, sweet black cherries, black licorice and crushed rock. Big, full-bodied, beautifully textured and mouth-filling, count me a fan. I’d happily drink this beauty anytime over the coming decade.

The meaty, backward, tannic 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Gallimardes exhibitis plenty of garrigue, roasted meat, lavender, herb, and spice characteristics. With outstanding power and depth, it is atypically backward and foreboding for a 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape. Nevertheless, a balance has been struck between the wine's structure and depth of fruit. It should evolve beautifully, but it requires several years of bottle age. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2025. Brilliant oenologist, Philippe Cambie, has completely resurrected this estate, where he is now turning out some of the most extraordinary wines of the appellation, with the old vine Les Grenaches de Pierre an outstanding clone of Rayas. That's not surprising in view of the fact that it comes from the pure sandy soils near Rayas. The traditional cuvee is aged in tank and old barrels, and represents a blend of 60% Grenache, 35% Syrah, and 5% Mourvedre. Les Gallimardes, also kept in tank and old barrels, is a combination of 90% Grenache and 10% Syrah. Les Grenaches de Pierre is 100% old vine Grenache also aged in old barrels and tank.Importer: Eric Solomon, European Cellars, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565