A blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre and the rest a mix of permitted varieties, the 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Prestige is a blockbuster that competes with the top wines in the vintage! Loaded with notes of ripe blackberry-like fruit, roasted meats, olive tapenade and truffle, this puppy hits the palate with full-bodied richness, ultra-fine tannin, and a seamless, downright sexy texture that keeps you coming back for another drink. Gorgeous now, enjoy it anytime over the coming decade or more.

The 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Prestige is a classic. Full-bodied, powerful, dense, with a complete personality, it exhibits terrific peppery, licorice-infused, black currant and kirsch-like fruit, a broad, savory, expansive mouthfeel, and a powerful, long finish with sweet but not very noticeable tannins. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2025.One might think that four separate cuvees of Chateauneuf du Pape is a bit much, but Jean-Jacques Sabon and his family continue to provide reference point wines at all different levels, as this is one of the top estates in Chateauneuf du Pape. Both 2006 and 2005 have turned out very well at this estate, with the 2006s softer and more fruit-forward than the 2005s, which are massive, bigger wines, especially at the top end for the Prestige and Le Secret.Importer: Eric Solomon, European Cellars, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565

Expressive beef-steak, olives and black fruit. Rich and complete. Fine weave of tannin and acidity. Alcoholic but long.