Very good is the 1999 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes. Its dark ruby color with notions of pink at the rim is followed by a striking bouquet of violets intermixed with blackberry jam, licorice, and tapenade. This full-bodied, expansive, concentrated, spicy wine is dazzling stuff. Anticipated maturity: now-2016.
Importer: Eric Solomon, European Cellars, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565