This bottle of 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes holds its cards slightly close to its vest and offers a firm, concentrated, youthful feel in its darker fruits, scorched earth, licorice and mineral-laced bouquet. Full-bodied, structured and concentrated, yet with the seamless texture this cuvee always possesses, it should hit full maturity in another 2-3 years and keep for a decade or more after that.

Evolving, appealing, meaty and herbal. Lots of richness and spice. Very interesting wine, has a sense of place and vintage.