The medium-bodied, lightly tannic, soft, silky 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve’s deep ruby hue is followed by copious quantities of Provencal garrigue, ground pepper, resiny pine forest, sweet cherries and currants. Enjoy it over the next decade. With over 30 acres of vines in Chateauneuf du Pape, this relatively new estate, run by Christian and Julien Barrot, has served notice that they are intent on making high quality wines. In ascending order of quality (to my way of thinking), their three cuvees include the Reserve, Fiancee, and the magnificent 100% old vine Grenache offering called Pure, which is about as close to a great vintage of Rayas as one will find (although Domaine Charvin is equally close in style).Importers: Sussex Wine Merchants, Moorestown, NJ; tel. (609) 608-9644 and Turner Wine Imports, Morrisville, NC; tel. (919) 463-7676

Sealed red fruits, bouquet ticks alongs quite quietly. Well-structured wine, poise and future ahead. Good length.