While the Vieilles Vignes bottling wasn’t made until 2006, the 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Origines goes all the way back to 1998. The 2005 checks in as a blend of 55% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre and 15% Syrah that saw 16 months in 55% concrete tank and 45% in smaller barrels. It’s a ripe, full-throttle effort that gives up lots of roasted herbs, pan drippings, black licorice and darker fruits on the nose. This is followed by a medium to full-bodied, blockbuster styled effort that has beautiful purity, lots of texture and a sexy, hard-to-resist style. It freshens up in the glass, and while drinking nicely now, will have no problems evolving gracefully for another decade.

Dark, ripe and full-bodied, with lots of currant, fig and cocoa flavors supported by bright mineral and sweet spice notes. The long, lingering finish has a nice latent structure, and this should blossom in the cellar. Best from 2008 through 2020. 2,500 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.??–JM??Region: France / Southern Rh?ne / Chateauneuf-du-Pape Select to Add