The medium to full-bodied 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape Gaussin d’Armandy reveals a darker color along with aromas of tobacco leaf, pine needles, garrigue, kirsch, and spice box. Richer than the traditional cuvee, it is soft, round, and best enjoyed during its first 8-10 years of life. This domaine, which continues to increase the number of cuvees it produces, makes a traditional cuvee that is generally a blend of 85% Grenache, and the rest the twelve other varietals permitted in Chateauneuf du Pape, aged completely in tank and wood foudres. Their Marquis Anselme Mathieu Chateauneuf du Pape comes from vines planted in clay and sandy soils in - remarkably - 1890. It, too, is composed of 85% Grenache and the rest the other authorized varietals, and is aged 100% in foudre. The more modern-styled Vin di Felibre is composed of 88% Mourvedre and 12% the other authorized varietals, aged in old, small barrels. Mathieu’s newest offering, the Clos Jarette is a blend of 40% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 30% Mourvedre, also aged in older barrels.Various American importers, including Rhone Valley Importing, Wytheville, VA; tel. (888) 691-3100; and French Paradox, Peoria, IL; tel. (309) 682-8994