The 2004 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Imperiale, a selection from ancient vines planted at the beginning of the 1900s, always has classic pure cherry liqueur notes in the nose along with some balsam wood aromas, garrigue, and occasionally flowers. Elegant, medium to full-bodied, pure, and just delicious, it’s a wine to drink over the next decade. Readers should note that the Cuvee Girard is essentially the same blend as the Chateauneuf du Pape cuvee but is a selection made by American importer Peter Weygandt that is bottled without any filtration. Tasting them side by side each year is an education. There is always a significant difference in texture, weight, and aromatics that favors the Cuvee Girard. Importer: Peter Weygandt, Weygandt-Metzler, Unionville, PA; tel. (610) 486-0800