Made from a blend of 65% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 15% Mourvèdre, the 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Etienne Gonnet comes mostly from the La Crau lieu-dit and was aged 18 months in 1-year-old barrels. Shinning for its finesse and elegance, it offers up a perfumed bouquet of sweet red and black raspberry-like fruit, dried flowers, garrigue and spice. This flows to a medium to full-bodied wine that has fine, sweet tannin, a light, graceful texture and superb overall balance. Drinking at point, it should evolve nicely for another 5-7 years.

The outstanding 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Etienne Gonnet is a classic expression of Provence. Aromas of garrigue, lavender, pepper, kirsch, and spice emerge from this dark ruby, medium to full-bodied, fleshy Chateauneuf that avoids the hard tannins frequently found in this vintage. Drink it over the next 12-15 years. Importer: Robert Kacher Selections, Washington, DC; tel. (202) 832-9083