The 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Speciale is a different animal altogether. A blend of 40% Grenache and the rest equal parts Syrah and Mourvedre, it exhibits a gamy, meaty nose displaying hints of lard, roasted herbs, smoked figs, and black fruits. Full-bodied, deep, and chewy, with moderate tannin, it is a well-built, muscular wine to forget for 2-3 years, and drink over the following 15 or more.
Guy Mousset and his family make these consistently excellent Chateauneuf du Papes. There can be as many as four cuvees produced, depending on the vintage, but their 100% Mourvedre offering was apparently not produced (or certainly not presented to me) in either 2007 or 2006.
Importer: W. J. Deutsch and Sons, Ltd., White Plains, NY; tel. (914) 251-9463