The dark ruby-colored 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape offers a delicious combination of strawberry and black cherry fruit interwoven with tobacco leaf, licorice, and spice. Opulent, round, medium to full-bodied, and generous, it should drink well for 7-8 years. Brilliant oenologist, Philippe Cambie, has completely resurrected this estate, where he is now turning out some of the most extraordinary wines of the appellation, with the old vine Les Grenaches de Pierre an outstanding clone of Rayas. That's not surprising in view of the fact that it comes from the pure sandy soils near Rayas. The traditional cuvee is aged in tank and old barrels, and represents a blend of 60% Grenache, 35% Syrah, and 5% Mourvedre. Les Gallimardes, also kept in tank and old barrels, is a combination of 90% Grenache and 10% Syrah. Les Grenaches de Pierre is 100% old vine Grenache also aged in old barrels and tank.Importer: Eric Solomon, European Cellars, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565