The 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Girard exhibits more incense, roasted Provencal herbs, blacker fruits, and a rounder, more generous mid-palate and finish. It is quite full-bodied, rich, and can be drunk now or cellared for 12-15 years as the fruit and glycerin nearly conceal some moderately high tannins. There are two superb Usseglio estates in Chateauneuf du Pape, and this one, although somewhat in the shadow of the recent efforts of the Domaine Pierre Usseglio, should never to be discounted as the wines from Raymond Usseglio are top-notch and classic in style. Both 2006 and 2005 are strong vintages for this estate. Readers should know that the Cuvee Girard is essentially the same cuvee as their traditional cuvee of Chateauneuf du Pape but bottled unfined and unfiltered for the American importer and thus available only in the United States. Importer: Peter Weygandt, Weygandt-Metzler, Unionville, PA; tel. (610) 486-0800