The 1994 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee de la Reine des Bois is even more special than the 1994 Chateauneuf du Pape. Tasted for the first times, this cuvee is obviously made from older vines and the ripest fruit. An element of sur-maturite personifies its character. The wine possesses immense body, superb extract, a sweet, flamboyant nose of black-cherry jam, fruitcake, and smoke. Unctuous, thick, and full-bodied, with some tannin lurking in the background, this is a large-scaled, yet drinkable Chateauneuf du Pape that should last for 10-15+ years. Readers will also admire its dark ruby/purple color. This wine was tasted between June 1 and June 16, 1996. This estate continues to upgrade the quality of its wines. Releases in the nineties have all been highly successful, even in such difficult vintages as 1992. Importer: Kysela Pere et Fils, Winchester, VA; tel (540) 888-7939

As I indicated last year, Domaine de la Mordoree's 1994 Chateauneuf du Pape won first prize at the Festival of St.-Marc, where most of the Chateauneuf du Pape growers offer their wines in a blind tasting of the newest vintage. This 1994 is an impressive, modern-styled, deliciously rich, black-raspberry and cherry-scented wine with scents of pepper. Like so many of this estate's wines, its hallmark is its purity, excellent balance, and ripe, decadently rich fruit. Drink this silky-styled wine over the next 8-12 years. This wine was tasted between June 1 and June 16, 1996.This estate continues to upgrade the quality of its wines. Releases in the nineties have all been highly successful, even in such difficult vintages as 1992.Importer: Kysela Pere et Fils, Winchester, VA; tel (540) 888-7939