There is a lot to the 1999 Chateauneuf du Pape Privilege, including aromas of orange rind, cherry liqueur, pepper, and plums. While medium to full-bodied and fleshy, there is not much depth behind the overall appealing superficiality. Drink it over the next 6-7 years.
Note: This cuvee is bottled with no fining or filtration for the American market by French wine broker Alain Corcia. Tasting the 1999 cuvees for sale in Europe and elsewhere revealed wines meriting 2-3 points lower, providing further evidence that unfiltered wines possess more bouquet, texture, and flavor.
An Alain Corcia Selection, various American importers, including Charmer Industries, NY; tel. (718) 726-2500, Southern Wine and Spirits, CA; tel. (510) 487-3332, Premier Wines, CA; tel. (510) 237-6284, and Calvert Woodley Wines, Washington, DC; tel. (202) 966-4400