I’ve had numerous bottles of the 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape recently and it is always impressive. Always a rough blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah and Mourvèdre, aged all in concrete tanks, this classic beauty is loaded with notions of kirsch liqueur, wild strawberries, gamy meats and olive tapenade. Medium to full-bodied, seamless, silky and elegant, you can't go wrong here, and this will provide immense drinking pleasure anytime over the coming decade (although I see no need to delay gratification).

The stunning, deep ruby/purple-hued 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape exhibits black fruits, licorice, incense, and hints of grilled meats and garrigue. While not as explosively aromatic or full as the 2007, the full-bodied, velvety textured, big, substantial 2006 is a top success for the vintage. Drink it over the next 15 years. I’m always interested in what sisters Sophie and Catherine Armenier are doing at this biodynamically farmed vineyard, one of my favorite estates. Not surprisingly, they have produced extraordinary wines in 2007 as well as 2006s that are nearly as good. As most vignerons do, the Armeniers attribute the greatness of the 2007 vintage to both the drought that lasted from late spring through the end of September as well as the cooler than normal temperatures that were followed by three weeks of ferocious Mistral winds in September. Without any serious heat spikes, the Mistral seemed to concentrate the grapes, with the cooler weather causing very intense aromatics.Importer: Eric Solomon, European Cellars, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565