The 1994 and 1995 luxury cuvees of 50-year old Roussanne are made in very limited quantities (500 cases). The 1994 Chateauneuf du Pape Roussanne Vieilles Vignes is sensational, and perhaps even more fragrant and unctuous than the 1995. The nose, which offers up aromas of honey, roses, pain grillee, and white flowers, is followed by a wine of exceptional body, thickness, richness, and purity. It is a splendidly rich, flamboyant wine that will undoubtedly close down and appear more structured with another year or two in the bottle. Both vintages should keep for 15-20 years. The debut vintage of this cuvee was 1986, and my experience has shown that they become more and more delineated and civilized with cellaring. The 1994 and 1995 vintages were made from yields of under one ton of fruit per acre. Readers lucky enough to latch onto both the 1994 and 1995 Roussanne Vieilles Vignes will have fun deciding which one is better. Both are great examples of this cuvee. This wine was tasted between June 1 and June 16, 1996. Beaucastel represents the highest level of serious, artisanal winemaking, but readers need to keep in mind that Beaucastel is the most atypical wine of Chateauneuf du Pape, so different, it almost deserves its own appellation. Beaucastel has had spectacular vintages in both 1994 and 1995. In 1994, the estate began its harvest early (August 31). In 1995, the key was to wait out the two weeks of intermittent showers between September 7 and 19, and pick late. The success of this philosophy was seen time and time again when tasting the successes and mediocrities of the two vintages. Those producers who harvested early in 1994 made the finest wines, but in contrast, those who picked late in 1995 were usually the most successful. Beaucastel has continued to refine their white wine program, utilizing a small amount of barrel aging in addition to some new casks. The results are increasingly delicious, and in the case of the cuvee of old vine Roussanne, sumptuous. Importer: Vineyard Brands, Chester, VT; tel. (802) 875-2139