A touch of new oak (about 15-20% new barrels are utilized) is apparent in the 2003 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes. More opulent and fleshy than the regular bottling, with sweeter kirsch liqueur and black raspberry notes along with touches of licorice and vanilla, its dark ruby/purple color is followed by a forceful, concentrated, medium to full-bodied, moderately tannic palate. It is high in alcohol and low in acidity, with plenty of structure from the tannin. Give it 1-3 years of cellaring and enjoy it over the next 15+.
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