Deeper in color, with additional richness and depth on the palate, the 2004 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes, which is 70% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre and 10% Syrah, gives up ample sweet currant, blackberry, roasted herbs, licorice and assorted meatiness in its medium to full-bodied profile. Textured, balanced and drinking nicely, it should hold for a number of years (which is when I’d drink it), and evolve gracefully through 2024.
This traditionally run estate covers roughly 13 hectares and is run by Corinne and Yannick Gasparri. Their 2004s are all approachable and relatively mature, and in my view, best consumed over the coming 3-5 of years.