The 2001 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes (400 cases produced) will be the last vintage of this cuvee. A fabulous wine fashioned from 50-100-year old vines (80% Grenache and the rest Syrah and Mourvedre), its dense purple color is accompanied by gorgeous aromas of blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, minerals, and kirsch. As it sits in the glass, notions of pepper and spice also emerge from this unevolved, backward Chateauneuf. It has high levels of extract and richness as well as formidable tannin. The superb purity, immense fruit, and unbridled power of this extraordinary wine should result in something magical in about 7-10 years. However, this is not one of the more forward 2001 Chateauneuf du Papes, so buyers will need patience. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2022+. Jean-Pierre Daumen (only 43 years old) is at the top of his game ... and we are all the beneficiaries. A new label debuted in 2001 as Jean-Paul Daumen is fed up with the bickering going on between the two Chateauneuf du Pape syndicates. He has eliminated the engraved bottle, using a standard Burgundy-styled bottle, and also has a new label. Daumen told me that after 2001, there will no longer be a Cuvee Vieilles Vignes as everything will go into the traditional Chateauneuf du Pape bottling. The only exception will be great vintages when they will produce limited quantities of a Reserve cuvee. Importer: A Christopher Cannan Selection, various American importers including Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300 and Diamond Wine Merchants, Oakland, CA; tel. (510) 567-9897