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

The 2000 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes (15% alcohol) emerges from a cold terroir in the northern sector of the appellation. The blend is generally 85% Grenache and equal parts Syrah and Mourvedre. Its opaque purple color is followed by a sumptuous perfume of creme de cassis, kirsch liqueur, licorice, plums, minerals, and smoke. Mammoth in the mouth, but surprisingly structured and tannic for a 2000, it is more evolved than its 2001 counterpart. This profound Chateauneuf should evolve slowly and age magnificently for two decades. It is a monumental effort, but patience will be a virtue. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2025. Kudos to winemaker/proprietor Jean-Paul Dauman for this masterpiece! Importer: A Christopher Cannan Selection, various American importers, including: Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300 and Diamond Wine Merchant, Oakland, CA; tel. (510) 567-9897. A note of caution: Grey market prices for these wines are 3-5 times higher than those asked by the authorized distributor.

The 2000 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes (15% alcohol) emerges from a cold terroir in the northern sector of the appellation. The blend is generally 85% Grenache and equal parts Syrah and Mourvedre. Its opaque purple color is followed by a sumptuous perfume of creme de cassis, kirsch liqueur, licorice, plums, minerals, and smoke. Mammoth in the mouth, but surprisingly structured and tannic for a 2000, it is more evolved than its 2001 counterpart. This profound Chateauneuf should evolve slowly and age magnificently for two decades. It is a monumental effort, but patience will be a virtue. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2025. Kudos to winemaker/proprietor Jean-Paul Dauman for this masterpiece!Importer: A Christopher Cannan Selection, various American importers, including: Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300 and Diamond Wine Merchant, Oakland, CA; tel. (510) 567-9897. A note of caution: Grey market prices for these wines are 3-5 times higher than those asked by the authorized distributor.

The 1998 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes actually showed better than the Reserve, which normally doesn’t make sense. There are no oxidative issues with this wine. It has a dark plum/ruby color with no lightening at the edge, and exhibits sweet black raspberry, blackberry, charcoal and creosote notes, with some garrigue, pepper, and meat juices. Full-bodied, opulent, and close to reaching full maturity, this wine should last for another 5-7 years.

The 1998 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes actually showed better than the Reserve, which normally doesn’t make sense. There are no oxidative issues with this wine. It has a dark plum/ruby color with no lightening at the edge, and exhibits sweet black raspberry, blackberry, charcoal and creosote notes, with some garrigue, pepper, and meat juices. Full-bodied, opulent, and close to reaching full maturity, this wine should last for another 5-7 years.