One of the undeniable stars of the vintage the 1999 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve is a blockbuster in a year that did not generally produce wines of such power and richness (of course it includes the declassified Vieilles Vignes cuvee in the blend). A deep purple color is followed by aromas of cassis kirsch liqueur flowers plums and blackberries. Full-bodied multi-layered and fabulously extracted with low acidity sweet tannin and magnificent purity this is a sumptuous prodigious Chateauneuf du Pape that should drink well for 15-20 years. It is hard to believe that something this special could have been produced in 1999 but there are a half dozen or so wines at this level in 1999.

Good sweetness with full-bodied rich and ripe vanilla mocha blackberry plum and mineral notes that add complexity to the long finish and tobacco-scented lingering aftertaste. Well-made Châteauneuf. Drink now through 2010. 500 cases made. -PM