This sample was opened two days ago but wow, what a wine! This has more intensity on the nose than the 2004, touches of macerated black cherries, stewed figs, a touch of raisin and honey. Very good definition. A powerful, swarthy nose, hints of black olives developing. The palate is full-bodied but with stunning definition and balance. Amazing focus and poise. Firm tannins; a solid Chateauneuf-du-Pape, certainly a vin de garde and is imbued with longer longevity. A little dry on the finish but that merely lends this bravura Chateauneuf so much freshness. A great wine. Drink 2012-2025.

The most masculine and structured of the group, the 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape is locked and loaded, with serious concentration, big tannin and no shortage of length on the finish. Coming from a year that featured a cool summer and then scorching temps around harvest, this beauty doles out loads of creme de cassis, licorice, graphite and crushed rock-like minerality, as well as a seamless, perfectly balanced profile. Give it another 2-3 years and drink it through 2025. - Jeb Dunnuck

Showing beautifully with intense fig black currant and boysenberry fruit and dark chocolate date bread spice and mineral notes. This is both powerful and pure at the same time with a superlong finish. Seriously structured. Drink now through 2030. 1900 cases made.