I’ve had numerous bottles of the 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape recently and it never fails to disappoint. Always a rough blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah and Mourvèdre, aged all in concrete tanks, this classic beauty is loaded with notions of kirsch liqueur, wild strawberries, gamy meats and olive tapenade. Medium to full-bodied, seamless, silky and elegant, you can't go wrong here, and this will provide immense drinking pleasure anytime over the coming decade (although I see no need to delay gratification). - Jeb Dunnuck

The 2006 Domaine de Marcoux Châteauneuf-du-Pape had a hard act to follow after the '07 Vieille Vignes. Nevertheless it's an outstanding wine with darker earthy aromas on the nose. Black cherry licorice and roasted herb are all present leading into a medium to full bodied palate. This balanced rich wine is enjoyable now but should easily last for another 10 or more years.

Very juicy with layers of raspberry and plum fruit cascading over each other while fruitcake red licorice floral and mineral notes fill in the background. The long driven finish lets the purity shine. Really fine-grained. A very consistent performer this should flesh out nicely in the cellar. Grenache Mourvèdre Syrah and Cinsault. Drink now through 2023. -JM