Impressive saturated ruby. Sappy, superripe aromas of black raspberry and espresso. Lush, fat and thick with extract; quite oaky but has the sheer concentration of fruit to support the wood. Strong dark berry suggestion of syrah. Finishes with huge but spreading tannins and superb persistence. This very impressive, unevolved wine seems even younger than the unfinished '99. I wouldn't call this typical Chateauneuf but it a knockout. (Kysela Pere et Fils, Winchester, VA)

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This wine went through a long closed period. It was sensational to drink a year or two after bottling, then the wood tannins in the wine's structure took over. It remained in that state until about two years ago, when it began to slightly open up, and now it seems to be coming into full form. It still has a good 10 years of upside, and potentially 20 more years of drinkability. Still dense ruby/purple, with notes of blueberry liqueur intermixed with graphite, smoke, crushed rock, and white flowers, the wine is full-bodied, beautifully pure, and all evidence of any barrique aging has been completely assimilated into the wine's fruit and character. This is a beauty that is just now living up to its full potential. Bravo!

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Still has a dark, youthful color, with superb crushed plum and blackberry aromas that leap from the glass. Supersilky despite its concentration, with notes of mineral, graphite, incense and fig confiture that pump through the finish, which still has some serious iron-clad grip. Remarkably youthful.--1998 Châteauneuf-du-Pape retrospective. 1,125 cases made.

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I love this Chateauneuf. Ripe red raspberry, strawberry fruit. Red cherry preserves and baking spices. Nice depth and complexity. Soft rounded tannins. Leads to a delicious, lengthy, flavorful finish.