2001 Domaine de la Charbonnière Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Been in survival mode for the last week due to an operations test at work (http://kepler.nasa.gov/ Launches March 5th… SOB…just typing that scares me)… and have been working on the tasting notes database almost every evening… despite some crazy hours, I was able to open some fun wines and ended doing a 2001 Domaine de la Charbonnière comparison with two of their wines open.
The 2001 Domaine de la Charbonnière Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Vieilles Vignes is a blend of roughly 95% Grenache (80 to 100 years-old vines from La Crau) and 5% Mourvèdre (45 years-old vine) and offers up rich, deep and perfumed aromatics of dark cherry, licorice, mineral, Provencal herbs and baking spices that are pure, clean and precise. In the mouth this shows a beautiful core of sweet fruit, medium body, ripe tannin and stunning balance. The solid structure and overall harmony should have this aging well but it’s certainly enjoyable now with about an hour of air time. (92 pts.)
In comparison, the 2001 Domaine de la Charbonnière Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Mourre des Perdrix (70% Grenache, 15% Syrah, and 15% Mourvedre) was much more open and precocious with spicy black cherry and raspberry, spice, licorice, incense and floral aromas on the nose. Perfumed, spicy and drinking damn well, this in a good spot and possesses medium body, a silky, smooth texture and a lush, easy going character. There’s plenty of length and like the Vieilles Vignes, it’s beautifully balanced, elegant and just a joy to drink. Showed best with an hour or so of air and drink this beauty over the next 10 years or so. (92 pts.)