Chateauneuf du Pape |  |
Chateauneuf du Pape | |
Similar to 1999 but only better, these wines show beautiful southern rhone typicity, medium concentration and fresh acids that make them extremely versatile on the dinner table. They've also put on weight in the bottle and have early accesiblity.
After 2003, this vintage was a return to the more normal and expected daily temperatures of the region. August saw 100mm in rainfall and was followed by a perfect September that allowed the producers to harvest at their leisure.
All in all, an excellent vintage that produced very drinkable, balanced wines that are also priced well.. While tasting the 2004s at the domaines, they were often poured next to the riper, heady 2003s and the differences in the vintages were brought into sharp contrast. These show bright, fresh fruit flavors, medium concentration, beautiful minerality and crisp acids. These wines as a whole can benefit from 5 years in the cellar and should drink well for the next 10+.