Bottle Notes, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

2006 Clos Saint Jean Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes – Bottle Notes

Clos Saint Jean was founded in 1900 in Chateauneuf du Pape and is still a small, family-run operation. The estate produces 12,500 cases annually. Brothers Pascal and Vincent Maurel run the business. Clos Saint Jean primarily produces Chateauneuf du Pape, including the Vieilles Vignes and several special cuvees including the Combe des Fous and Deus-Ex Machina. In 2002, Philippe Cambie was hired as consulting oenologist.

Crimson in color. 14.5% ABV. Brooding nose of dried red fruits, charred meats, smoke and blood. Medium body with medium to strong acidity. Concentrated and powerful. Cherries, kirsch, garrigue and licorice on the palate. The finish is long and savory with a substantial tannin presence. This wine flies in the face of those who think Clos Saint Jean can only produce flamboyant, fruit forward CdP. This wine is either a throwback to years past or perhaps a reflection of the more classic 2006 vintage. Super CdP. Drink over the next 2-3 years.

My rating: 92 points.

The ’13 and ’14 are available at retail. Both are great buys right around $50 or so. I’m a buyer.

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