It pours clear garnet, very light in color for a Châteauneuf-du-Pape. It seems light on the nose and palate, too, opening with a vinous scent of raspberries, spice, faint vegetal notes and a high-toned whiff of volatile acidity. It's a little more inviting in its flavor, juicy and very tart, simple red fruit and white pepper over almost sour acidity, on the thin side.
The best balanced wine of the entire portfolio
of 2003s is the 2003 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Vieilles Vignes. A complex nose
of mineral, kirsch liqueur, raspberries, balsam, and pepper jumps from the
glass of this medium to full-bodied, nicely layered, structured, rich wine with
notes of black cherry and raspberry. Deep but with lovely ripe tannin, this
wine can be drunk now or cellared for 10-12 years. WA #163 Feb 2006
winemaker's notes: Winner of Italy's coveted Tre Bicchieri
award. Made from 100% Merlot grown in the Montiano vineyard in Lazio.
Montiano's soil is volcanic and rich in stones and the vineyard has a
south/southwestern exposure. The grapes were harvested in early
September. After fermentation, the wine was aged in Nevers and Tronçais
barriques for 12 months. Montiano has a wonderful deep, ruby red color
and a wide range of aromas such as vanilla and small red fruits with
layers of jam and sweet spices. It is full-bodied, round and soft on
the palate with an elegant and lingering finish.
