CDP Cuvée Boisrenard, Domaine Paul Coulon - Domaine de Beaurenard 1998

Still young and needing more time, the 1998 Chateauneuf du Pape Boisrenard still exhibits, even at age 12, some vanillin, oaky, espresso notes from its barrel aging, but also abundant creme de cassis and black cherry, as well as some chocolate, licorice, and tar. Dense, rich, full-bodied, but one of the more backward and youthful wines of the vintage, this wine begs for another 4-5 years of cellaring and should last 20+ years.

Noticeably more youthful than the classic cuvee, the 1998 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Boisrenard is roughly 85% Grenache and 15% Mourvedre, yet it includes all 13 of the permitted varieties as well. Coming mainly from the lieux-dits of Beaurenard, Cabrieres and Coteaux de l'Ange, it spent 18 months in small barrel. Currants, black cherries, new leather and wild herb characteristics all emerge from this full-bodied, seamless and elegant Chateauneuf du Pape. Much more civilized and polish than in its youth, it's fully mature, but one of the more youthful, vibrant wines of the vintage today.