CDP Cuvée de la Reine des Bois, Domaine de la Mordorée 2001

big red time? 2001 Mordoree Reine des Bois Chateauneuf-du-Pape is screaming glory and savory deliciousness

Tasted on four separate occasions, and awarded a perfect score on three of those, the 2001 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee de la Reine des Bois even surpasses the extraordinary Reine des Bois produced in 2000, 1999, and 1998 ... and that’s saying something! An inky/purple color is followed by a heady perfume of graphite, blackberries, kirsch, licorice, truffles, and charcoal. This full-bodied effort displays endless concentration in its pure, dense, generous flavors. It is broadly flavored, with beautifully integrated acidity, tannin, and alcohol. A blend of 78% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre, and small quantities of Cinsault, Counoise, Syrah, and Vacqueyras, it is made from 60-year old vines, and aged both in cask and neutral foudres from what are obviously very low yields. Sadly, just over 1,000 cases were produced. This classic Chateauneuf du Pape requires 3-5 years of cellaring; it will last for two decades. A modern day legend, it is an example of what progressive winemaking can achieve without abandoning the traditions of the appellation.

The flagship wine remains Mordoree's remarkable Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee de la Reine des Bois. The 2001 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee de la Reine des Bois possesses slightly less charm and accessibility than the 2000, but it is even more extracted, with additional definition, structure, richness, acidity, fruit intensity, and concentration. Packed and stacked, this inky purple-colored Chateauneuf offers a sumptuous nose of minerals, creme de cassis, acacia flowers, pepper, and blackberries. Dense, full-bodied, and multidimensional, this great young Chateauneuf du Pape will require more patience than its older sibling. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2025.