CDP Cuvee Speciale, Maison Tardieu-Laurent 2001

A debut offering, the 2001 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes Cuvee Speciale was fashioned with 100% stems from 75-80 year old Grenache vines from the appellation's eastern sector known as La Crau. This 1,000-case cuvee boasts a black/blue/purple color. While closed, it reveals tremendous concentration along with a formidable assortment of flavors including ripe figs, creme de cassis, chocolate, melted licorice, espresso, and earth. Full-bodied, magnificently concentrated, and pure, with reserves of power, it has the potential to be magical, but patience will be a virtue given its backwardness at present. It's hard to believe this wine has close to 16% natural alcohol, but that component is completely concealed by the level of concentration. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2023.

A new offering, the 2001 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Speciale was fashioned with 100% stems, and is meant to represent the essence of Chateauneuf du Pape. From 75-80 year old Grenache vines planted in the sector known as La Crau, the 2001 flirts with perfection. There are just under 1,000 cases of this offering, which should be gobbled up by Chateauneuf du Pape enthusiasts. A deep black/purple color is accompanied by a fabulous perfume of ripe figs, creme de cassis, cherry liqueur, chocolate, and licorice. It possesses admirable freshness and vibrancy for a wine of such formidable power, glycerin, and alcohol (close to 16%). Massive in the mouth and fabulously well-balanced, it unfolds magically on the palate to reveal a prodigious wine. An Amarone from Chateauneuf? Anticipated maturity: 2006-2020.