Intensity is the hallmark of the 2006 ‘Vieilles Vignes’ from Domaine Chante Cigale. Deep, dark and intense black spicy fruit on the nose with a lifted violet aroma. The palate is at once suffused with sweet-ripe black fruit counterpoised by the savouriness of black tapenade and finely grained wood. Leather, cloves and a mix of herbs and plums is also present. The finish is supple and rounded with excellent integration, complexity and concentration as a result of the old vines superior fruit. Open long before serving, ideally from a decanter.
Meat such as lamb, beef or venison, either grilled or with a spicy or peppery sauce, or with duck paté.
Magnum 1500cl. The 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape is a beauty! It has a deep ruby/purple color and an exuberance of classic Provencal aromatics of garrigue and kirsch-like fruit intermixed with some blacker fruits, ground pepper, incense, roasted herbs and loamy soil notes. Medium to full-bodied, richly fruity, it has soft, silky tannins and decent acidity. This is a super Chateauneuf du Pape to drink now and over the next 10-12 years.
This Chateauneuf has warm red fruit and damson aromas, with cinnamon, spices and jam but also concentration on the palate; then liquoricey richness and elegance to finish. An excellent vintage the 2007 is drinking very well now but will develop for many years to come.
Bright, dark ruby in colour with a fine, intense nose, with perfumes of violet, blackcurrants and spicy, herbal notes. On the palate it is concentrated, with a blackcurrant and leather character, well-integrated tannins and a long, spicy finish.
