La Cuvée du Papet Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhone Blend

Deep ruby with brick rim. Very Bretty, leather, sheep fur, plum jam. Full cherry jam, kirsch, soft, leathery tannins still going on strong. Opens very nicely with air, gaining complexity. You don't get too much 2003 heat.

The second of two. A bit too ripe and boozy. Think: Cherry Herring and strawberry preserve But what did I expect from 2003 CDP?

Quite acidic, very bretty.

Absolutely singing. Dried bing cherry, dusty leather, cured meats, tar and (after an hour) a minty quality that was remarkably fresh. Which, may be why the grilled lamb chops with a bit of mint sauce paired so well. There was a bit of a revelation for myself though. The wine did come across a bit too hot to be successfully paired with the lamb alone, but with the slightly sweet mint sauce the heat was curbed. An inverted "spicy food = sweet wine" solution to an extent.

Corked, but drinkable

Nicely aging though still a little edge to it

Not up to other Papet's brownish edge good nose but not enough body.

Michael had this 8 years ago

Bill had this 11 years ago