Dom. du Galet des Papes Vieilles Vignes Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2003

The gnarled and arthritic looking Vieilles Vignes parcel has seen some 100 vintages, and consists of 60% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre, and 10% Syrah.

Mayard's wines are superb expressions of a disappearing style. Slightly gamey, herbes de Provence and freshly ground white pepper notes mingle with dried cherry and cranberry aromas. Velvety, supple, and deceptively rich in texture, the wines have a meatiness and depth but with complete elegance and finesse. They are long, almost sweet in the finish, without agressive tannins or stemminess. The higher percentage of Mourvedre gives it a brooding, gamey-rich, animal quality, but without a trace of rusticity.