Bosquet des Papes Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Chante Le Merle 2005

"The dark ruby/purple-colored 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape Chante Le Merle Vieilles Vignes has a terrific nose of black raspberries and sweet jammy cherries intermixed with licorice, earth, cedar, spice box, and some incense and soy. It is full, powerful, but at the same time fresh and elegant because of the vintage's tell-tale acidity and moderately high tannins. This classic should be cellared for 4-5 years and drunk over the following 15 years. This superb estate never misses a beat with its wines, which are all reasonably drinkable at a young age, normally exhibit terrific Provencal typicity, and have uncommon aging potential. I still have some soft years like 1983 and 1985 in my cellar that are holding up beautifully."
-Wine Advocate 92-94

"Ruby-red. Pure red berry fruits on the nose, with sexy accents of baking spices and white pepper. Fleshy and pliant in texture and quite sweet, with silky raspberry and blackberry flavors framed by gentle tannins. Finishes with a persistent flavor of tangy redcurrant."
-International Wine Cellar 91-94