Domaine Charvin Chateauneuf Du Pape Rhone 2006

One of the top wines of the vintage is Charvin’s 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape. A tank-fermented and aged blend of 85% Grenache and equal parts Syrah, Mourvedre, and Vaccarese, this is a seamless beauty, a wine of admirable finesse and elegance, much in the style of the old vintages from Rayas under the late Jacques Reynaud. Gorgeous kirsch liqueur jumps from the glass of this dark ruby/purple-tinged wine. Fabulous texture, superb purity, compelling elegance and length all result in a wine of great Provencal typicity and a classic Chateauneuf du Pape that has seen no manipulation or makeup whatsoever. This wine should drink well young and evolve for 12-16 or more years. Robert Parker