2000 Eric Texier Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes

The best Chateauneuf du Pape I've had in a very long time - usually I prefer the Syrahs from the Northern Rhone. This one is 75 % Grenache 25% Mourvedre and it's old vine Grenache, average of 50 years. Eric and his wife are trained nuclear engineers - just goes to show that techies can make good wine after all!

The grapefruit rind I dislike in most younger vine Grenache is nowhere to be found. Rich, opulent and leathery, with a touch of licorice. This is not a Parker-esque fruit bomb, however, mainly cooked blackberry. Tannin is supple but not overwhelming.

Retail price $27. Not cheap, but you get what you pay for.