Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Domaine de Ferrand 2005

This was another terrific showing for the 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape (94% Grenache and the rest Syrah, Mourvedre and Cinsault) and it has a killer bouquet of thyme, menthol, ground herbs and blackberry fruit as well as full-bodied richness, a seamless texture and fine tannin. Still youthful, drink it anytime through 2025.

Bravay’s 2005 Châteauneuf du Pape showed brilliantly, with terrific notes of blackberry, ground herbs, garrigue, mint and licorice all emerging from the glass. A blend of 94% Grenache and the rest Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault, from the northern part of the appellation, this 2005 is the spitting image of finesse, elegant and purity, yet doesn’t skimp on fruit or texture and offer up tons of pleasure. As with a lot of 2005s, it still has notable tannic grip, and is a few years out from full maturity.