| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Rhône > Southern Rhône > Châteauneuf-du-Pape |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
The 2004 Chateauneuf du Pape is similar in style to their 1999 but with more power. A cedary, sweet bouquet of herbes de Provence, roasted meats, kirsch liqueur, resiny notes, and perhaps incense as well, jumps from the glass of this medium to full-bodied, fragrant, savory style of wine. Its tannins are present and persistent but sweet and well-integrated. The wine reveals outstanding concentration, purity, and plenty of Provencal typicity. It should drink well for 10-15 years.
One of the most traditionally run estates of Chateauneuf du Pape, and consistently producers of excellent wines, Lucien and Marie-Joseph Michel consistently make the best selections in the cellar, and only bottle one Chateauneuf du Pape, resisting the current fashion for producing cuvees of old vines.
Tight on the nose, but with a great beam of both red and black fruits, as well as hoisin sauce, olive, cocoa, tar and raspberry ganache. Long, lush finish pumps out darker and darker fruit. Has the racy profile of the vintage, but its range sets it apart. 70 percent Grenache, with Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsult. Best from 2007 through 2026.
Family-owned since 1900, today this estate is run by the husband-and-wife team of Lucien and Marie-Josée Michel, along with their daughter, Claire. A traditonalist, Michel makes only one cuvée, rather than dividing up barrels or parcels to produce several different cuvées. The 2004 is a blend of 70 percent Grenache along with Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault from more than 32 acres of estate-owned vineyards, some of whose vines are more than 100 years old. 4,500 cases made.
The 2004 Chateauneuf du Pape represents a return to style not dissimilar from 1999, with more body and depth. This deep ruby/purple-hued Chateauneuf exhibits a big, sweet bouquet of licorice, herbes de Provence, black cherries, blackberries, and incense. Fragrant and medium to full-bodied, with sweet fruit, ripe tannin, and a long, persistent finish, it will be approachable in 2-3 years, and should last for 12-14 years.
