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Mixed Case Chateauneuf-du-Pape Chapoutier, Maison M. Chapoutier 2001

Tasting Notes

Chateauneuf du Pape Barbe Rac
The profound 2001 Chateauneuf du Pape Barbe Rac boasts a deep ruby/purple color as well as a nose of garrigue, licorice, kirsch liqueur, cassis, and new saddle leather. This superbly concentrated, full-bodied, multidimensional wine coats the palate with glycerin and sweet fruit. There is not a hard edge to be found, but wow, what intensity and length (the finish lasts for close to one minute). The 2001 should turn out to be a legendary effort capable of lasting 15-20 years. 95 points
Chateauneuf du Pape Croix de Bois
The 2001 Chateauneuf du Pape Croix de Bois is among the finest efforts Chapoutier has yet produced of this single vineyard offering (it debuted in 1998). A deep, saturated ruby/purple color is followed by a gorgeous perfume of black cherries macerated in brandy, intermixed with that Provencal melange of herbs, earth, and spice box. Notes of Havana tobacco intertwined with licorice, roasted meats, and sweet cherry and cassis fruit ooze across the palate with no sense of heaviness, despite what must be close to 15.5% alcohol. The sweetness of the glycerin and sensational tactile impression make for a monumental taste of Chateauneuf du Pape. It should drink well for 20 years. 94 points

94/95
Robert Parker, RobertParker.com, February 2004
Please note that these tasting notes/scores are not intended to be exhaustive and in some cases they may not be the most recently published figures. However, we always do our best to add latest scores and reviews when these come to our attention. We advise customers who wish to purchase wines based simply on critical reviews to carry out further research into the latest reports.