critic reviews
The 2004 Domaine La Roquete Chateauneuf du Pape exhibits good sweet kirsch liqueur notes intermixed with some licorice, spring flowers, and earth. Medium-bodied and elegant with sweet tannin, it should drink well for a decade or more. At the request of Daniel Brunier, all of the estates where he produces wines have been grouped together. There are some changes, several of which I noted last year. The second wine of Vieux Telegraphe has changed its name from Vieux Mas des Papes to Telegramme, and of course there is a major effort underway by Brunier to dramatically increase the quality of La Roquette with the introduction of a new luxury cuvee of about 4,000 bottles made from 100% Grenache from 70-year-old vines planted in a sector of Chateauneuf du Pape known as Les Pialons. The importer is Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant, Berkeley, CA; tel. (510) 524-1524, except for the Domaine La Roquette, which is imported by Diageo Chateau Estate Wines, New York, NY; tel. (212) 419-1400
Dark red. Spicy cherry and blackberry on the nose, with a subtle dried herb accent. Sweet red berry flavors are brightened by a mineral note and gently supported by soft tannins. Finishes bright and fresh, with dusty tannins and good precision.