WTN: 2004 Relagnes Chateauneuf-du-Pape

2004 Domaine des Relagnes Chateauneuf-du-Pape La Cuvee Vigneronne 14.0%
Pleasant aromas of sour cherry and oak, followed by coffee and a hint of olives. With air, some plum emerges. Pleasing acidity, good acid/sweet balance, pleasant tannins. Alcohol slightly obtrusive, but within acceptable bounds. Delivers the goods, but a bit lacking in gee whiz-ardry.

Thanks, Oswaldo. I really liked all of the CdP's from Relagnes in 2004 and have 2 bottles of this one in the cellar. I have not tasted since barrel samples, and it sounds like it would be best to continue to rest it a bit to let the oak and alchohol find better resolution. Les Petits Pieds d'Armand from '04 is another Relagnes CdP I am looking forward to trying down the road some time! By the way, it is great to see Olivier Hillaire taking over the vines from this producer since 2006. He is a great guy and the wines just keep getting better, IMO.

-Michael

Hi, Michael, my previous two bottles - last year and the year before - showed better, so I was slightly disappointed (maybe it was I who changed, or it was a different shape of glass, or my mood last night was different, etc.).

The wood seemed well integrated. Present, but as just one of the guys. Hope you enjoy yours as much as I did the previous two!