WTN: A Couple of 2001 Chateauneuf du Papes
Posted: Fri Apr 05, 2013 6:48 pm2001 Le Vieux Donjon - aromas of a nicely aged CdP...florals, Asian spices, and olive tapenade - very pretty. More of those flavors on the palate and sweet red cherries. Lots of texture and a nice finish. For me, this is drinking at peak.
2001 Domaine du Pegau - funky Pegau aromas of that telltale barnyard, along with herbs and licorice. Less barnyard on the palate, but it still hovers, although the fruit can get through, and shows blood, beef, ending with black olive notes. Walks a fine line between being clean and dirty, and I can't say I love it, but I can find some enjoyment, especially as it sits in the glass.
It's interesting, that Chateauneuf du Pape was the first area of interest for me in France, but it lost me starting with the 2007 vintage. Whether it is being manipulated or affected by global warming, the wines of the region are becoming too ripe and too homogenous for me. The 1998s and 2001s suit me just fine for current drinking.
2001 Domaine du Pegau - funky Pegau aromas of that telltale barnyard, along with herbs and licorice. Less barnyard on the palate, but it still hovers, although the fruit can get through, and shows blood, beef, ending with black olive notes. Walks a fine line between being clean and dirty, and I can't say I love it, but I can find some enjoyment, especially as it sits in the glass.
It's interesting, that Chateauneuf du Pape was the first area of interest for me in France, but it lost me starting with the 2007 vintage. Whether it is being manipulated or affected by global warming, the wines of the region are becoming too ripe and too homogenous for me. The 1998s and 2001s suit me just fine for current drinking.