WineLovers Discussion Group

2001 Clos des Papes Chateauneuf du Pape France. Paul Avril. 14% alcohol. Imported by Wines of France, Mountainside NJ. $45 at Wine Ventures. 65% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre, 10% Syrah, and 5% Counoise, aged in large wood foudres, unfiltered. Deep purple/red color; deep hue; excellent fruit aromas with hints of garrigue, leather, and spice; excellent fruit tastes iwth hint, tea notes, full mouth feel, long complex finish. Elegant; wonderfully fragrant, grew in complexity over two hours on both nights. Firm tannins, bit of acidity, needs more time but a wonderful CdP now. I would give it another three or four years in a cold cellar. 5*.

This wine went beautifully with lightly grilled tuna, sauteed peas and roasted brussel sprouts, even better sipping, reading and chatting with Janet. Lovely wine.

Regards, Bob

Nice wine, isn't it? We drank a 99 not long ago, a singleton, and it made me sorry not to own more. Was price creep significant in the intervening years?--I paid about $30 for mine, and I see you paid $45 (ouch!) for yours.

Seems to be climbing, Jenise -- I see it between $50 and $70 on Wine Searcher these days. The 2003 is supposedly even more expensive, although I haven't looked recently.

Regards, Bob