The 2005 Domaine La Roquete Chateauneuf du Pape has a deep ruby/purple color and a beautiful, sweet nose of ripe Grenache (think kirsch liqueur) along with raspberries, licorice, pepper, and some Provencal spiciness. About 30% stems were used in the making of this wine, and it is both powerful and elegant, with zesty acidity and moderately high tannin. It is an attractive wine that can be drunk early on or cellared for 12-15 years.
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.
(WA 28th Feb 2007)
