From a strong vintage, the 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape boasts a deep ruby/purple color followed by beautiful notes of kirsch liqueur, licorice, spring flowers, and a hint of underbrush. Peppery, spicy, elegant, rich, full-bodied, and long, with surprising structure for the vintage, it will benefit from 1-2 years of bottle age, and should age well for 15-18 years.
Formerly Domaine La Roquete (and mis-spelled last year as Roquette), the Brunier family has changed the name to Clos La Roquete as they recognize this is a true “clos” (a totally walled vineyard). As I have indicated in several recent Chateauneuf du Pape reports, this is one of the estates for which the Bruniers have pushed the envelope of quality higher and higher in each new vintage. This is the finest group of wines they have yet produced, and readers should take serious note.
(WA 30th Oct 2008)
