2004 Domaine Charvin Châteauneuf-du-Pape- France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape (11/16/2009)
Medium bodied, dark but not opaque garnet, slightly dulled in color. Classic Chateauneuf, with beautiful darker red flavors of grenache, some dried herbs, bit of spice on the finish, this is a nicely “burgundian” CdP, not overpowering, just perfectly balanced, earthy, flavorful, and interesting. There is just the right amount of acidity, and some fine tannins almost in the background. Another in what I’ve come to respect as a classic 2004 CdP vintage. (93 pts.)
Thanks Alan. I haven’t had an '04 in a while. I did break open a case on Sunday and had an '00. Still surprisingly youthful but a beautiful wine nonetheless.
A retailer by my place has these for a decent price so I’ve had a few of these over the last year it seems:
2004 Domaine Charvin Châteauneuf-du-Pape- France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape (3/17/2010)
Medium garnet/rust color. Initial nose of banyard and earth…with some bright red cherry, licorice, garrigue (once the brett blew off a bit). On the palate, focused red cherry, licorice, really nice supporting acidity, integrated tannins and a medium finish. This wine is true to the Charvin style of pure, elegant expressions of CDP…more brett on the nose than the last bottle, but not at a level that is offensive. On day two this wine had gorgeous aromatics. (92 pts.) Posted from CellarTracker
2004 Domaine Charvin Châteauneuf-du-Pape- France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape (7/28/2010)
Popped and poured no trace of brett on this bottle, just pure red fruit, licorice, a savory element comes out as the wine gets more air. This is very balanced wine with decent acidity and I think it is on par with some of the other nice wines from the vintage like the 2004 Domaine de Ferrand, 2004 Domaine Ferrando 'Colombis", and 2004 Rayas. (92 pts.)
Thanks for the note, very similar notes to mine. Charvin’s 2004 has been drinking well since release and IMO is a real beauty characterized by darker red fruits and nice earthiness while retaining freshness and elegance. To top it off, it is one of the more reasonably priced vintages, so I continue to buy it whenever I see it!
2004 Domaine Charvin Châteauneuf-du-Pape- France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape (3/3/2013)
– popped and poured –
– tasted non-blind over a couple days –
NOSE: DAY 1: initially tight, with raspberry and garrigue; savory; tart; lifted. DAY 2: deeper and fuller than on Day 1; a touch smoky.
BODY: medium-light to medium bodied; ruby color of medium-light to medium depth.
TASTE: DAY 1: medium-light concentration of fruit; medium-light to medium intense wash of garrigue; very long finish of moderate intensity; does seem a bit thin, which seems to be a hallmark of the ’04 CdP vintage; “Grenachey”; hint of fine tannin still hanging-on, but this does not come across as tannic; acid is sufficient and the alc. (14.5%) is well-hidden; overall, well-balanced and elegant. DAY 2: still well-balanced; hint of pencil lead; fruit is bit fuller than on Day 1; a bit better than on Day 1.
Just a question: Charvin is a CndP that needs time to come around? A more classical style, if I have understood correctly? I think I may have tried it once, do not recall the vintage, but have heard mainly good things. Based on that, I bought a six pack of 2010, at very friendly pricing, which will probably need a good 10 years before being ready, correct? Well, just asking some basic questions; do not know the wine very well at all…
All of that sounds right on. Sweet spot seems to be 10+ from vintage from what I’ve seen here. Beware of shut down, if you want a glimpse pop one quick. My first vintage was 07 and it shut down hard in late 2010. 4 years to go.
Panos,
The answer to each of your questions is “Yes.” The '01 is especially breathtaking, and is not yet at its peak. The '03 is possibly the best '03 CdP I’ve tasted thus far, too.
“Need” is probably not the right word. The 2000 did need 10 years to open back up after extended closed periods. The 01 and 05 both started drinking well at a surprisingly young age. They will both certainly get better but neither “needed” 10 years. The 2006 has never not been delicious. I found the 04 really waited until age 6 or so to show what it was. The 08 did close down in the same way. I will try my next one next year. All these wines will certainly go on a long time.
You can certainly let your 2010s rest with confidence for 10 years, but I’d guess they’ll start showing spice and vibrancy before that, in maybe 5 or 6 years.