TN: 2006 Le Vieux Donjon Châteauneuf-du-Pape

WINE TALK
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  • 2006 Le Vieux Donjon Châteauneuf-du-Pape - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape (4/29/2012)
    I’m just not listening to myself…or maybe this wine doesn’t have it?? Again…4th bottle…this NEEDS some time to open! Just not as amazing as the 2005 that I’ve had a few times! Very mellow in the white pepper spice area…kind of grapey, wild berry fruit…fresh crushed and pure…little VA, licorice, dried sweet herbs, dark Mexican chocolate…all out of whack! I like the tasty Grenache and liqueur berry…as well as pretty florals…BUT it needs to come together…I hope age will help? Only one bottle left to let me know… (89 pts.)

Posted from CellarTracker

Should I just move on to another Vintage??? I already know '05 is killer…what about an every-day-er at good money???

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Although some 06s are drinking nicely, it is hardly surprising to find a 6 year old CdP to be shut down. With VD, I think it is encouraging. I have found the post-Cambie wines to be uncharacteristically approachable young–for VD. The VDs from 2001 and before one would never think of opening at this age. Maybe the post-Cambie VDs will come out OK after some years.

Although many 05s are drinking well now, really the years to be in the line-up now are 03 and 00 and before. A lot of 01s are drinking nicely but will clearly benefit from more time.