Pere Anselme La Fiole du Pape Chateauneuf-du-Pape AOC (WA)

In 1954, the Brottes launched their famous non-vintage Chateauneuf du Pape La Fiole du Pape. To reiterate, the wine is sold in a misshapen bottle covered in phony dust. There are normally 3 or 4 vintages included in the blend and the current version includes the 2006 (about 30%), 2008 (about 10%), 2007 (about 10%) and the balance 2009. This is the best blend I have yet tasted of this cuvee. The wine reveals classic notes of garrigue, lavender, pepper, earth, sweet kirsch, roasted mushrooms and meat juices. Already drinking well, it should continue to provide pleasure over the next 5-8 years.

October 2010