WTN: Keeper ('00 Chateauneuf du Pape)

[David M. Bueker]

2000 Le Vieux Donjon Châteauneuf-du-Pape - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape (10/23/2014)
Very surprised at how youthful this still is. About the only thing that seems to have evolved is the tannins, which have softened, making this very easy to drink. There's still plenty of dark red fruit, as well as classic herb and leather notes. No bricking/browning in terms of color, or notable aromatic evolution to this point. It's as if the wine is largely frozen in time - all except the tannins. I am enjoying the wine, but am quite puzzled as to the lack of aromatic/flavor evolution.

I remember tasting that wine at Donjon in March of '02, and I know the Michels had just engaged a consultant at that point. Their emphasis on freshness sounds like it's paying off.

[David M. Bueker]

I suppose. I would have hoped for more developed nuances/complxity though.

It's interesting to me when I read reports about 2000 CNdP going over a cliff (Pegau, Donjon, VT), yet bottles I open are fresh as a daisy.

Thanks for notes, I have one bottle. Now I need to decide whether to go for freshness now, or hold and hope for complexity.

[David M. Bueker]

Night two and still quite fresh, if a touch kirsch-esque (but in a good way). I left the stoppered bottle on the kitchen counter for the last 24 hours.