WTN: 2001 Clos des Papes CdP France.

2001 Clos des Papes Chateauneuf du Pape France. Paul Avril. 14% alcohol. Imported by Wines of France, Mountainside NJ. $45 at Wine Ventures. 65% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre, 10% Syrah, and 5% Counoise, aged in large wood foudres, unfiltered. Deep purple/red color; deep hue; excellent fruit aromas with hints of garrigue, leather, and spice; excellent fruit tastes iwth hint, tea notes, full mouth feel, long complex finish. Elegant; wonderfully fragrant, grew in complexity over two hours on both nights. Firm tannins, bit of acidity, needs more time but a wonderful CdP now. I would give it another three or four years in a cold cellar. 5*.

This wine went beautifully with lightly grilled tuna, sauteed peas and roasted brussel sprouts, even better sipping, reading and chatting with Janet. Lovely wine.

Regards, Bob

[Jenise]

Nice wine, isn't it? We drank a 99 not long ago, a singleton, and it made me sorry not to own more. Was price creep significant in the intervening years?--I paid about $30 for mine, and I see you paid $45 (ouch!) for yours.

Seems to be climbing, Jenise -- I see it between $50 and $70 on Wine Searcher these days. The 2003 is supposedly even more expensive, although I haven't looked recently.

Regards, Bob