Very rich, with scents of spices and laurel. Dense texture. Magnificent long finish.
The vintage

The period of vegetative rest 2004 - 2005 was marked by an extreme drought, which let forecast serious problems for the Summer period : for over one century, never had been recorded so low levels of rain from January to March... April, on the other hand, benefited from abundant rains which fortunately compensated - partly - this water deficit. With the end of spring, the water tables, although very low, had returned to less alar-ming levels. Summer, hot but without excessive temperatures, facilitated a regular and healthy maturing of the grapes. It already let foresee a remarkable Vintage, with concentrations in tannins and in anthocyanes - colour - seldom reached, in particular on Grenache. Another remarkable point, the absence of heat wave allowed pre-serving a maximum of flavours and of freshness. However, a most generous Mistral, and therefore a very dry weather, again raised the question of water supplies, which generated concern amongst the vine growers. Fortunately, rains at the end of August, in the northern part of the Vallée du Rhône, at the beginning of September, in the southern part of the Vallée du Rhône, supported the end of the maturing process. The low grape load, and the perfect healthy state hitherto, helped, in the best Terroirs, to preserve the grapes from any deterioration. The vinifications could thus begin from a remarkable harvest, quickly releasing colours, tannins, flavours...
Phenomenal concentration of tannins. Dark colour. Extreme concentration. Wines that must be attentively élevés - it is essential to have them show at their best. Undoubtedly, very long keeping...

Terroir

Grès d'Orange, la Crau.

Ageing

Tronçais new oak and one Wine casks.

Tasting

Very rich, with scents of spices and laurel. Dense texture. Magnificent long finish.

Alcohol content

14,5%

Bottling

No fining. No filtration.

Cépages

Grenache : 80 %
Mourvèdre : 10 %
Syrah : 10 %

The 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes (92% Grenache and the rest mostly Syrah with a touch of Mourvedre, and aged completely in old wood) has supple texture, a deep ruby/purple color, and a sweet nose of blackberries and cassis with some meatiness, new saddle leather, and spice box. The wine is full-bodied, opulent, and quite long. It should drink well for 10-25 years.

Robert Parker
Wine Advocate , 91-94/100 , 2007-10-01

Structured and dense, but very racy, with a terrific graphite undertow that carries the braised fig, black tea, mesquite, chocolate and macerated currant fruit flavors. The finish is long and supple. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Drink now through 2024.

James Molesworth
Wine Spectator , 94/100 , 2009-04-30

This has a savory, meaty succulence, like a piece of grilled steak cut from the fatty edge. Smoke, leather and spice contribute to its dark, earthy feel. A red to save for wintertime meals of braised beef.

Wine & Spirit , 90/100 , 2010-02-01

Like all of the T-L wines, this is heavily influenced by aging in barrique, but this wine handles it well, blending cedar and vanilla with flavors of cherries jubilee. It’s full, lush and oaky—almost New World in style.

Joe Czerwinski
Wine Enthusiast , 92/100 , 2009-12-15

Dark ruby. Fresh raspberry and cherry aromas are complemented by garrigue, minerals and cracked pepper. Gently sweet, with deep red fruit flavors and a bitter note of cherry pit. Becomes deeper with air, finishing with a strong note of blackberry and excellent clarity

Josh Raynolds
Stephen Tanzers International Wine Cellar , 91/100 , 2009-02-01