Domaine de Ferrand Châteauneuf-du-Pape

This is really stuffed with dark, macerated currant and fig fruit, along with well-integrated toast and juicy, buried acidity. Dark cocoa, loam, melted licorice and spice notes flitter through the finish and bode well for cellaring. 95 percent Grenache with the rest Mourvèdre, Syrah and Cinsault. Best from 2009 through 2028.

The 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape is certainly one of the stars of the vintage. Impressively deep ruby/purple-colored with a stunningly complex nose of roasted meats, incense, ground pepper, kirsch, and blackberry, the wine is deep, full-bodied, opulent, and very rich as well as pure. This is a seriously endowed, top-flight Chateauneuf du Pape that will be drinkable in 2–3 years and last for two decades.

Bravay has also turned in a beautiful 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape displaying the classic, complex aromatic profile that he seems to achieve routinely. Aromas of black fruits, scorched earth, incense, licorice, pepper, and roasted Provencal herbs are followed by a full-bodied, rich, deep, long, concentrated wine with impressive layers of black cherries and black currants. Drink it over the next 10–15 years.