Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Deep garnet in color, mostly clear and bright.  The nose is earthy with some "merde" notes along with cherries and black cherries.  Full bodied.  Medium tannins.  On the palate, black cherries with some earthiness.  A bit drying on the finish.  Great energy and balance.  This is about at peak but should offer up five to ten more years of top drinking.  This is great on its own, but better with food.  This would be great with cassoulet or a vegetarian bean based cassoulet.  

From Magnum.  Deep garnet in color, partially opaque and bright.  The nose is clean and very nice with black cherries, black raspberries, black pepper, black olives and roasted herbs.  Medium to full bodied.  Great energy and balance.  On the palate, this is not yet at peak (maybe it is for a 750ml) but close.  Light tannins.  Great black cherry fruit with some black olive and black pepper.  Long finish.  This is nice on its own but better with food.  It would work well with a Beef Stew.  Drink over the next five to eight  years.