Vintage 2004

The 2004 Châteauneuf-du-Pape vintage saw temperatures return to normal, but sunshine levels remained much higher at the start of the vegetative period. Bud burst and flowering were about ten days ahead of schedule. After a period of water stress, heavy rains in August kick-started ripening. A large number of cool nights preserved acidity and favoured colour concentration and excellent ripeness, rounded off by a dry and windy September.

The white wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2004 vintage were lively and fresh in their youth, yet had the fullness and complexity characteristic of the Appellation's whites. They now present notes of honey, dried fruit and precious wood, supported by a persistence that remains fresh and round. Poultry and cooked fish, mature cheeses will be their allies on the table.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape's 2004 vintage red wines were highly coloured, with aromas of fresh red berries and blackberries, liquorice, underbrush, spices and a hint of jam. The excellent phenolic maturity and exceptional freshness of this vintage enabled the wine to evolve with elegance and finesse, where notes of cherry, prune and wood accompany a still-fresh palate with full, nuanced aromas.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape rouge 2004 is best enjoyed now with stewed meat dishes in red fruit sauce.