2005 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge, Clos des Papes, Paul Avril & Fils, Rhône

Hitting a natural 15.5% alcohol, Paul-Vincents 2005 Chteauneuf du Pape is decidedly more elegant and finesse-styled now than it was on release, where it was more dominated by its tannic structure. Still a youthful ruby color, it offers up a perfumed bouquet of kirsch and blackberry-like fruits, licorice, incense, Asian spice and forest floor.This is followed by a medium to full-bodied, seamless, elegant wine thats lost all of its baby fat, yet still has a core of sweet fruit, fine tannin and a balanced, harmonious feel. Its not a powerhouse, and is drinking nicely today, with another decade of longevity.jeb_dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com (February 2015)

...A complex nose of resiny pine forest notes intermixed with black raspberry, sweet kirsch, licorice and lavender jumps from the glass of this deep ruby/purple-colored wine. Full-bodied, powerful, rich, and tannic, this wine begs for 4-5 years of bottle age and should keep for 25+ years. In short, you cant go wrong with either of these vintages, although the 2006 will provide more up-front charm, and the window for drinking it will be just as long as the 2005.Patience will be required for the 2005robert_parker, Wine Advocate (October 2007)