M. Chapoutier Chateauneuf du Pape Le Bernadine 2001
This entry was posted on 2/25/2006 7:47 AM and is filed under French Rhone River Valley.
This is a nice wine in most vintages. The wine from vintage 2000 received slightly higher ratings, and was marginally better. But the 2001 is still very good, and can be found at attractive prices since the media attention was so heavily focused on the 2000 version. The wine is 85% grenache and 15% Syrah. It has a nice, (albeit slightly weak) nose of wet earth, leather, and cherries. The red fruit tones carry onto the palate with some black fruit hints and a touch of smokiness. The finish is smooth and the tannins fairly soft. The wine is medium bodied. The wine can usually be found in the low to mid 30 dollar range, and frequently for much less during a good sale.
3.25 stars
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