Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes 2005 Domaine de Cristia

Professional reviews

Robert Parker (96)

The star of the show in 2005 is the 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes. The second vintage for the cuvee, it's made from the oldest Grenache vines of the estate (80- to 100-year-old vines) and is raised in a combination of mostly used barrels. Inky colored, it has sensational notes of plums, blackberries, garrigue, violet and spice-box. These carry to a full-bodied, sexy and straight-up hedonistic wine that has tons of fruit, sweet tannin and a massive finish. This is a ripe, exuberant, blockbuster Grenache that can be enjoyed anytime over the coming decade or more.

Jeb Dunnuck (97)

Will 2005 Domaine de Cristia Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes ever close up or am I going to continue to drink through all that I have... Just fantastic with blockbuster aromatics of dark fruit, licorice and graphite. The palate is full bodied and despite the massive amounts of ripe fruit, doesn't show a hint of heat, is light on the palate, perfectly balanced and long. Open, lush yet precise, this is very modern in style but makes no excuses and is riveting. This bottle was pop and pour and sucked down in oh, about 15 minutes.