M. Chapoutier : Barbe Rac 1999

The 1999 Chateauneuf du Pape Barbe-Rac is a beautiful, medium dark ruby-colored effort with a gorgeously sweet nose of kirsch liqueur, Provencal herbs, licorice, earth, and spice. Cropped at an amazingly low 15 hectoliters per hectare, it possesses full body, super concentration, and a long finish. Anticipated maturity: now-2016. Importer: Paterno Imports, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-8900

Soft and satisfying, this voluptuous red delivers roasted game and grilled notes along the black fruit. Lovely, supple tannins and a satisfying, balanced finish. Drink now through 2004. 700 cases made.

The light, elegant and floral 1999 M. Chapoutier Châteauneuf-du-Pape Barbe Rac is packed with spice, garrigue, incense and potpourri notes mixed with sweet red fruit notes. Medium to full bodied on the palate, this is beautifully balanced with sweet fruit, a light, silky texture and a long finish. Drinking beautifully at the moment, this shouldn’t have any problem lasting another 10 years.