Saturday, March 17, 2012

Chateauneuf du Pape Domaine Marcoux 2005

Had this at local French restaurant--2 blocks from apt in Schoneberg-- with high rating on Tripadvisor, La Cocotte. Good food and service, nice atmosphere. Thought wine (69 Euros) was the best on the menu (outside of a couple champagnes). Cheapest price in Germany from a store is $56 so this wine is reasonably priced at the restaurant. Found it complex, full of intriguing aromas that were hard to identify. Cherry and flowery aromas with spice typical of a CdP. On palate, very round even though plenty of acid shows up on finish and tannins soft, again not esp noticeable till finish; i.e. it's moving toward maturity. I liked it a lot and think it'll be as good or better tomorrow. 92+. I was glad to find out Parker's rating almost identical to mine, that is, an excellent but not superb CdP. I was surprised this has 80% grenache--I still have trouble identifying grenache when it comes from CdP rather than US, Australia or Spain.

Parker: 93 Points. 2005 was a fabulous year for Marcoux, and the 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape (80% Grenache and 20% Syrah and Cinsault) boasts a dark plum/purple color along with beautiful bouquet filled with scents of flowers, truffles, roasted meats, blueberries, black raspberries, and licorice. This opulent, intense wine possesses heady alcohol as well as a sweet, soft, full-bodied, moderately tannic finish. This beauty is one of the finest traditional cuvees made over the last decade. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2020+.

Tanzer: 2005 Domaine de Marcoux Chateauneuf du Pape. 92 points. ($74). Fresh, full-blown strawberry and raspberry aromas are complemented by fresh lavender and baking spices. A smoothly textured midweight, offering sweet red fruit flavors and gentle mineral lift. The round, supple character will allow for early drinking pleasure.

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