96

Robert M. Parker, Jr.

Robert Parker/Wine Advocate

The 1990 has been a consistently perfect wine for much of its life. However, it appears to have turned the corner and lost some of its most profound aspects. It is still an immortal Chateauneuf du Pape, with a dense ruby/purple color in addition to a gorgeous nose of licorice, white flowers, blueberries, and blackberries. The wine is heady, with high alcohol, an unctuous texture, and an extraordinary ripe, concentrated finish. However, some bottles tasted seem far older than others. I don’t know whether it is a bottle variation problem or a question of improper storage. Nevertheless, pristine bottles remain candidates for perfection. Catherine and Sophie Armenier continue to fashion one of France’s greatest wines. There are 750 cases produced from 80% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre, and 10% miscellaneous varietals.