2001 le Clos du Caillou, Chateauneuf du Pape, La Reserve [SML]

2001 Clos de Caillou Reserve - Wine Advocate # 151 - Feb 2004: As frighteningly spectacular as the 2000 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve Le Clos du Caillou was (I?ve drunk a half dozen or more bottles since my initial report), the 2001 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve Le Clos du Caillou is one of the most monumental wines of this appellation I have ever tasted. A legendary effort that pays homage to the last vintage the late Jean-Denis Vacheron produced, it boasts an inky/purple color in addition to a terrific perfume of creme de cassis, kirsch, acacia flowers, melted licorice, and graphite. It possesses awesome purity as well as layers of concentration, yet a seamless integration of acidity, tannin, and alcohol. Spectacularly long (the finish lasts over 60 seconds), it cuts a broad swath across the palate, yet is remarkably light on its feet. This amazing effort, a blend of 45% Grenache, 40% Mourvedre, and 15% Syrah, is one of the strongest candidates for wine of the vintage in 2001. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2022.
le Clos du Caillou, Chateauneuf du Pape, La Reserve