2001 Domaine de la Mordoree, Chateauneuf du Pape, La Reine Des Bois, Bottle (750ml)

RP100 "Tasted on four separate occasions, and awarded a perfect score on three of those, the 2001 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee de la Reine des Bois even surpasses the extraordinary Reine des Bois produced in 2000, 1999, and 1998 ... and that’s saying something! An inky/purple color is followed by a heady perfume of graphite, blackberries, kirsch, licorice, truffles, and charcoal. This full-bodied effort displays endless concentration in its pure, dense, generous flavors. It is broadly flavored, with beautifully integrated acidity, tannin, and alcohol. A blend of 78% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre, and small quantities of Cinsault, Counoise, Syrah, and Vaccarese, it is made from 60-year old vines, and aged both in cask and neutral foudres from what are obviously very low yields. Sadly, just over 1,000 cases were produced. This classic Chateauneuf du Pape requires 3-5 years of cellaring; it will last for two decades. A modern day legend, it is an example of what progressive winemaking can achieve without abandoning the traditions of the appellation." RP Feb 2004

JD100 "Seemingly unchanged since I first tasted the wine 5 years ago, the 2001 Domaine de la Mordorée Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée de la Reine des Bois is still utterly profound in every way and has a very long life ahead of it. Displaying gorgeously pure, focused aromas of assorted dark fruits, graphite, meat juice, licorice, and touches of flowers on the nose, it fleshes out beautifully over the evening with a layered, complex, and yet astoundingly concentrated and structured character. In addition to showing full bodied power and richness, the wine possesses an amazingly poised, seamless nature that truly sets it apart. This awesome effort should continue to evolve for another 5 to 8 years, and drink well for a decade or more after that. Don’t miss this wine!" JD Mar 2011