The opaque purple-colored 1994 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee des Generations offers up a restrained but blossoming nose of sweet vanillin, toasty oak, jammy black-cherries, herbs, and chocolate. Rich and full-bodied, with a spicy, peppery component, layers of rich, concentrated flavors, and a structured, moderately tannic finish, this is a large-scaled, muscular wine with significant aging potential. Cellar it for 2-3 more years and drink it over the following 15+ years. The 1994 and 1995 are structured, classic, rich, superb Chateauneuf du Papes for passionate Rhone wine lovers who possess the patience to wait several years for them to develop. This wine was tasted between June 1 and June 16, 1996. The Brunel family has been making consistently first-class Chateauneuf du Pape since the late eighties. In top years, they produce an old vine luxury cuvee called Cuvee des Generations. It is an internationally-styled wine that spends time in new oak, yet retains much of its Chateauneuf du Pape typicity. The other wine, the Cuvee Tradition, is less influenced by oak casks. Chateau de la Gardine, whose primary vineyards are in the western sector of the appellation in the direction of the Rhone River, has turned in superlative performances in both 1994 and 1995. Importer: Bercut-Vandervoort, 211 South Hill Dr, Brisbane, CA 94005 Ph: (415) 562-1132; Fax: (415) 562-1142