The 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape Croix de Bois reveals an intense Provencal herb character as well as peppery, roasted meat, garrigue, and kirsch liqueur notes, full body, good richness, and a long finish. Chapoutier’s single vineyard Chateauneuf du Papes represent two different areas of the appellation, with the Croix de Bois coming from the eastern sector in the Bedarrides region. Chapoutier has adjusted the manner in which he ages these cuvees, as they are now completely aged in tank. Yields for this offering (made from 100+-year-old Grenache vines in the Galets Roulets area) are typically less than .5 tons of fruit per acre. Both the Barbe Rac and Croix de Bois are 100% Grenache. Michel Chapoutier continues to expand his considerable empire throughout southern France. Recently he purchased Jean Marchand’s Domaine des Pontifes in Chateauneuf du Pape, so I would not be surprised to see a third luxury cuvee of Chateauneuf du Pape emerge from this passionate biodynamic producer of Rhone wines. The less expensive Chapoutier offerings continue to increase in quality. Importer: Paterno Imports, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847)-604-8900

Leathery upfront, but in a friendly way, with touches of cherry fruit and briary notes alongside. It’s nicely complex, with a silky, almost Burgundian texture, yet you can feel the region’s sunshine in the warmth of this wine’s finish.——J.C.(12/15/2009)—— 90