Bosquet des Papes CNP "Chante Le Merle" 2005

Deep red. Seductive bouquet of red and dark berries, garrigue and Asian spices. Silky and sweet, with deep but focused raspberry and blackberry flavors, gentle tannins and an impressively sappy finish. Gained brightness and precision with air, suggesting that this outstanding youngster will repay cellaring.

Maurice and Jossette Boirion make full-bodied, traditional Chateauneuf from 90% Grenache and aged for eighteen months in large oak foudres. The Cuvee Chante Le Merle is a selection of the oldest vines of the estate and is given an extra six months ageing in cask. This is the real deal. Old vines, old oak and full rich fruit.

Since 1860 the Boiron family has made wine at the property. Through 5 generations the domain has been handed over from father to son.
2^nd generation Joseph-Victor Boiron (1875-1949) took over in 1890. from 1936 he called his domain "Clos Chantemerle". Since 1966 the name has been "Bosquet des Papes". This name was chosen by Maurice Boiron, who now (2008) is going in retirement and today Nicolas Boiron and his wife Jeanne-Claire carry on the family traditions.

The cellars were built in three steps in 1978, 1983 and 1994-95.
Nicolas Boiron wants to produce a traditional Chateauneuf du Pape.
"The philosophy of "Bosquet des Papes" estate is to produce laying down wines, meaning that they can be kept for many years, thereby respecting the traditions of Chateauneuf-du-Pape wines... They will reach their peak after 6 or 7 years."
Most of the wooden vessels in the cellar are foudres but they are using more and more demi-muids.

To the property belongs about 40 different parcels in the appellation - a total of 27 ha. The average age of the vines is about 50 years. 3.5 ha. - 100 years old - are used for Cuvée Chante le Merle.

Robert Parker ( 92 points )

The seriously-styled, deep ruby/plum/purple-hued 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape Chante Le Merle Vieilles Vignes offers up aromas of seaweed, ground pepper, ripe cherries, black currants, figs, and spice. Full-bodied, powerful, masculine, and tannic, it will benefit from 3-5 years of cellaring, and should evolve for 15 or more.

This top-notch estate has been producing impressive, classic examples of Chateauneuf du Pape for over 25 years. All three cuvees are noteworthy efforts.