Bosquet des Papes CNP "Tradition" 1995

Warm red with blue flashes, gradually becoming paler towards the rim. Small amount of sediment in the bottle. A faint farmy smell on opening which blew off after 3 hours in the decanter, leaving behind faint but pleasant truffley scents, together with

spicy plums and rasberries. A silky feel in the mouth and more than medium-weight body. It's long finish leaves behind a tangy aftertaste and faint tannic dryness. On the palate, nuances of sloe berries, dark fruit and delicious evolving spiciness.

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.

Chateauneuf du Pape Tradition
Normaly from 75% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre and 5% Cinsault. Aged in foudres. 

Robert Parker 88-90 points

The proprietors, the Boirons, produced a backward, medium to full-bodied, tannic 1995 Chateauneuf du Pape with the textbook Chateauneuf du Pape nose of crushed black pepper, black cherries, smoke, herbs, and olives. Spicy, long, dense, and deep, this powerful 1995 needs 2-3 years of cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2001-2016.