Domaine du Vieux Lazaret Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Exceptionnelle 2005

WA94: The 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Exceptionnelle has turned out to be significantly better than I thought last year when I tasted it prior to bottling. The greatest wine Quiot has ever made in my opinion, this wine shows a dense ruby/purple color and a gorgeous nose of camphor, blackberry, kirsch, some roast beef and Provencal herbs. Full-bodied with great intensity, beautiful purity, a multi-dimensional mouthfeel, and a spectacular finish of close to a minute, this is a fabulous effort from Quiot and should drink well for close to two decades.

WS90: Has a solid core of blackberry, melted licorice and coffee flavors, with hints of briar and currant paste on the mineral- and earth-driven finish. There's solid, latent grip. This fleshes out as it airs. Best from 2010 through 2020. 2,000 cases made, 350 cases imported.