Slightly more dense and concentrated, with beautiful mid-palate density and depth (no doubt from the Mourvedre), the 2004 Chateauneuf du Pape Renaissance (60% Grenache, 40% Mourvedre, aged in 25% new French oak) boast stunning notes of blackberry, cassis, licorice, spice-box, white chocolate and roasted garrigue. Full-bodied, rich and thrillingly textured, with a un-2004-like hedonistic appeal, it will continue to dish out loads of pleasure over the coming decade.

The 2004 Domaine de Cristia Châteauneuf-du-Pape Renaissance is gorgeous stuff. The nose started out slight different from the 2005 with some dark, charred earth and chocolate notes but with air, this was very similar to the 2005. The nose is big and perfumed with cassis, blackberry, charcoal, graphite and licorice all showing up. The palate is gorgeous and definitely more integrated than the 05 at this point. Lush, rich and seamless with massive body (the fullest bodied 2004 I've tasted) and a long finish.

Ripe raspberry and strawberry aromas are accented by exotic spice notes and vanillin oak. Lush, supple and sweet, with candied red berry flavors and gentle tannins. Finishes lush, sweet and liqueur-like. I can understand the appeal of this style but I'd like to see a bit more energy.