This excellent Charvin makes me re-think (1) why I no longer buy as much CDP as I used to buy and (2) why I have such a tendency to drink them young. The latter, first, a quality, young CDP really does taste great for my palate; and second, yea, 2007 and Cambie sorta killed my desire to continue in this region. I’ve slowly gone back to buying again, focusing only on producers that I have loved for many years, like Beaucastel, Pegau, and of course, Charvin. Of the three, I have always found Charvin more classic and elegant, and more on the red-fruit spectrum.
Well, enough rambling, this almost 20-year old beauty had killer aromatics, like a Provencal spice rack. No, like seared lamb liberally spiced in rosemary, thyme, salt and pepper. Wafts of garrigue as you stroll through the Mediterranean hills, first summer day, a lingering breeze from the winter mistral. You close your eyes just taking in the fragrance of the place, a region known for its sense of place. This is an image-casting wine, brings back some great memories of Provence. The weight on the wine is impeccable, enough for a hearty veal plate and summer vegetables, without dominating the meal itself. Shows some meat, light tar, dry earth and a darker range of fruits and kirsch with some airing, finishes with a little chewiness. I adore this vintage. Probably my favorite vintage in CDP over the last 20 years. And this wine still has years to go. It’s in a perfect zone and will stay this way easily for 5+ more years.
(94 pts.)