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

Deep red.

Deep black cherry jam, clay/earth, herbs and (oak?) spice nose.

Intense, linear entry. Almost abrasive, tight-fisted garrigue/earth and black cherry flavors. Mid-palate flavors ride on strong acidity. If there's oak here, it doesn't show in the mouth. Deep and loaded, but very tight at the moment.

Day 4 - Deep and savory nose now. Round and plush in the mouth, with a light garrigue "edge" keeping things lively. Nothing abrasive now, though well-structured. Good buy.

$38.