The 5th Anniversary Chateauneuf-du-Pape - Postscript

Half way to our 6th Anniversary, I've finally finished this post from our 5th! An amazing Chateauneuf-du-Pape...! Refer to the preface, which has anxiously awaited the postscript for months!

(Mostly written mid-July 2011; proofed and posted 12/2011)
Well, I've got some catching up to do. It's amazing how weeks fly by, and suddenly we find ourselves in the latter half of July. I've had this post written for some time, now. Posting has been neglected as I have been focusing on career and life path!

Back in May (...once again, read the anniversary preface blog here!), we celebrated our 5 year anniversary at The Orchard. Inventive cuisine. Amazing foie gras. Special touches. Our chateneauf-du-pape was simply divine with the roasted duck and lamb shank entrees.

I was oh-so-excited to crack it open! A blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, from old vines. It was deep dark red, with aromas of spices, leather, pepper, and mature red fruits. In the mouth, round and tannic, with powerful complexity: rich, with mature plums, hazelnuts, and red fruits. Quite possibly one of the most elegant, refined, yet subtle and intense wines I have ever tasted!

Rappel Update: 12.16.11

Two months without a peep...

Life has been indescribably and abnormally busy...but in good ways.


I have been missing many things in my life, including my blogging pastime.

Anyway, I tasted the Rappel during the past few weeks, and still have a few bottles that have been aging throughout the past 1.5 years. It's amazing how different it is now. The most noticeable change is the smoothness, and lushness. It is no longer a young, tart, bright-yet-full-bod wine! Though it does signify some of the original aspects, certainly not to the initial degree.

As I have said before, the best part has been experiencing the evolution...from an extreme, unsettled experience, to a somewhat refined, and interesting one.

Looking forward to a taste in a few more months!