Robert Parker
RP
93
"The 2005 Reserve des Vieilles Vignes is a Chateauneuf du Pape built for the longer haul (for example, the 1998 Reserve des Vieilles Vignes is still aging slowly). Full-bodied, backward, and unevolved, this wine will certainly be even better by the time it’s in bottle. Deep ruby/purple to the rim, with a classic, but tight nose of crushed black cherry and jammy raspberries, a bit of incense, spice box, and pepper, it is full-bodied, powerful, with good acidity and moderately high tannins. This wine will take some time to resolve its tannin but should be at its best between 2009 and 2022+." -Robert Parker
Wine Spectator
WS
93
"Offers loads of iron grip, but the core of wonderfully pure blackberry and black currant fruit is an ample foil, while graphite and black tea flavors and velvety tannins rumble through the finish. Serious juice."