Tasted alongside the excellent 1998 Clos Saint Jean, this 1989 Chateauneuf du Pape was the favorite of most at the table. All agreed that both wines are excellent.
Chante Perdrix was one of the most highly rated wines of the 1989 vintage, garnering 94 points from Parker (in the days before point inflation). And it's always been one of my favorite Chateauneufs. I've had the wine numerous times over the past five years, and each time it gets a bit lighter in color and body but stronger in flavor and personality. It seems to be the essence of great old vine Grenache--wild red raspberries and cherries on a bed of exotic Asian spices and dried flowers. Flavors quietly unfold on the finish, then turn into an explosion of pleasure. Chante Perdrix has a high level of Grenache (75%) in its blend; but then so does Clos Saint Jean (85%). This wine is lighter in color and texture primarily because it is nine years older. I'm looking forward to tasting both again three or four years down the road.
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