Domaine du Chante Perdrix Chateauneuf du Pape, 1989

I've had this wine many times, and it's one of my all-time favorite Chateauneufs. What better wine to treat myself on Father's Day?

The color is a light brick red with lots of amber. You could easily dismiss this wine as over-the-hill just from the appearance,  but I know better. This has happened before. The bouquet is also slow to open. But after 30 minutes the haunting scents start to unfold. Wild berries, dried and fresh. Nothing pretentious or showy; just pure beauty. On the palate is where it sings--wild berries and spices from grandma's kitchen in the Southern Rhone. Very savory but also lovely ripeness. It's possible this wine is rolling down the other side of the hill; if so, there is still plenty of pleasure.