2 outstanding 2004 CDPs' that BRW and I

[winoweenie]

Had for lunch yesterday. 1st was Domaine de la Cote de L'Ange. Deep ruby. Nose of sweet cherries, earth, and saddle leather with a tad of barnyard thrown in. Surprisingly accessible with an almost silky entry. Lovely in the mouth and a solid 4+ lapper finish.Beautifully balanced so should improve at least for another 8-12. 91/93. 46 at Vintage. 2nd bottling was Cuvee du Vatican Sixtine. Deep ruby. Far more restrained at first. Needed 30-40 minutes to open. More meat, barnyard, and spice tones than the L;Ange. Lots of black fruits and all the above concentrated in this massive bottling. Became more forward the longer we sat and sipped. A really superb CDP that should cellar for at leat 15-20 without breaking a sweat. 92/93. 53 at Vintage Wines. WW

[Bucko]

Never heard of Domaine de la Cote de L'Ange, but I buy the regular Vatican, which is indeed tasty. I usually don't buy CdP special cuvees -- many tend to be Parkerized.

[winoweenie]

To this highly trained "oak-detector,off-odor,bad-vinted" palate I dint detect one dram of oak, alky, nasty taste or otherwise detracting notes in the Sixtene. Course I culd be wriong as usual. WW.(What did youse find there BigRedW,Bubba?)

[bigredwines]

I found it very approchable now.no oak,fruit forward with leather and earth middle and strong but velvet finish.14% alc.not much more I can say or add to ww's notes.by the way --this is my 50th post---cheers--Merry Christmas ,happy holidays and all the festive stuff that goes with that.brw

[VouvrayHead]

Just want to add that their (L'Ange) basic CdR for around $12 is kick-butt stuff in the 04's.
Going to try the '05 next month some time.