The medium to full bodied wines of this region, composed of up to 13 varietals but often limited to Grenache, Syrah, Mouvedre, and Cinsault, are often a source of tremendously complex wines reflecting both floral, mineral, and fruity characteristics. The tasting featured 11 wines that ranged in price from $40-$75. Despite the difficulty in choosing between the excellent selection, five wines distinguished themselves from the others.

• Chateau La Nerthe '98

  This rusty-coloured, medium-bodied wine stood out from the others primarily due to its completeness. On the nose, a medium-pronounced bouquet included floral hints of rose and lavender, together with fruit reminiscent of plum. On the palate, its medium-high tannin structure was well balanced by rounded acidity and fruit flavours, again of plum and prune. This was a wine with everything inside, and certainly one that fulfilled expectations of what a Chateauneuf du Pape should be.

• Clos Des Papes '99

  A relatively younger vintage, as reflected in its deep reddish-purple hue, this wine nonetheless proved ready to drink. Although still a little closed on the nose, it was possible to detect fresh black fruits, especially plum and prune, with some hint of violets, and this gradually opened up in the glass. On the attack, the wine presented itself with a slight sweetness, although its smooth, long finish was dry. Again, prune and plum was detected, together with a comfortable level of tannins.

• Domaine Roger Perrin '99

  Another young wine, this offering had a reddish purple colour coupled with a nose that reminded one of black fruits (especially plum), coupled with some farmyard elements such as geranium and possibly even dried roses. The medium bodied, dry wine had a good balance with medium-high tannins, mild acidity, and a richness in its floral character. Appreciable length.

• Laurent Charles Brotte '95

  The clear mahogany colour of this wine gave away its age pretty quickly, although the wine seems to have lost little of its strength with time. The pronounced, very floral nose conjured images of violet and rose, together with potato and grapey sweetness. On the palate, this medium-bodied wine also yielded plum, raisin and nutty flavours, and the nice, medium-long finish included cedarwood.

• Domaine de la Janasse '99

  On inspection, the wine was clear, with the reddish-purple colour typical of youth. On the nose, hints of sweetness emanating from fruits such as blackberry and plum mingled with buttery, creamy scents such as honeycomb. On entry, the palate was off-dry, with firm tannins and a floral character tempered by candy, although its body and finish were a little disappointing given the promise shown by the bouquet. An easy-drinking wine.