1998 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Domaine la Roquette
This wine instantly shows the class one would expect from Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The nose is enticing and lively, with aromatics of ripe red fruit rising from the glass as it is poured. The palate is of vibrant sweet cherry and plum fruit alongside notes of black coffee and leathery spice. The tannins here are so well balanced by the weight of the wine as to be almost unnoticeable. With its spicy character and berry-fruit, this can be matched with the Christmas bird, or with pork and lamb.