The grapes for this wine are grown in the stony, limestone, and clay terroirs of the southern Rhône Valley. The blend of Grenache noir, Syrah, and Mourvèdre creates a beautiful ruby-red color and an intense nose of red berries and spices. On the palate, it is supple and generous with elegant tannins. The nose features a garrigue bouquet and cistus flower, while the mouth has balanced flavors of cocoa and cherry. The long finish is characterized by notes of liquorice. This vintage is best paired with 12-hour-oven-cooked lamb shoulder in its youth and with stew, "daube Provençale", game, and cheeses after its fifth year.

 

 
"Made from 75% Grenache, 15% Mourvedre and 10% Syrah, the classic 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape la Reserve Secrete is a full-bodied, concentrated, tannic and almost austere wine that has lots of graphite, asphalt, licorice and chocolate aromas and flavors. Straight, structured, classic and focused are all the buzz words here, and it has budged a bit since release. Forget it for 3-4 years and it will have 15+ years or more of longevity."