2005 Perrin and Fils Chateauneuf du Pape Les Sinards

Chateauneuf du pape- don't ask me to pronounce it- is a region in the Southern Rhone of France known for its red wines. The region usually blends grenache and syrah along with up to 11 other grape varieties, many of which are unrecognizable to the average folk. Unfortunately for cheapskates like myself, the average price per bottle has risen dramatically over the years. For this, we have Robert Parker to blame. While Burgundy and Bordeaux have historically always been well known throughout the wine world, chateauneuf du pape was France's little secret. With Parker's commercial success, he quickly drove prices to fall more in line with the reviews he transcribed.
As it stands today, there are other wine appellations within the Rhone that are probably the "next chateauneuf du pape" including Cornas and Vaqueryas, which are increasingly improving their quality and provide much better value. They do, however, lack the unique bottle of a chateauneuf. For those unfamiliar with what I am speaking of, the bottle has a mitre, or papal regalia, on the front of the bottle, giving it a very important look. Good thing the wine is worthy.

As for this particular bottle, it was the second time I had it and it wasn't as good as the first tasting. It was much too reserved and didn't have the depth I recalled. This is not a fruity wine, nor should it be, and it carries more of a minerally texture, along the lines of many French wines. I usually like that but this was lacking too much in the flavor department.
Speaking of Parker, he gave it a 91, while Wine Spectator gave it a 92. I'd go even lower and settle on a 90. The last time I had it, I believe I gave it a 93. Go figure. Just goes to show....
Regardless, if you do find yourself buying a 2005 chateauneuf, you should probably give it a little bit more time (check out the clip for one of my favorite songs of all time).