The 1994 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Tradition possesses an impressively saturated dark ruby/purple color, a spicy, elegant, melon, black-cherry, and cassis-scented nose, medium to full body, moderate tannin, with a structured, layered feel. It is a very good to excellent Chateauneuf du Pape for drinking between 1998-2008. This wine was tasted between June 1 and June 16, 1996.The Brunel family has been making consistently first-class Chateauneuf du Pape since the late eighties. In top years, they produce an old vine luxury cuvee called Cuvee des Generations. It is an internationally-styled wine that spends time in new oak, yet retains much of its Chateauneuf du Pape typicity. The other wine, the Cuvee Tradition, is less influenced by oak casks. Chateau de la Gardine, whose primary vineyards are in the western sector of the appellation in the direction of the Rhone River, has turned in superlative performances in both 1994 and 1995.Importer: Bercut-Vandervoort, 211 South Hill Dr, Brisbane, CA 94005 Ph: (415) 562-1132; Fax: (415) 562-1142