Beautifully balanced Chateauneuf for once

2004 André Brunel Les Cailloux, Chateauneuf du Pape;
Ruby, sweet anis, plums, and dark fruits. Meaty, well hung game, vanilla and touch of spices (after about two hours in decanter). Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, mellow and elegant, licquorice touch, served a bit on the cool side (my fault) but that really did not matter, the mos elegant Chateauneuf in years, with no signs of the 14% alcohol. 91