The 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape Croix de Bois is brilliant. Notes of licorice, seaweed, cedar, and copious black currant and sweet cherry notes are present in the provocative aromatics. Ripe, full-bodied, and dense, with moderately high tannin, terrific concentration, and a deep ruby color, this is a brilliant wine that tips the scales at 16.5% natural alcohol, whereas the 2006 was at 15.3%.