Tasting Notes
Robert Parker 98
The greatest wine from this estate to date is unquestionably their 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes. Made from 100% old-vine Grenache that was brought up in a combination of different sized barrels, some of which were new, it offers an incredible bouquet of black raspberries, caramelized cherries, violets, garrigue and lavender. Full-bodied, massively concentrated, voluptuous and decadent, yet always light on its feet, pure and elegant, this is a profound example of old-vine Grenache that should make any Southern Rhone-lover’s eyes roll back in their head. It’s still an infant and will drink nicely for another 15-20 years.
Anticipated maturity: 2015-2035
Vinous 90-93
Saturated ruby. Room-filling bouquet of dark berry compote, pipe tobacco, printer’s ink and licorice. Broad and impressively deep, with liqueur-like blackberry and boysenberry flavors, velvety texture and slow-building tannins. Seems to be as much a solid as a liquid, with strong echoes of dark berry and cherry preserves on the finish. I’m not sure how this would work with food but there’s no ignoring its palate presence.