2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Fiancee
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Tasting notes
In the same league as the '06, the 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Fiancee is the same blend of equal parts Grenache and Syrah that saw the Grenache aged in tank and the Syrah in 1- and 2-year-old barrels. Showing the incredibly perfumed style of the vintage, with tons of smoked meats, sweet blackberry fruit, liquid pepper and leather, this full-bodied, hedonistic and voluptuous effort doesn't pull any punches, yet always stays balanced, pure and nicely focused. It's a fun drink already, but given the mid-palate depth and overall concentration, it will still be drink nicely at age 20.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
Dark purple. A powerful, extroverted bouquet offers rich dark berry, candied cherry, licorice and smoked meat qualities. Broad, palate-staining blackcurrant and cherry flavors are invitingly sweet and framed by dusty tannins. Finishes with an energetic jolt of black raspberry and excellent clarity. I like this wine's mix of power and vivacity.
Opaque violet. Smoky cherry-cola and licorice on the nose, with a sexy potpourri quality adding complexity. Smoky, peppery dark fruit flavors are given spine by juicy acidity and pick up fine-grained tannins with air. Very rich but surprisingly lively, finishing with lingering notes of pepper and flowers.
An even split of Grenache from 100 year old vines and Syrah from 20 year old vine, the 2007 Domaine la Barroche Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Fiancée is a deep, serious wine and shows earthy, meaty dark fruit aromas paired with smoke, graphite and earth notes. Dense and concentrated on the palate, this is perfectly balanced, full bodied, beautifully textured and ends with lots of ripe tannin. A candidate for short term cellaring, I’d guess that this would age beautifully.