2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes

Vivid ruby. Strawberry, black raspberry, flowers and spices on the nose, with a suave mineral undertone. Graceful and focused, offering pinot noir-like clarity to its sweet red and dark berry flavors and showing no rough edges. The mineral note repeats on the finish and adds an energetic quality. This is delicious right now. North Berkeley Imports, Berkeley CA ; Village Wines, New York NY

The beautiful 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes (from 80- to 100-year-old vines) is a blend of 60% Grenache and the rest equal parts Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault, and Counoise aged in concrete tanks and old wood foudres. An effusively fruity, exuberant effort, it reveals plenty of juicy black currants and black cherries intermixed with lavender, licorice, incense, and forest floor. Full-bodied, dense, and seductive with silky tannins and a long, lush, opulent finish, it is impossible to resist at present, and should continue to evolve for 10-12+ years. Proprietor Michel Arnaud consistently produces seductive Chateauneuf du Papes from his nearly 40-acres of vines located in one of the appellation’s finest sectors, Cabrieres. Importers: David Hinkle, North Berkeley Imports, Oakland, CA; tel. (510) 336-9880 and Village Wine Imports, New York, NY; tel. (212) 673-1056

Bright ruby. Intensely perfumed, with a spicy bouquet of raspberry, kirsch, smoky herbs and minerals. Open-knit red and dark berry flavors coat the palate and are supported by fine-grained tannins. Finishes with good sweetness, clarity and an echo of minerals. Here's another 2007 that will be very appealing on release.