2007 Chateauneuf du Pape
Market price
Buying options
Tasting notes
In total contrast, the 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape possesses a dark ruby/purple-tinged color, a seductive perfume of kirsch liqueur, sandalwood, soy, seaweed, and blacker fruits, ripe tannin, good freshness, and a plump style. This classic, traditional example of Chateauneuf is a blend of 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, and the rest Mourvedre and Cinsault aged totally in tank. This relatively small (25+ acres) estate flies somewhat under the radar, but its offerings from the sandy soils of Pignan are well-worth checking out. They also produce some stunning wines under the Cotes du Rhone-Villages appellation. Importers: Simon N Cellars, Charlottesville, VA; tel. (434) 977-4476 and Christopher Cannan, Europvin; www.europvin.com.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
This wine was slightly closed on the nose but with some aggressive swirling, this gave up subtle garrigue, minerals and leather aromas. While the nose was restrained, the palate wasn’t and this had fantastic fruit, serious richness and a long finish.
Deep ruby. Exotic aromas of framboise, pungent herbs and dried flowers expand with air. Fleshy, gently sweet red berry flavors are unencumbered by tannins, picking up a floral pastille note on the back end. I'll bet this very suave wine is drinkable on release. (Incidentally, I found the 2007 Secrets de Pignan Vieilles Vignes to be over the top, with an exotic personality but lacking focus and balance.)
Grenache Noir 80%, Syrah 10%, Mourvèdre 5%, Cinsault 5%. No oak. Watery rim. Very heady nose. Extremely sweet and ripe and then with attractive juice underneath. Still pretty callow and under-developed, but very healthy and exuberant. Like a keen young puppy. Lots of life here. (JR)
About the producer
Product details
Grenache/ Garnacha , Syrah / Shiraz, Mourvedre/Monastrell/Mataro, Cinsault
Red
Dry