2007 Domaine de Monpertuis Châteauneuf-du-Pape Secret de Gabriel Vieilles Vignes
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Tasting notes
Formerly known as the “Cuvee Tradition” and made only in top vintages, the 2007 Domaine Monpertuis Châteauneuf-du-Pape Secret de Gabriel is mostly (85%) very old vine Grenache – no destemming - that’s aged in a combination of small and large barrel for just under two years. Utterly captivating on the nose, the wine exudes class and finesse, showing black cherry liqueur and darker styled fruits that are supported by crushed stone, graphite, grilled meats, and licorice aromas and flavors. Medium to full bodied on the palate, with phenomenal precision and focus, solid concentration, and ultra fine tannin structure, the wine glides across the palate with a seamless, airy profile and character. Finesse, purity, and focus are the buzzwords here and while it doesn’t have the sheer size of some of the other top cuvees, its impeccable integration sets it apart and it will shine in any lineup. A joy to drink now with about an hour or two of air (I followed this bottle over 2 days and it was as good on the second day as the first), this needs 3 to 5 years in the cellar and should drink well for 2 decades. Bravo!
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Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Josh Raynolds
More reviews and scores
Saturated red. Expansive, hugely aromatic bouquet of raspberry, mulberry, allspice, smoked meat and minerals, with a strong floral quality that gains strength with air. Deeply concentrated but surprisingly lithe and precise, offering sweet red berry and cherry preserve flavors and notes of licorice and rose pastilles. The finish is spicy, focused and extremely persistent, with a zesty mineral element adding lift and cut. This is the wine formerly known as Tradition, and is based on grenache vines planted in the late 19th century.