2007 Domaine Jean Royer Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Prestige

The blockbuster 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Prestige is made from the same blend as the previous two wines, from 80- to 100-year-old vines. It is a deeper, fuller-bodied, more expansive, longer wine boasting a dense plum/ruby/purple color as well as a sweet nose of black raspberries, black cherries, earth, garrigue, and flowers. Broad, full-bodied, and rich with impressive purity, texture, and length, this wine can be enjoyed now, but it will be even better in 2-3 years; it should last for two decades. Sadly, production is only around 4,000 bottles for this brilliant effort. This small estate (just over 12 acres) is run by the Royer family, who can trace its origins in Chateauneuf du Pape back to the 1800's. However, they have only been estate bottling their wines since the mid-eighties. As the following notes indicate, these are very high quality, artisanal wines made with assistance from consultant Philippe Cambie. All of the vineyards are located in the southern sectors of Chateauneuf du Pape known as Bois de la Ville and Les Grandes Serres, the latter being one of the sources for the superb wines from Isabel Ferrando’s St.-Prefert Chateauneuf du Papes. Both the 2008 Chateauneuf du Pape and 2008 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Prestige are good efforts for this vintage. Importer: Bertin Henri Selections, Doral, FL; tel. (305) 392-6995 or (888) 392-6995.

Grenache Noir 90%, Syrah 5%, Mourvèdre 5%, from Le Bois de la Ville. Aged in barriques and cuves. Very youthful blueish purple. Very fresh, relatively simple, unadorned fruit. Rather gymnastic on the palate. Not one of the most complex. (JR)