2007 Domaine Paul Autard Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée la Côte Ronde
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Tasting notes
A blockbuster Châteauneuf-du-Pape that shows a modern profile, but easily hangs on to its southern Rhone roots and stays remarkably fresh, the 2007 Domaine Paul Autard Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée La Cote Ronde is loaded with chocolaty black fruits, roasted herbs, licorice, flowers, mineral, and spice aromas and flavors. Full-bodied, beautifully proportioned, and showing even more depth and structure than on release, this is thrilling stuff that’s beautiful now due to the texture and quality of tannin, yet has more than enough structure and grip to evolve gracefully for 12-15 years. For those that are adverse to modern styled Châteauneuf-du-Pape or hints of oak, give bottles 4-5 years in the cellar.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
Deep ruby. Pungent scents of cassis, smoked meat, licorice and oak spices, with slow-building floral character. Broad, palate-staining dark fruit flavors are framed by chewy tannins and become sweeter with air. Showing a lot of oak spice right now but shows impressively concentrated black and blue fruit qualities as well. The finish packs a solid punch and leaves sweet boysenberry, vanilla and licorice notes behind. Give this a few years for the oak to recede.
The 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee La Cote Ronde (a blend of equal parts Grenache and Syrah from 60-year-old vines, with the Syrah enjoying malolactic fermentation in barrel and aging in new oak) possesses smoky, roasted herb, seaweed wrapper, licorice, cassis, and black cherry characteristics. The oak component is beautifully integrated, and the wine has superb concentration, a full-bodied style, and a true Chateauneuf du Pape personality in spite of the new oak. It should drink well for 15+ years. In a vintage – 2008 – where few estate made special cuvees from single vineyards or old vines, I was surprised to see all three cuvees from Paul Autard’s 62-acre estate in 2008. However, after tasting them I must say this property appears to have solved the year’s challenges. Represented by Russell Herman, Berkeley Heights, NJ; tel. (908) 771-9082; various American importers
Bright ruby-red. Powerful aromas of kirsch, blackcurrant, licorice and cured meat. On the brooding side, with dense, chewy dark fruit and cherry-vanilla flavors and suggestions of candied rose and black tea. Gains a bit of energy on the finish but then shuts down. I hope that I caught this in a sullen mood.