2007 Domaine Bosquet des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Chantemerle Vieilles Vignes
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Tasting notes
The most classic and traditional in the lineup is easily the 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Chante le Merle Vieilles Vignes, which is 86% Grenache with the balance a split of Mourvèdre and Syrah, that was not destemmed and was aged in a combination of foudre, demi-muids and concrete tanks. This old-school beauty offers up sumptuous notes of smoked meats, leather, graphite, garrigue and hints of beef blood in a richly concentrated, structured, youthful yet certainly enjoyable profile. It’s not yet fully mature, but it’s getting close. I suspect when all is said and done, it will have three decades of overall longevity.
Critic scores
Jeb Dunnuck
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Primarily old vine Grenache with a splash of Syrah and Mourvèdre, the 2007 Bosquet des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape Chante Le Merle Vieilles Vignes is easily the best Vintage of this cuvée I’ve had. The nose is packed with sweet raspberry and kirsch like aromatics that are supported by complex notes of exotic spice, garrigue and licorice. It’s ripe and decadent but holds onto its southern Rhône roots with a complex, slightly rustic character. In the mouth, the wine is full bodied with sweet fruit, a rich savory texture and impressive balance. The wine shows plenty of tannic structure and grip on the finish. This needs air if drinking soon but should benefit from 3 to 5 years in the cellar and then drink well over the following 10 to 15.
Opaque ruby. Smoky, mineral-driven aromas of dark berries, violet and licorice, with a hint of cracked pepper. Weighty but surprisingly energetic, offering sweet blackberry and blueberry flavors and musky herbal and floral qualities. Chewier than the previous wine, finishing with strong grip and very good smoky thrust. Give this some cellar time.