2007 Font de Michelle Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve
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Tasting notes
A beautiful wine that shows the class of the vintage, the 2007 Domaine Font de Michelle Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a traditionally made blend of 70% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre, and the rest a mix of Cinsault, Counoise, Terret and Muscardin. Beautifully perfumed and aromatic, with deep, classical aromas of black currants, sweet cherries, licorice, dried Provencal herbs, and spice-box, this medium to full-bodied Châteauneuf-du-Pape hits the palate with a silky, seamless texture, impeccable balance, and an understated elegance that hides the wine’s underlying concentration and structure. While upfront and approachable now, it benefits from a decant and should continue to shine for another decade.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Dark red. Fresh red berry are complemented by notes of dried rose, allspice and anise. Energetic raspberry and cherry flavors gain weight with air, taking a turn to deeper plum and bitter chocolate while maintaining vivacity. Soft tannins add structure and carry through the long, spicy finish. This is drinking well already.
70% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre and 10% of Cinsault, Terret, Counoise and Muscardin. This property has been in the hands of the same family for over 3 generations. Etienne Gonnet, the present owner's father, grouped 170 plots to make a 30ha domaine – located in the south-east of the appellation called La Crau. Vines are grown on a south-east facing clay and limestone slope, covered with 'galets roulés'. Grapes were destemmed, crushed and fermented in thermo-regulated 150hl vats at 30°C for 18-24 days with daily pumpovers. Matured in oak foudres and 225l barriques for 16 months, no new oak. Winemakers Guillaume and Bertrand Gonnet. Suitable for vegetarians and vegans. TA 3.05g/l, pH 3.72, RS 2.0g/l. Dark and inviting fruit on the nose. Dark spicy fruit follows through to generous, sweet and fresh palate. Very easy to like but not at all simple. Excellent length with fine dry fruit and tannins well integrated to the very end. All the good things of the southern Rhône 2007s. So rich but so beautifully balanced. Opens up in the glass to a delicious savoury richness and depth. Firm but still juicy. (JH)
Deep red. Highly expressive aromas of red berries, smoky herbs, Asian spices and minerals. Smooth and silky, with sweet raspberry and kirsch flavors and no obvious tannins. A seductive, juicy wine that finishes with excellent breadth and precision. I suspect this will be alluring on release.