($49) Deep ruby. Seductively aromatic bouquet of red and dark berries, fresh flowers and minerals, with subtle garrigue and baking spice character. A round, creamy midweight with deep, sweet raspberry and blackcurrant flavors and a finish featuring gently gripping tannins and excellent smoky persistence. More civilized and fruity than the 2006 and 2004 releases from this top producer. (Wines of France, Mountainside, NJ)

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Deep crimson. Lots of pepper and spice on the nose. Round, rich and polished - and extremely spicy - on the palate. Quite expressive already with real excitement. Some tannins still on the finish but so much ripe fruit that it promises very well.

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As one would expect, the 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape is formidably tannic, backward, and in need of 5-6 years of bottle age. Its dark ruby/purple color is accompanied by classic notes of sweet cherries, roasted herbs, meat juices, forest floor, and resiny underbrush. Deep, full-bodied, backward, and serious, this is a wine for patient connoisseurs.

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(#3 on Wine Spectator's Top 100 of 2007) This estate is run by Lucien Michel, his wife, Marie-Jose, and daughter Claire. Keeping to tradition, they make only one cuvee of red Chateauneuf-du-Pape. The 2005 comprises 75 percent Grenache (from vines averaging 90 years of age), 15 percent Syrah and 10 percent Mourvedre and Cinsault. The Michels chose to retain 50 percent of the stems during fermentation to build the wine's structure. The wine is matured in foudres at least two years old.

Juicy and spicy, with lots of raspberry ganache and blueberry notes offset by hints of mulled spices, black tea and fig cake. Really picks up steam on the finish, with a racy, mouthwatering minerality. Should age beautifully. 4,250 cases made.

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Aroma of dark berries, coffee and minerals. Starts off slow in the mouth but then explodes into berries and pepper. Extremely long finish. I am not a huge CDP fan but this wine is truly outstanding.