($95) Bright ruby. Expressive aromas of raspberry, cherry, blood orange and dried flowers, with an undertone of zesty spices. Very fresh and incisive red fruit flavors are complemented by sweet lavender and rose pastille, and pick up a peppery nuance with air. Impressively balanced, pure wine with a strong finishing jolt of red berry skin. I underestimated this wine from barrel. (Weygandt-Metzler Importing, Unionville PA

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Possibly Bravay's finest effort to date, the 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape boasts an inky/blue/purple hue as well as an extraordinary perfume of graphite, incense, charcoal, roasted meats, Provencal herbs, pepper, and copious quantities of blue and black fruits. Full-bodied, extraordinarily pure, and already revealing remarkable complexity, focus, and balance, this is a stellar Chateauneuf du Pape that will require 2-3 years of bottle age.

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This is seriously dark, with bittersweet chocolate, braised beef, fig, tar and ground espresso notes leading the charge, while dark plum and currant fruit wait in the background. Cuts a broad swath on the muscular finish. Very backward, with a ways to go, this has harnessed more grip than most in this vintage.

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