2007 Cotes du Rhone

The 2007 Cotes du Rhone Le Poutet may be the finest example of this cuvee Laurent Charvin has yet made. A sleeper of the vintage, it delivers sexy black cherry and black raspberry fruit intermixed with loamy soil, spice, and roasted Provencal herb notes. With surprising density, a terrific texture, and a lush finish, it can be enjoyed over the next 2-3 years. One of Chateauneuf du Pape’s young turks is Laurent Charvin, who represents the sixth generation of the family to run this estate (which was founded in 1851). Prior to 1990, the entire production was sold to negociants, but the estate-bottled production has gradually risen as consumers have recognized the quality in the bottle (which to me has always come close to what was produced at Chateau Rayas under the late Jacques Reynaud). It is a small estate, with a production of approximately 2,500 cases from their 20 acres of vines, all located in the northern tier of the appellation, next to the grand estate of Maucoil. Importer: Peter Weygandt, Weygandt-Metzler, Unionville, PA; tel. (610) 486-0800