2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Croix de Bois

The 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Croix de Bois comes from the eastern sector of Chateauneuf du Pape near Bedarrides. Its dense plum/purple color is accompanied by a big, sweet bouquet of licorice, roasted Provencal herbs, meat juices, kirsch, black raspberries, and black currants. Deep, full-bodied, and rich, this beauty is ideal for drinking over the next 10-15+ years. Michel Chapoutier fashions some terrific low-end wines that sell for a song, and in 2007, they are of exceptionally high quality. The handful of 2008s I tasted also look very good for the vintage. These are sleeper selections, especially his La Ciboise and Estubiers from the Coteaux du Tricastin. Importer: Paterno Imports, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-8900

My first Châteauneuf from this much-vaunted vintage… Very deep crimson. Spicy, but not super-ripe nose. Still pretty gassy but with amazing energy! Positively fizzing with life and richness. There was actually a grape pip in my sample – a first in 32 years. Beautifully balanced – ie the tannins and alcohol taste in check. Very well done. A lovely wine for medium-term drinking. (JR)

Cask Sample My first Châteauneuf from this much-vaunted vintage… Very deep crimson. Spicy but not super-ripe nose. Still pretty gassy but with amazing energy! Positively fizzing with life and richness. There was actually a grape pip in my sample – a first in 32 years. Beautifully balanced – ie the tannins and alcohol taste in check. Very well done. A lovely wine for medium-term drinking. (JR)