2007 Chateauneuf du Pape

Very developed nose. Lots of sweetness. Positively cocoa! But very satisfying. (JR)

Vivid ruby. Ripe cherry and dark berries on the nose. The palate shows fresher red fruits, with a hint of blood orange adding vivacity. Much more energetic than it showed from barrel, finishing with very good lift and persistence and impressive clarity.

The 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape is a full-bodied, exceptionally aromatic effort displaying plenty of sweet black cherry, licorice, garrigue, and earth as well as a subtle note of oak in a full-bodied, opulent style. As the wine sits in the glass, whiffs of raspberries and figs also emerge from this substantial, fleshy, irresistible Chateauneuf du Pape. Enjoy it over the next 10-15 years. One of the oldest estates in Chateauneuf du Pape (the winery, which is actually a true chateau, was constructed in the mid-1700s), Chateau de Vaudieu is located adjacent to Rayas, just a few kilometers northeast of the village. One of the appellation's largest estates (175 acres in vine), Vaudieu's quality has soared over recent years as the famed oenologist Philippe Cambie has been working here since 2003. Importers: Potomac Imports, MD; (no phone number available); Old World Wine, FL; (no phone number available), Premier Wine, Richmond, VA; (no phone number available); Triage, Seattle, WA; tel. (206) 883-0543, Miller Squared, Buffalo Grove, IL; tel.(847) 403-7215, and Calice Wine, Houston, TX; tel. (713) 290-9460