2007 M. Chapoutier Châteauneuf-du-Pape Croix de Bois
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Tasting notes
Ruby-red. Pungent, deep aromas of red berry preserves and kirsch, with notes of smoky Indian spices and minerals adding complexity. Broad, liqueur-like red fruit flavors coat the palate and show a distinctly warm, slightly roasted character, with gentle back-end lift. Finishes sweet and impressively persistent, with repeating smoke and spice notes. This rich, serious wine will need equally rich food.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
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)