Clos Des Papes 2007 Clos Des Papes Chateauneuf-du-Pape 1,5 L

Red wine – 2007 – Clos des Papes Chateauneuf-du-Pape 1,5 L – France – Region: Rhone

2007 Clos des Papes Chateauneuf-du-Pape 1,5 L

Tasting Note:

Paul Avril was a bigger-than-life vigneron a visionary and a great teacher but Vincent has been in charge for a number of years and he has rewarded his father with what I believe is the greatest Chateauneuf du Pape made since 1978 and 1990 the 2007. I have not only tasted this wine at the estate but I purchased it for my cellar and have now drunk it on three separate occasions out of bottle. It is unquestionably one of the great Chateauneufs of my lifetime and I suspect it will merit a three digit score after another 3-4 years of cellaring. The blend is generally 65% Grenache 20% Mourvedre and the rest small amounts of Muscardin Vaccarese Counoise and Syrah. It exhibits what is probably the deepest color I have ever seen here and the finished alcohol is a high (for Clos des Papes) 15.5%. Still slightly restrained because of its recent bottling but wow what potential complexity mind-boggling richness and compelling flavor profile are apparent. It is a sublime expression of the art of winemaking as evidenced by its dense purple color and big sweet kiss of kirsch framboise blackberries licorice roasted herbs and smoked meat. It hits the palate with a fascinating combination of substance power full-bodied authority yet extraordinary freshness elegance and precision. Give it 3-4 years of cellaring and watch it unleash its glory over the next three decades. This is a prodigious wine of great quality from one of the most important reference point estates in Chateauneuf du Pape. Source: Wine Advocate

Rating: 99+ RP Reviewed by Robert Parker Date: October 2009