2007 Chateauneuf-Du-Pape, Domaine Charvin (750ml)

Vintage: 2007
Format: 750ml
Wine Name: Chateauneuf-du-Pape
Vineyard:
Designation:
Appellation: Chateauneuf- du-Pape
Producer: Domaine Charvin
Varietal: Red Rhone Blend
Type: Red
Country: France
Region: Rhone
Sub-Region:

Tasting note: Vivid ruby. Mineral-driven aromas of strawberry, black raspberry, potpourri and allspice, plus a whiff of white pepper. Very fresh, palate-staining red fruit flavors are complicated by floral pastille, baking spice and smoky herb nuances. Very deep in flavor but impressively light on its feet, finishing with strong minerality and spicy persistence. (94pts. Stephen Tanzer)

Tasted: Jan./Feb. 2010
Score: 94
Drink: N/A

Tasting note: Even though this is crammed with fig and currant paste notes, it maintains a racy, silky feel, thanks to perfectly embedded structure and a complex backdrop of incense, charred mesquite, shiso leaf and freshly ground espresso. This has ample grip, but it's extremely graceful—a deft act in this vintage. (95pts. JM, Wine Spectator)

Tasted: Nov. 15, 2009
Score: 95
Drink: 2010-30

Tasting note: I believe the 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape is the finest wine ever made at Charvin. Their wines never achieve a lot of color, but this is one of the most saturated ones they have produced. The blend from the 45- to 50-year-old vines is 85% Grenache and the rest equal parts Syrah, Mourvedre, and Vaccarese, all aged in cement tanks prior to being bottled unfiltered. A terrific nose of kirsch, lavender, licorice, forest floor, and spice box soars from the glass of this full-bodied effort. With fabulous density, a multidimensional mouthfeel, and a 45+-second finish this brilliant, elegant, feminine-styled wine is loaded with concentration and intensity. Like many 2007 Chateauneuf du Papes, the extraordinary fruit level makes it hard to resist. However, it will be even better in 3-5 years, and should last for 15-20. (97pts. Robert Parker)

Tasted: Oct. 2009
Score: 97
Drink: 2012-32