Better is the soft, jammy, round, fresh, commercial-styled 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape, which offers cherry, herb, and licorice characteristics. The latter two wines contain more Grenache (80% in the traditional offering and 50% in the Cuvee du Baron). Given this estate’s great terroir, extraordinary history, and legendary old vintages (1978 and 1970, for example), it seems much higher quality could be achieved. One of the most historically important estates of the appellation, Chateau Fortia has been making wines since the late 1700s. It is well-known in French winedom that the owner of this property, Baron Pierre Le Roy, first promulgated very strict regulations under which Chateauneuf du Pape could be produced, This doctrine became the founding principles of the entire French appellation system in 1936. Fortia produces three cuvees from their 70+ acres of vines. Importer: Alain Junguenet, Wines of France, Mountainside, NJ; tel. (908) 654-5173