The 2008 Chateauneuf du Pape is supple, pleasant, well-fruited, and ideal for drinking over the next 3-4 years. (Not yet released)The 2007s are the finest wines I have yet tasted from this estate, which has relatively large holdings (about 75 acres), mostly in the southern sector of Chateauneuf du Pape where the soils are sandy and gravelly. The 2008s are very good considering the challenges of this vintage. The stars of this portfolio are the 2007s.No known American importer.

The only 2008 presented for tasting was the 2008 Chateauneuf du Pape Clos du Roi, a spicy, medium ruby-colored, solidly made, somewhat superficial, fruity red that is best consumed over the next several years. Importers: Hopp & Wine Beverage, Sterling, VA; Ideal Wine & Spirits, Medford, MA, tel. (781) 395-3300; Beaune Imports, Berkeley, CA, tel. (510) 559-1040; and Jandell Selections, Syosset, NY, tel. (516) 364-9889.