The 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape is a blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah. It reveals a deep ruby/purple color in addition to a gorgeous nose of black fruits, spring flowers, licorice, incense, lavender, and grilled Provencal herbs. Dense, full-bodied, flamboyant, and chewy, with that terrific freshness and purity that characterize this great vintage in the south, it should drink well for 12-15+ years. This great northern Rhone negociant, spearheaded by their brilliant oenologist and winemaker, Jacques Grange, has consistently made fabulous wines from the northern appellations, but only recently upgraded the quality of their southern Rhone selections. These are the finest southern Rhones they have made, and their Cotes du Rhone St.-Esprit ranks alongside the offerings from Guigal and Chapoutier.Importer: Maison Marques et Domaines, Oakland, CA; tel. (510) 587-2000

Very friendly fig, boysenberry and blackberry fruit is woven with violet, anise and fruitcake notes that extend through the long, well-rounded finish. Drink now through 2019. 1,665 cases made. -JM