One of the most profound wines in the vintage is unquestionable the 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee les Grenache de Pierre, which is 100% Grenache, from sandy soils in the la Crau lieu-dit, raised all in concrete tanks and bottled unfiltered. Its deep ruby color is followed by an incredible bouquet of black cherries, black raspberries, licorice, dried herbs and garrigue. Deep, layered, gorgeously concentrated and ultra-fine, with sweet, ripe tannin and an incredible elegance, drink this sensational juice anytime over the coming 10-15 years.

An extraordinary expression of old vine Grenache grown in sandy soils is the 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Grenaches de Pierre. The two wines it most closely resembles are Rayas and the Barroche Pure, another 100% Grenache from the identical vineyard - Grand Pierre. Its deep ruby color reveals less saturation than the other two cuvees, and the nose offers up extraordinary scents of kirsch liqueur, sandy, loamy soil, pepper, and raspberries. Smelling like either a great vintage of Chateau Lafleur or Chateau Rayas, this is a fabulous wine. Kudos to Philippe Cambie for capturing the terroir and elusive quality of old vine Grenache that seemingly hits heights in Chateauneuf du Pape unequaled anywhere else in the world. Very full-bodied and broad with silky tannins, and ethereal to taste, this is a monumental example of Grenache to drink over the next 15+ years..Brilliant oenologist, Philippe Cambie, has completely resurrected this estate, where he is now turning out some of the most extraordinary wines of the appellation, with the old vine Les Grenaches de Pierre an outstanding clone of Rayas. That's not surprising in view of the fact that it comes from the pure sandy soils near Rayas. The traditional cuvee is aged in tank and old barrels, and represents a blend of 60% Grenache, 35% Syrah, and 5% Mourvedre. Les Gallimardes, also kept in tank and old barrels, is a combination of 90% Grenache and 10% Syrah. Les Grenaches de Pierre is 100% old vine Grenache also aged in old barrels and tank.Importer: Eric Solomon, European Cellars, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565

Representing the essence of Provence, the 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Grenaches de Pierre is a brilliant example of 100% Grenache from 100-year-old vines. After spending 18 months in concrete tanks prior to being bottled unfiltered, it boasts an exquisite nose of lavender, garrigue, kirsch liqueur, and black currants. The explosive aromatics are followed by a full-bodied, layered wine with velvety tannins as well as an opulent, multilayered texture. This sensational effort should drink well for 15-20 years. After selling wine to negociants for many years, this estate began to estate bottle in 1998. With the assistance of the brilliant Philippe Cambie, the wines have soared in quality, and Domaine Giraud is now one of the more exciting domaines in Chateauneuf du Pape. They own over 47 acres of vineyards, including the incredible parcel of 100+-year-old vines in a lieu-dit called La Grande Pierre which has sandy soil similar to that at nearby Chateau Rayas. Two of the finest 2008 Chateauneuf du Papes I tasted were produced by proprietors Marie and Francois Giraud.Importer: Eric Solomon, European Cellars, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565