Potentially prodigious, the 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape l’Accent de Roquete boasts a dense ruby/purple hue along with sumptuous aromas of black raspberries, kirsch, licorice, pepper, and Asian spices. Ripe, full-bodied, incredibly pure, and multi-dimensional, the finish lasts for nearly 50 seconds. This fabulous Chateauneuf du Pape will compete with the top wines of this stunning vintage. It should drink beautifully for two decades. Formerly Domaine La Roquete (and mis-spelled last year as Roquette), the Brunier family has changed the name to Clos La Roquete as they recognize this is a true “clos” (a totally walled vineyard). As I have indicated in several recent Chateauneuf du Pape reports, this is one of the estates for which the Bruniers have pushed the envelope of quality higher and higher in each new vintage. This is the finest group of wines they have yet produced, and readers should take serious note.Importer: Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines, New York, NY; tel. (646) 223-2200

Clos La Roquete new luxury cuvee, the 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape l’Accent de Roquete, is fashioned from 90% old vine Grenache grown in Les Pialons (situated high on the plateau) and 10% Mourvedre from the sandy soils of Pignan. Sadly, there are only 400 cases of this sensational 2006. Deep ruby to the rim, with vibrant black raspberry and sweet black cherry scents interwoven with notions of incense, lavender, spice box, and licorice. Full-bodied with fabulously intense, succulent fruit, a layered texture, and a heady finish, it should drink easily for 15 or more years. Formerly Domaine La Roquete (and mis-spelled last year as Roquette), the Brunier family has changed the name to Clos La Roquete as they recognize this is a true “clos” (a totally walled vineyard). As I have indicated in several recent Chateauneuf du Pape reports, this is one of the estates for which the Bruniers have pushed the envelope of quality higher and higher in each new vintage. This is the finest group of wines they have yet produced, and readers should take serious note.Importer: Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines, New York, NY; tel. (646) 223-2200

The seriously endowed 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape l’Accent de Roquette is more tannic but also dramatically more concentrated than the traditional cuvee. An identical blend to the 2006, the wine exhibits a deep ruby color to the rim and sweet kirsch liqueur notes intermixed with hints of licorice, tobacco leaf, and spring flowers. Full-bodied, formidably endowed, but broodingly backward with high tannin and good acidity, this wine will be at its best between 2012 and 2022. There is no question Daniel Brunier and his brother have been working feverishly to raise the level of quality at Domaine La Roquette. The wines are now being aged 100% in foudre, and the quality has definitely taken a dramatic turn upwards. The brothers have introduced an old vine luxury cuvee, called l’Accent de Roquette, and the estate’s white Chateauneuf du Pape has benefitted from their expertise in vinifying white grapes.Importer: Diageo Chateau Estate Wines, New York, NY; tel. (212) 419-1400