2007 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Report - December 2009

Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the most renowned appellation of the southern part of the Rhône Valley, has produced some of the finest wines in France for hundreds of years, and Robert Parker thinks that 2007 is the "vintage of a lifetime".  

Parker states: Throughout the southern Rhône, 2007 is the greatest vintage I have tasted in my thirty years working in that region...As for Châteauneuf du Pape, that appellation has had an unprecedented succession of superlative vintages. Forgetting the historic washout in 2002, every vintage between 1998 and 2007 has had both high quality and something different to offer stylistically. Where does 2007 fit. Think of 2007 as a hypothetical blend of an opulent, powerful, sumptuous year such as 1990, and a cooler drought vintage such as 2001. The cool weather and the remarkable three weeks of Mistral in September that concentrated the grapes without any spikes of high heat appears to have given the 2007s an aromatic dimension and freshness that I have rarely witnessed. Combine that with wines that are substantial, powerful, and relatively high in alcohol, with super depth of fruit! These are very aromatic wines of great concentration, freshness, laser-like focus, and amazing purity as well as depth. It is the vintage of my lifetime for this region, and I don’t say that lightly. These 2007s will also be very long-lived given their extraordinary balance.

In terms of climate, it was a cooler than normal vintage, and Châteauneuf du Pape experienced a severe drought between late spring and the end of September. This, plus the three weeks of Mistral, and the lack of any heat spells concentrated the grapes to extraordinary levels, and also provided the remarkable aromatic profiles and stunning freshness and vibrancy found in the 2007s.

The 2007 CDP selections that we have tasted live up to the hype, and (as always) the wines below were chosen for their combinaton of quality and value.  While there was a clear "Best Value" in the Clos du Mont Olivet Chateauneuf du Pape 2007, the "Best of Tasting" was less clear to us given that all of these wines are of superior quality and unique in character.  While these are not quite as accessible young as compared to many CDPs from 2006, they will reward with extreme enjoyment.  These are layered wines that unfold in the glass, and all appear to be extremely age-worthy.

All wines in our store are 15% off of any 6 or more mix-and-match bottles. Call, Email or stop by our store for a mixed case!

Clos du Mont Olivet Chateauneuf du Pape 2007

One of the benchmark producers of CDP. Deep plum to the rim, medium to full-bodied, with a classic nose of smoke, loads of kirsch and black currants.  Not quite as explosive as the 'Cuvee Papet' but it's close!  A superb value from a great vintage. 85% Grenache. (Wine Spectator, 93 pts.) (IWC, 91-94 pts.)

$35.99 Bottle
$30.59 15% off 6 or more

Clos Mont Olivet Chateauneuf du Pape 'Cuvee Papet' 2007

Explosive, with a glorious nose of roast meat and Provencal herbs interwoven with kirsch, black currant, pepper and spice. It's like an open-air marketplace in Provence. 80% Grenache and equal parts Syrah and Mouvedre. This will age a long time. (Robert Parker, 98 pts.)

$60.00 Bottle
$51.00 15% off 6 or more

Clos Saint Jean Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2007

Sexy, with sweet bouquet of currants, plums, figs, black cherries, licorice, and incense. The wine possesses dense, concentrated richness, undeniable opulence, and succulent flesh. (Robert Parker, 96 pts.)

$54.99 Bottle
$46.74 15% off 6 or more

Domaine de Ferrand Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2007

This is seriously dark, with bittersweet chocolate, braised beef, fig, tar and ground espresso notes, while dark plum and currant fruit wait in the background. A broad and muscular finish. (Robert Parker, 98 pts.)

$74.99 Bottle
$46.74 15% off 6 or more

Domaine Charvin Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2007

This is crammed with fig and currant paste notes, and maintains a silky feel, thanks to perfectly embedded structure and a backdrop of incense, charred mesquite, and freshly ground espresso. Has grip and yet extremely graceful! (Robert Parker, 97 pts.)

$72.49 Bottle
$61.62 15% off 6 or more

Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe Châteauneuf-du-Pape 'La Crau' 2007

Packed, in a brawny, muscular style atypical for this lush vintage, with a gravelly undertow to the currant paste, braised fig and dark licorice notes. Picks up even more steam on the finish, with grilled mesquite, mineral and garrigue notes and a long, hot stone finish.  (Wine Spectator, 95 pts. - TOP 100 WINES OF 2009 #3)

SOLD OUT