2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Origines

The full-bodied 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee les Origines continues to drink well, although I don't expect it to get any better than it is now. Hints of hoisin sauce and leather accent plummy fruit in this plush, creamy, luxurious example of Châteauneuf du Pape. This sort of welcoming generosity is why the appellation has won so many fans over the ages.

Opaque purple. Pungent aromas of blackberry, blueberry, incense and potpourri. Offers brighter red fruits on the palate, with sweet floral pastille and smoky mineral qualities adding complexity. Becomes more energetic on the sappy, precise, very long finish.

Still showing a youthful, primary profile, the 2007 Domaine Grand Veneur Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Origines (a blend of 50% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre, and 20% Syrah that’s aged partially in new barrels) is a thrilling Châteauneuf-du-Pape that delivers pure, clean aromas of crème de cassis, mineral, sweet tobacco, lavender, spring flowers, and graphite to go with a full-bodied, concentrated, and impeccably put together palate feel. Despite the modern elevage, it has soaked up all traces of its stint in oak and shows brilliantly pure fruit, a focused texture, and an overall classic, elegant southern Rhône character. Needing the better part of the evening to fully flesh out, this age-worthy ’07 should continue to improve over the coming 3-4 years, and drink well through 2027.