2007 Domaine de Monpertuis Châteauneuf-du-Pape Secret de Gabriel Vieilles Vignes

Formerly known as the “Cuvee Tradition” and made only in top vintages, the 2007 Domaine Monpertuis Châteauneuf-du-Pape Secret de Gabriel is mostly (85%) very old vine Grenache – no destemming - that’s aged in a combination of small and large barrel for just under two years. Utterly captivating on the nose, the wine exudes class and finesse, showing black cherry liqueur and darker styled fruits that are supported by crushed stone, graphite, grilled meats, and licorice aromas and flavors. Medium to full bodied on the palate, with phenomenal precision and focus, solid concentration, and ultra fine tannin structure, the wine glides across the palate with a seamless, airy profile and character. Finesse, purity, and focus are the buzzwords here and while it doesn’t have the sheer size of some of the other top cuvees, its impeccable integration sets it apart and it will shine in any lineup. A joy to drink now with about an hour or two of air (I followed this bottle over 2 days and it was as good on the second day as the first), this needs 3 to 5 years in the cellar and should drink well for 2 decades. Bravo!