2007 Domaine Charvin Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Never one of Laurent's favorite vintages (although I suspect he's warmed up to it slightly), the 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape continues to drink brilliantly, and while this bottle was just slightly closed, I’ve had numerous bottles from my cellar that are open and singing. Nevertheless, on this occasion, it took some swirling to get it to open up and it’s a concentrated, structured, full-bodied beauty that has the classic elegance of the estate yet with another level of fruit and exuberance. It’s just at the early stages of full maturity, is a smoking good drink and will keep for another 10-15 years.

Always a thrilling drink and continuing to show brilliantly, the 2007 Domaine Charvin Châteauneuf-du-Pape possesses a brilliant aromatic display of licorice infused red fruits, garrigue, meat juice, lavender, and spice on the nose. Decidedly ’07 and massive by Laurent’s standards, the wine dishes out loads of soft, velvety textured fruit that’s supported by solid underlying structure and depth, perfect balance, and a classically dry finish. This is a brilliant Châteauneuf-du-Pape and it should continue to drink well for another 10-12 years, if not longer.

Vivid ruby. Mineral-driven aromas of strawberry, black raspberry, potpourri and allspice, plus a whiff of white pepper. Very fresh, palate-staining red fruit flavors are complicated by floral pastille, baking spice and smoky herb nuances. Very deep in flavor but impressively light on its feet, finishing with strong minerality and spicy persistence. (Weygandt-Metzler Importing, Unionville PA