2007 Domaine de Villeneuve Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes

Inky ruby. Exotic, smoky aromas of blackberry and cassis, with a note of roasted herbs. Ripe, fleshy dark berry compote flavors are framed by chewy tannins and show a warm quality. This rich wine borders on too much, but welcome acidity adds lift to the finish. Impressive for its size but could use more energy.

This estate did not offer their 2008 for tasting, but they have hit the bull’s eye with their brilliant 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape. Aged 80% in tank and 20% in old barrels, this blend of 70% Grenache, 16% Mourvedre, and the rest Syrah, Cinsault, and the white grape Clairette is made from vines that average 65 years of age (some are over 100 years). This dense ruby/purple-hued offering smells like the essence of raspberry jam intermixed with boysenberries and blueberries. Exceptionally pure, with a layered mouthfeel and sweet tannin, this is undeniably the finest wine made by Proprietor Stanislas Wallut since he purchased Domaine de Villeneuve in 1992. The great oenologist Philippe Cambie consults at this biodynamically farmed property (over 75% of Cambie’s Chateauneuf du Pape clients are biodynamically farmed vineyards – an impressive statistic). This 2007, which was bottled unfiltered, should drink beautifully for 15-20 years. It is undeniably a big-time sleeper of the vintage. Importer: JEFF WELBURN SELECTIONS, Van Nuys, CA; tel. 818.780.4446