2007 Domaine de la Charbonniere Châteauneuf-du-Pape

The 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape, a blend of 70% Grenache and the rest equal parts Syrah and Mourvedre aged totally in foudre, is a classic example of Chateauneuf du Pape. It offers resiny, raspberry, and kirsch notes intermixed with lavender and Provencal herbs. Dark ruby-hued, medium to full-bodied, rich, and savory with silky tannins, good acids, and a long, heady finish, this beauty can be drunk now or over the next 12-15 years. The Maret family runs this impeccably managed estate that has nearly 45 acres of vineyards, primarily in the northeast sector of the appellation. They also have a large holding on the high plateau in the northern tier of Chateauneuf du Pape from which they produce their superb Les Hautes Brusquieres from a lieux-dit of the same name. Only two 2008s were made. All of the 2007s performed better out of bottle than they did last year. Importer: Alain Junguenet, Wines of France, Mountainside, NJ; tel. (908) 654-6173

A blend of 70% Grenache with the remainder an even split of Syrah and Mourvedre, the 2007 Domaine de la Charbonnière Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a silky, elegant wine that displays pure, earthy, mineral laced fruit, violets, incense and dark chocolate nuances. These lead into a medium bodied, balanced and long palate.

Grenache Blanc 40%, Clairette 20%, Roussanne 40%. 25% aged in new barriques. Spicy gingerbread on the nose. Fresh and floral and bracing on the palate though without that much density. (JR)