2007 Domaine La Barroche Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Pure

Thick, unctuous and the epitome of hedonism, the 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape is easily the most decadent and concentrated Pure produced to date. Possessing tons of sweet kirsch and darker fruits, roasted meats, lavender and truffle, it's massive and backward on the palate, with a full, stacked mid-palate and an almost overflowing amount of fruit that somehow stays lively, weightless and fresh. I found the '05 and '10 to have a tad more vibrancy at this tasting, but certainly, this is one of the most profound Grenaches I've tasted. A word of warning, this cuvee has known Issues of having some bottles referment, so proceed with caution.

Inky purple. Explosively perfumed, kaleidoscopic bouquet of blackberry, blueberry, incense, graphite, anise and potpourri. Deeply concentrated dark fruit flavors reach every corner of the palate, picking up bitter chocolate, lavender pastille and mineral qualities with air. Becomes spicier on the finish, leaving behind strong notes of blueberry, flowers and smoky minerals.