The 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Reservee (of which I was lucky to find a magnum on a Paris bistrorsquo;s wine list a week after my tasting at the estate) is a brilliant effort that ranks alongside the colossal 2003 Cuvee Reservee. A blend of approximately 85% Grenache, 8ndash;9% Syrah, and the rest Mourvedre and other varietals from 50ndash;100+ year old vines aged in foudre, it exhibits a dense plum/purple color along with a big, sweet bouquet of beef blood, grilled herbs, barbecue smoke, lavender, sweet cassis and kirsch and a hint of Asian soy. The wine possesses a fabulous texture, a full-bodied read more...mouthfeel and a seamless integration of tannin, acidity and alcohol. Certainly the alcohol level is pushing 16% in this wine. With extraordinary texture and unctuosity, this remarkable effort should drink well for 20+ years yet be very appealing in its youth given the glycerin, velvety texture, and remarkable complexity.    (hide)

Saturated red. Impressively complex scents of red and dark berries, cherry, leather and garrigue, with smoky minerals and dried flowers adding interest. Juicy raspberry and blackcurrant flavors pack serious punch and are seriously concentrated but there's a real elegance to this wine. Licorice and candied flowers echo on the long, sappy finish. This looks to be as good as the superb 2005 today.

dark fruit trees. some nose of Saratoga springs in a good way.