RP 92 WS 92 IWC 90-93 - Robert Parker 92 Points More structured, backward, and formidably endowed is the 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Tradition. Made from a blend of over 80% Grenache and the rest Syrah and Cinsault, with some very old-vine fruit going into the blend, this wine is also aged in a combination of tank and foudre prior to bottling. Deep plum/ruby-colored with a striking nose of loamy soil scents interwoven with exuberant kirsch liqueur notes, licorice, and roasted Provencal herbs, the wine is backward, dense, full-bodied, and very pure, with a brilliant texture and length. This wine will benefit from another 1-2 years of cellaring and drink well for 15+ years. Wine Spectator 92 Points Solidly built, with an ample core of boysenberry, blackberry and braised fig fruit flavors laced with dark licorice. The long, grippy finish lets crème de cassis and plum sauce notes sail on. Rather fruit-centric now, but has the stuffing to develop further. Best from 2010 through 2027. 1,650 cases made.-JM International Wine Cellar 90-93 Points Deep ruby. Red and blue fruits on the nose, with cracked pepper, lavender and mineral qualities adding complexity. Rich and velvety, with lush blackberry and blueberry flavors, lightly chewy tannins and a late note of anise. Gains weight on the finish, which strongly repeats the blue fruit note. A big boy, but there are no rough edges to get in the way of early drinking.

Community Tasting Notes (average 92.5 pts. and median of 92 pts. in 6 notes)

Rating for France-Rhône-Châteauneuf-du-Pape: 98 (excellent)<br/><br/>Drinkability: young, aging quickly, could be good now<br/>