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Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Domaine Charvin 2007

Tasting Notes

I believe the 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape is the finest wine ever made at Charvin. Their wines never achieve a lot of color, but this is one of the most saturated ones they have produced. The blend from the 45- to 50-year-old vines is 85% Grenache and the rest equal parts Syrah, Mourvedre, and Vaccarese, all aged in cement tanks prior to being bottled unfiltered. A terrific nose of kirsch, lavender, licorice, forest floor, and spice box soars from the glass of this full-bodied effort. With fabulous density, a multidimensional mouthfeel, and a 45+-second finish this brilliant, elegant, feminine-styled wine is loaded with concentration and intensity. Like many 2007 Chateauneuf du Papes, the extraordinary fruit level makes it hard to resist. However, it will be even better in 3-5 years, and should last for 15-20.

97
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (185), October 2009

Even though this is crammed with fig and currant paste notes,it maintains a racy, silky feel, thanks to perfectly embeddedstructure and a complex backdrop of incense, charred mesquite,shiso leaf and freshly ground espresso. This has ample grip, butit's extremely graceful-a deft act in this vintage. Best from 2010through 2030.

95
James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, September 2009

These two brilliant vintages from Laurent Charvin include a superb 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape displaying a personality reminiscent of a hypothetical blend of his 1990 and 1998. A blend of 85% Grenache and the rest equal parts Mourvedre, Vaccarese, and Syrah, all aged in old tanks, it exhibits a deep ruby/purple color as well as a sumptuous bouquet of black raspberries, kirsch liqueur, and subtle notions of underbrush and nori seaweed wrapper. Rayas-like in its ethereal richness, length, and texture with a sense of lightness despite its weight, this beauty possesses superb purity, equilibrium, texture, and elegance. Some serious tannins are lurking behind all the fruit, so this 2007 will benefit from 2-4 years of cellaring. It will drink beautifully for 15-18 years.

94/96+
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (179), October 2009
Please note that these tasting notes/scores are not intended to be exhaustive and in some cases they may not be the most recently published figures. However, we always do our best to add latest scores and reviews when these come to our attention. We advise customers who wish to purchase wines based simply on critical reviews to carry out further research into the latest reports.