CDP Cuvée de la Reine des Bois, Domaine de la Mordorée 2007

Not surprisingly, the 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape La Reine des Bois is another prodigious offering from this estate. A blend of 80% Grenache and the rest equal parts Mourvedre, Syrah, Counoise, and Vacarrese, it was aged 50% in stainless steel tanks and 50% in small oak barrels. The result is an inky/blue/purple-colored wine displaying a formidable nose of graphite, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, cherries, licorice, and violets. Full-bodied with exquisite depth, impressive purity, and a multilayered, sumptuous finish with moderate tannin, its purity, freshness, vibrancy, and precision are exceptional. Give it 2-3 years of bottle age and drink it over the following two decades.

Extremely dark crimson. Very rich and voluptuous and spicy and gloriously fruity. A tarry top note on all the opulent ripe fruit underneath. Very lush and user-friendly with excellent tannin management. Some real thought in the winemaking here. Interesting wine but hot finish. Drink 2011-2018. Date tasted 10th Dec 08.

The purple-colored 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Reine des Bois is loaded. Although still primary and backward, it reveals an extraordinary depth of juicy blackberry and cassis fruit interwoven with notes of roasted herbs, meat juices, camphor, and a touch of licorice. The wine boasts great depth, a superb texture, and a full-bodied richness nicely framed by high yet velvety tannins and fresh acidity. The vintage's remarkable aromatic complexity and freshness are apparent in this big, substantial, authoritative wine. It will need 3-4 years of cellaring, and should keep for 20-25 years.