Premier Cru - Rhone Wine RSS/RDF Feed http://www.premiercru.net/premier/jsp/xml/premiercrurhone.php 96 points Josh Raynolds (IWC): "Bright gold. Intensely spicy pear, peach and apricot pit aromas, with a strong suggestion of sweet butter. Round and weighty but at the same time juicy, with focused peach and pear nectar flavors enlivened by exotic spice and mineral notes and deepened by honey and fresh cream tones. Gains in freshness with air, picking up strong mineral and tangy citrus zest notes. "The 2005 will be more elegant," Chave believes." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=36426 96 points Parker: "The 2003 Chateauneuf du Pape Le Secret des Sabon is extremely powerful and full-bodied with that note of truffle oil, burning embers, and roasted meats along with melted licorice, creme de cassis, blackberry and cherry. Dense, full-bodied, and expansive, with high glycerin and what must be at least 16+% alcohol, this is a formidable Chateauneuf du Pape that should drink well for 15+ years." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=31374 96+ points Parker: "A fabulous wine fashioned from 50-100 year old vines (80% Grenache and the rest Syrah and Mourvedre), its dense purple color is accompanied by gorgeous aromas of blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, minerals, and kirsch. As it sits in the glass, notions of pepper and spice also emerge from this unevolved, backward Chateauneuf. It has high levels of extract and richness as well as formidable tannin. The superb purity, immense fruit, and unbridled power of this extraordinary wine should result in something magical in about 7-10 years." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=26539 100 points Parker: "Along with Clos St.-Jean?s Deus Ex Machina, Vieille Julienne?s 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve (200 cases produced) is the wine of the vintage. From 101-year old Grenache vines planted in sandy soils, it boasts a black/purple color as well as a gorgeous perfume of smoke, meat, blackberries, sweet cherries, creme de cassis, licorice, spice, and a hint of pine forest/underbrush. The fruit dominates in this rich, intense, remarkable effort. It requires 5-7 years of bottle age, but should keep for 35-50 years, proving to be one of the most legendary Chateauneuf du Papes ever made. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2040+." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=37593 98+ points Parker: "The 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape La Cuvee du Papet may will turn out to be their finest example since the 1998 and 1990. Stylistically, it probably comes closest to resembling the legendary 1990. Notes of roasted meats and smoked duck, with Provencal herbs, truffle, incense, licorice, and pepper, are all there, plus enormous quantities of red and black fruits. This is one heck of a complex wine, with a bouquet that is the essence of southern France, in particular Provence. Full-bodied, powerful, with the glycerin and level of richness covering some lofty tannins, this wine is already accessible and nearly impossible to resist, but my instincts suggest it will be absolutely glorious in another 4-5 years and keep for 15-20." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=39841 97+ points Parker: "An absolutely exquisite, profound effort is the densely purple-colored 2007 Gigondas Les Hautes Garrigues Cuvee Prestige. The incredible aromatic expression of lead pencil shavings intermixed with blueberry and blackberry as well as ripe raspberries, crushed rock, and floral undertones is to die for. In the mouth, the wine is exceptionally full-bodied, fresh and vibrant, yet possesses awesome concentration, a multi-layered mouthfeel, and a finish that goes on for 45+ seconds. This is an incredible effort from Yves Gras that should drink well for at least 20 years. (I say that because I still have some of the 1989 Gigondas Les Hautes Garrigues in my personal cellar, and it is in fabulous shape.) " http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=39843 97 points Parker: "The 2000 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes (15% alcohol) emerges from a cold terroir in the northern sector of the appellation. The blend is generally 85% Grenache and equal parts Syrah and Mourvedre. Its opaque purple color is followed by a sumptuous perfume of creme de cassis, kirsch liqueur, licorice, plums, minerals, and smoke. Mammoth in the mouth, but surprisingly structured and tannic for a 2000, it is more evolved than its 2001 counterpart. This profound Chateauneuf should evolve slowly and age magnificently for two decades. It is a monumental effort, but patience will be a virtue." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=22815 98-100 points Parker: "In 2007, there will also be a Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee da Capo produced, emanating from the appellation?s well-known sector known as La Crau. This cuvee resembles the 1998 Capo more than either the 2000 or 2003 Capos. From 80-year-old vines, the 2007 tips the scales at 15.8% alcohol, which is .5% less than the 1998, .3% less than the 2003, and is identical to the 2000. The wine?s intense, deep plum/ruby/garnet color is followed by a stunning perfume of smoked herbs, grilled meats, blood, figs, plums, blackberries, and kirsch. This big-boned, highly-structured effort possesses enormous concentration, great sucrosite and glycerin, and a heady, long finish. It will be a stunner. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2035." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=39692 98-100 points Parker: "In 2007, there will also be a Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee da Capo produced, emanating from the appellation?s well-known sector known as La Crau. This cuvee resembles the 1998 Capo more than either the 2000 or 2003 Capos. From 80-year-old vines, the 2007 tips the scales at 15.8% alcohol, which is .5% less than the 1998, .3% less than the 2003, and is identical to the 2000. The wine?s intense, deep plum/ruby/garnet color is followed by a stunning perfume of smoked herbs, grilled meats, blood, figs, plums, blackberries, and kirsch. This big-boned, highly-structured effort possesses enormous concentration, great sucrosite and glycerin, and a heady, long finish. It will be a stunner. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2035." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=39693 94-96 points Parker: "The 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Reservee, tasted from multiple foudres, stylistically, looks to be a hypothetical blend of the 2003 and 1990. The 2007 is full-bodied and powerful, with high tannins, high extract, and tremendous color, stuffing, and richness. It is like drinking a liquified, rare grilled steak mixed with ground pepper, roasted herbs, and spice. Juicy and pure, it explodes with the aromas of Provence. Dense, rich, more structured than the 2003, sumptuous, and deep (in the style of the 1990), it should evolve for 20-25 years." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=39686 96 points Parker: "Two brilliant successes are Brunel?s cuvees of 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape. His limited cuvee of approximately 500 cases of the 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Centenaire (made from 80% Grenache aged in foudre, and the balance Syrah and Mourvedre aged in one- to three-year-old small barrels) comes primarily from a parcel of 120-year-old vines in the northern part of the appellation in the lieu-dit known as Farguerol. This cuvee has only been made in vintages such as 1989, 1990, 1995, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2006, and now 2007. Deep ruby/purple in color, the wine exhibits very up-front, precocious, sexy plum, black currant, and sweet cherry notes intermixed with some floral hints, licorice, and garrigue. It is dense, full-bodied, much more supple and silky-textured than the 2005 or 2001, but seemingly more concentrated than the 2000 version of this wine. It is a brilliant, full-throttle, seamless Chateauneuf du Pape capable of lasting for up to two decades, although few people will be able to resist its exuberant youthfulness." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=39395 94-96 points Parker: "A 100% Grenache cuvee from the sandy soils of a 106-year-old, biodynamically farmed La Crau vineyard, and aged in both foudre and tank, the 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Speciale is amazing. Abundant notes of melted licorice, kirsch liqueur, and flowers is followed by a full-bodied, seamlessly constructed wine with sensational purity, texture, depth, and length. The bad news is there are only 2,000 bottles. This 2007 should drink well for two decades or more." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=39329 94 points Parker: "One of the oldest estates in Chateauneuf du Pape (the winery, which is actually a true chateau, was constructed in the mid-1700s), Chateau de Vaudieu is located adjacent to Rayas, just a few kilometers northeast of the village. One of the appellation-s largest estates (175 acres in vine), Vaudieu-s quality has soared over recent years as the famed oenologist Philippe Cambie has been working here since 2003." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=39360 96+ points Parker: "The 2007 Vieux Telegraphe may be the greatest wine made at this property since the 2005 and 1998. Dense ruby/purple-tinged with an exquisite nose of salty sea breezes, licorice, ground pepper, jammy black cherries, black currants, figs, and plums, this is a full-bodied, rich, Provencal-styled offering with lots of sweet, ripe tannin. It is surprisingly accessible for a Vieux Telegraphe (this wine normally shuts down several years after bottling), but it should have great longevity (25+ years) given its power, full-bodied mouthfeel, and enormous length and richness. This is a brilliant effort from brothers Frederic and Daniel Brunier." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=39428 97 points Parker: "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." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=39271 95 points Parker: "As I stated last year, there is no Hommage a Jacques Perrin in 2006, but Beaucastel?s 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape is performing even better from bottle than it did last year. Its dense plum/ruby/purple color is followed by a big, sweet perfume of black truffles, camphor, earth, incense, new saddle leather, and loads of peppery, blackberry, and herb-infused, meaty, black cherry fruit. Deep, full-bodied, and dense, with sweet tannin, this explosively rich Chateauneuf is a stronger effort than the 2005, 2004, or 2003. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2028." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=38996 98+ points Parker: "The 2005 Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape Hommage a Jacques Perrin represents the essence of Beaucastel. A super-concentrated, somewhat over the top style of wine based on 60% Mourvedre, 20% Grenache, and the rest Counoise and Syrah, they only made 4,000 bottles in 2005. The wine has an inky blue/purple color, a more dramatic bouquet than the regular cuvee, consisting of asphalt, crushed pepper, fresh red beef, tar, truffle, and loads of blueberry, blackberry, and cassis. The wine is very full-bodied, extraordinarily powerful, frightfully concentrated, and very tannic and backward. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2050+." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=38761 96 points Parker: "The 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Croix de Bois comes from the eastern sector of Chateauneuf du Pape near Bedarrides. Its dense plum/purple color is accompanied by a big, sweet bouquet of licorice, roasted Provencal herbs, meat juices, kirsch, black raspberries, and black currants. Deep, full-bodied, and rich, this beauty is ideal for drinking over the next 10-15+ years." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=38494 96 points Parker: "The 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Croix de Bois comes from the eastern sector of Chateauneuf du Pape near Bedarrides. Its dense plum/purple color is accompanied by a big, sweet bouquet of licorice, roasted Provencal herbs, meat juices, kirsch, black raspberries, and black currants. Deep, full-bodied, and rich, this beauty is ideal for drinking over the next 10-15+ years." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=38493 96 points Parker: "An extremely limited cuvee of around 2,000 bottles, the Chateauneuf du Pape Le Secret du Sabon is, year in and year out, one of the top ten Chateauneuf du Papes produced. From vines well over 100 years old, mostly from the sector of Chateauneuf du Pape known as La Crau, Jean-Jacques Sabon is not sure what the actual blend is, although it is mostly Grenache, because at the time of the original planting it was common practice to mix in many different varietals. The 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape Le Secret du Sabon has turned out to be a sublime wine. With the essence of beef blood intermixed with Provencal herbs, creme de cassis, blackberry and raspberry, the wine is dense, full-bodied, elegant, but at the same time very powerful, masculine, and rich. It is certainly one of the vintage?s most compelling wines, and needs a good 5-7 years of bottle age. It should last for 30 or more years. Sadly, these wines are very limited, but should you latch onto a bottle, these are great classics of France and of the Rhone Valley." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=36237 93-96 points Josh Raynolds (IWC): "Saturated ruby. Explosive aromas of blackberry, cherry and licorice, along with an intense floral note. Impressively fleshy and mouthfilling, with dense, sweet red and dark berry flavors, a subtle garrigue quality and supple tannins. Lush, creamy and extremely long on the finish, with a dominant flavor of ripe blackcurrant." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=36177 98+ points Parker: "The biggest production cuvee, the 2005 Ermitage Le Pavillon (1,067 cases in this vintage) has a dense purple color, the classic acacia flower, graphite-based, smoky creme de cassis nose with a tremendous intensity and a full-bodied power and richness that is awesome. These are monumental wines, and when you think that this wine, much like most of its siblings, is made from yields of 12-18 hectoliters per hectare, the explanation for its concentration and extraordinary expression of terroir is obvious." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=35128 96 points Parker: "The limited production but exquisite 2003 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Centenaire is a riper, more concentrated version of the 2000 Centenaire. There are about 500 cases of this Grenache-dominated wine produced from a vineyard planted in 1889 with some Syrah and Mourvedre (about 20%) added to the blend. The latter components are aged in small barrels. The wine has a dense ruby/purple-tinged color to the rim, a strikingly pure nose of kirsch liqueur, creme de cassis, and hints of vanilla and espresso. Hitting the palate with full-throttle opulence, superb concentration, fabulous purity, and striking multiple levels of raspberries and black cherry jam, this is a beautifully full-bodied, brilliantly concentrated and structured wine that reveals sweet but abundant tannin and a finish that goes on for close to a minute. I still think the two greatest Centenaires made to date have been the 1990 and 1998, but this one is close in quality. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2020+." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=31353 96 points Parker: "From the appellation?s lower slopes (which are better known for white wines), the 2003 Ermitage Les Greffieux Vieilles Vignes (fewer than 100 cases produced) displays notes of white flowers, a liqueur of crushed rocks, dense creme de cassis flavors, and full-bodied opulence as well as density. It is a stunning wine, but is virtually unobtainable given the tiny production." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=31285 97 points Parker: "The 2003 Clos des Papes Chateauneuf du Pape (the # 2 wine in the Wine Spectator's annual winefest) has long been one of the most profound wines of the vintage. It somehow manages to offer the vintage's character in power, high glycerin, and huge volume, but retains remarkable elegance and finesse that is so much in keeping with the style of Clos des Papes. The wine has a dense ruby/purple-tinged color and a wonderfully sweet nose of framboise, blackberry, and kirsch liqueur intermixed with Chinese black tea and licorice. The wine is full-bodied and voluptuous, but once past all the glycerin and beautiful, dense fruit of this full-bodied wine, there is striking purity, elegance, finesse, and surprising freshness. Still primary, it looks set to have a long life of 20-25 or more years. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2025." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=31231 91-95 Parker: "Tasting through the component parts of the 2001 Hermitage reveals what should be an outstanding wine with a Burgundian-like finesse. The most elegant component emanates from Les Beaumes and Pelia, and the denser, thicker wines from Meal, l"Ermite, and Bessards. The wine will possess a dense ruby/purple color in addition to plenty of sweet cassis fruit, medium body, noticeably high tannin, and gorgeous purity as well as symmetry. It will be built along the lines of the 1996 rather than the 2000 or 1999." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=28421 96 points Parker: "The heady 2000 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Centenaire is more evolved than either the 2001 or 1998. Extremely full-bodied, with low acidity, and a knock-out bouquet of blackberry and cherry jam intermixed with licorice, pepper, and dried Provencal herbs, this sexy, voluptuous, enormously concentrated 2000 possesses a huge, silky, seamless finish. Drink this irresistible effort now and over the next 12-15 years." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=27014 98 points Parker: "The spectacular 2001 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Vieilles Vignes is one of the monumental Chateauneuf du Pape"s of the vintage. A saturated plum/purple color reveals a thick, rich appearance. The wine combines freshness, power, elegance, and great intensity, all wrapped into a full-bodied, concentrated personality with phenomenal persistence on the palate. Remarkably pure, but neither over-done nor over-ripe, this spectacular, youthful Chateauneuf du Pape should hit its prime in 5-6 years, and last for two decades. It is a brilliant tour de force!" http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=26823 95-97 points Parker: "The 1999 Cote Rotie Chateau dAmpuis has put on additional weight, and is the most awesome effort Guigal has produced under this brand name. All of the component parts were tasted, several of which bordered on perfection, particularly La Pommiere, Pavillon Rouge, and Le Moulin. The sumptuous 1999 boasts a spectacularly sweet perfume of jammy blackberry and cassis fruit interttwined with smoke, tapenade, and new saddle leather notes. Unctuously-textured, eplosively rich, and amazingly well-delineated for a wine of such size and richness, this is an exquisite Cote Rotie that should drink well young yet age nicely for two decades." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=24472 97 points Parker: "The flagship wine remains Mordoree's remarkable Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee de la Reine des Bois. The 2000 boasts an inky purple color in addition to a ravishing perfume of wood smoke, creme de cassis, blueberries, plums, figs, and a hint of graphite. Full-bodied, with sweet tannin, a layered richness, staggering ripeness, and a finish that lasts for nearly 50 seconds, this monumental Chateauneuf du Pape continues the unbelievable succession of superstar wines that began in 1998. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2020." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=22804 96-98 points Parker: "Nectar lovers will be amazed by the richness of this wine. The fully mature grapes spend two months on straw mats before being pressed. It exhibits a light gold color, with a texture resembling molasses. Despite being aged in 100% new oak, no wood is discernible. Its astonishing white truffle-scented nose includes notions of coffee, marmalade, and creme brulee. Extraordinarily dense and thick, with surprisingly good underlying acidity, this is a remarkable wine. Sadly, only 100 cases exist. It will last for 100 years, but it will be impossible to resist in its youth." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=22481 98 points Parker: "The nearly perfect 1997 Cote Rotie La Landonne is an amazing achievement for the vintage. An astonishing saturated purple color is followed by scents of licorice, roasted meats, coffee, toasty oak, plums, and blackberries. The wine is extremely smoky, earthy, and terroir-driven. This 1997 offers exceptional expansiveness on the palate, sweet tannin, low acidity, and a ripe, robust finish. One to three years of cellaring is warranted, but it is capable of lasting for two decades." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=15259 94 points Parker: "The spectacular 1997 Hermitage Les Bessards is a very profound wine. Delas owns 20 acres in what is considered by many to be the finest terroir of Hermitage, Les Bessards. Black/purple-colored, with a spectacular creme de cassis, mineral, spicy new wood, and floral-scented nose, this full-bodied, blockbuster Hermitage possesses a sweet attack (from concentration, glycerin, and extract, not sugar), prodigious concentration and length, and unbelievable potential. This teeth-staining, mouth-coating wine will not hit its prime for 7-10 years; it will last for 25 years. It is an amazing accomplishment in a vintage such as 1997! Anticipated maturity: 2006-2025. The 1997, completely controlled by Jacques Grange, was made in the new cuverie, which he built to his specifications. It admirably proved what dedication to quality and no compromise winemaking can achieve." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=14250 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=10548 98-100 points Parker: "In 2007, there will also be a Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee da Capo produced, emanating from the appellation?s well-known sector known as La Crau. This cuvee resembles the 1998 Capo more than either the 2000 or 2003 Capos. From 80-year-old vines, the 2007 tips the scales at 15.8% alcohol, which is .5% less than the 1998, .3% less than the 2003, and is identical to the 2000. The wine?s intense, deep plum/ruby/garnet color is followed by a stunning perfume of smoked herbs, grilled meats, blood, figs, plums, blackberries, and kirsch. This big-boned, highly-structured effort possesses enormous concentration, great sucrosite and glycerin, and a heady, long finish. It will be a stunner. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2035." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=39691 90 points Parker: "The 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape Tradition (50% Grenache, 31% Syrah, and the rest Mourvedre and Cinsault) exhibits a deep ruby/purple color along with a gorgeously sweet perfume of cassis, black cherries, smoke, roasted herbs, and licorice. It is soft, round, full-bodied, opulent, and accessible, which is somewhat out of character for this virile/masculine and tannic vintage. The 2005 Tradition should drink beautifully for 10-15 years." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=36183 96-98 points Parker: "I might be crawling out on a limb, but I think the 2006 Cote Rotie La Mordoree is the finest example of Chapoutier?s 100% Syrah Cote Rotie since his 1991. Inky purple to the rim without a touch of aggressiveness, the wine flows over the palate in a seamless way, with layers of black fruits, cherries, licorice, graphite, and some roasted meat and tapenade notes. This is a sensational, multi-dimensional Cote Rotie that I suspect will be drinkable in 3-4 years, and evolve beautifully for two decades." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=36551 97+ points Parker: "The newest wine is an amazing effort and could easily rival, if not eclipse the Hautes Garrigues with 5-6 years of bottle age. The 2007 Gigondas Grand Grenache 66 comes from some of the oldest Grenache vines Yves Gras has. The color is inky purple, and the wine more backward than the Les Hautes Garrigues, which is somewhat surprising. Notes of crushed rocks (chalk), kirsch, and blacker fruits intermixed with hints of truffle and forest floor are followed by a full-bodied, sensationally concentrated wine with massive extract and high tannins. This wine has great purity and is bursting with potential. Certainly, if you can find this relatively limited-production item, 3-4 years of bottle age is warranted, but it should keep for 25+ years. It is a great effort and well-worth searching out." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=39738 96-98+ points Parker: "The potentially perfect 2004 Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape Hommage a Jacques Perrin has turned out to be just an amazing wine and one of the profound examples of this cuvee the Perrins have produced. It certainly has all the power, density, and richness of the great years, but there is almost a surreal elegance and lightness for a wine this powerful and dense. Almost difficult to describe, the gorgeous multi-layered texture, and the heavenly perfume of smoked meats, flowers, blueberries, blackberries, creosote, and truffles is a knock-out. In the mouth, it is medium to full-bodied with incredible intensity, purity, and overall symmetry. There?s nothing out of place in this remarkable wine, and it seems somewhat approachable already, yet it will no doubt have the uncanny ability to age for 25-40+ years." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=33922 92-95 points Parker: "The 2007 Coteaux d?Aix en Provence Paradis is composed of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Grenache,and its dense purple hue is accompanied by a sumptuous bouquet of sweet new oak, blackberry liqueur, espresso, and a hint of spice box. This wine possesses amazing concentration, full-bodied richness, and a wallop of toasty, smoky wood. It should age effortlessly for 10-15 years." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41020 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41452 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41451 94 points Parker: "The 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape, a big time sleeper of the vintage, is well-worth buying. The finest traditional Chateauneuf produced at Mas de Boislauzon, it boasts a saturated ruby/purple color as well as a spectacular nose of licorice, black raspberries, black cherries, and lavender, and an exquisitely full-bodied, multidimensional and layered wine with not a hard edge to be found. Tremendous depth, beautiful freshness, and admirable purity suggest this 2007 will evolve for 12+ years. Readers should move quickly to secure some of this fabulous bargain." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40613 94 points Parker: "The 2007 Gigondas Tradition, a 3,000-case cuvee, is a big-time sleeper of the vintage and well-worth latching onto, since its availability is very good. Dense purple to the rim, with an exquisite nose of charcoal, blueberry and blackberry fruit, chalk, and floral notes, the wine is rich, full-bodied, with sensational concentration, admirable purity, and beautiful texture and length. The wine is still young and unevolved, but it is very accessible. The acids buttress the wine?s substance, and give it vibrancy and focus. Drink it over the next 10+ years." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40664 95-97 points Parker: "The 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Laurence appears to be the finest example of this wine since the 1998. Wonderfully rich, concentrated notes of roasted Provencal herbs, jammy black cherries, new saddle leather, and loamy soil are present in this stunningly rich, full-bodied wine. With excellent concentration, moderate tannin, and fabulous length as well as intensity, it should be released in 2009-2010, and will keep for 20-25 years. " http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=39684 96 points Parker: "The 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Origines (50% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre, and 20% Syrah aged in small new oak barrels) is somewhat of an anomaly with such an amount of new oak, but it never seems to show given the wine-s concentration and richness. This may be the estate-s finest example of this cuvee, which generally represents 1,200-1,500 cases, all from their holdings in the northern sector of the appellation. A saturated purple color is accompanied by aromas of smoke, camphor, creme de cassis, licorice, and blueberries, amazing concentration, a full-bodied texture, and a stunningly long finish. The tannins are present, but silky, and the vintage-s freshness and vibrant fruit are evident. Powerful and loaded with substance, but at the same time endearingly elegant and ethereal, it will benefit from another 2-3 years of bottle age, and should drink well for 15+." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=39424 97 points Parker: "Lastly, the 2007 Le Clos du Caillou Reserve is a blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre, and 20% Syrah, with the Grenache aged in concrete tanks and the other components aged in both demi-muids and small barrels. This wine will probably not be as long-lived as the utterly perfect 2001, but it is a wine of considerable subsance, richness, and appeal. Dense purple to the rim, this is an ethereal beauty of purity and substantial power, allied together in a wine offering up notes of licorice, incense, acacia flowers, black raspberry and black currant notes. IT is full-bodied, deep, and for this particular cuvee, surprisingly accesible due to the sweetness of the tannins and the high levels of glycerin and riuch fruit. This wine is irresistable already, although it will certainly develop more nucances aromatically over the next 4-5 years and evolve for at least two decades. This is sensational stuff and a great effort." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=39475 96+ points Parker: "The 2007 Vieux Telegraphe may be the greatest wine made at this property since the 2005 and 1998. Dense ruby/purple-tinged with an exquisite nose of salty sea breezes, licorice, ground pepper, jammy black cherries, black currants, figs, and plums, this is a full-bodied, rich, Provencal-styled offering with lots of sweet, ripe tannin. It is surprisingly accessible for a Vieux Telegraphe (this wine normally shuts down several years after bottling), but it should have great longevity (25+ years) given its power, full-bodied mouthfeel, and enormous length and richness. This is a brilliant effort from brothers Frederic and Daniel Brunier." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=39277 92-94 points Parker: "The 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes is fashioned from old vine Grenache (90%) and the rest Syrah and Mourvedre, the last two components aged in new oak. The fruit comes from parcels on La Crau, Solitude, and Mont-Olivet. The wine exhibits that sweet white chocolate character that Grenache sometimes displays, along with a deep ruby/purple color, super intensity, and plenty of red and black fruit, garrigue, and grilled meat notes. A quintessential example of Provence, drink it over the next 15-20 years." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=39331 95-98 points Josh Raynolds (IWC): "Inky violet. Room-filling bouquet of raspberry, cherry, candied plum, patchouli and exotic spices is utterly compelling. Smoked meat, floral pastille and anise notes accent deep, sweet red fruit flavors, with suave, silky tannins adding structure. Incredibly sweet but precise on the long, juicy finish. This is one of the sexiest wines of the vintage." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=35869 98 points Parker: "The limited cuvee 2003 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve des Deux Freres, which is aged 40% in tank and 60% in one-, two-, and three-year-old barrels as well as large demi-muids, is essentially the same as Mon Aieul, but additional press wine is added. This beefs the wine up to an even more extraordinarily concentrated character. This is another of the Chateauneuf du Papes of the vintage, a wine of remarkable length and prodigious levels of richness. It is no wimpy wine at 16.5% alcohol, but you would never know that from tasting it. Dense purple to the rim, with a huge nose of scorched earth, blackberry and blueberry liqueur, creme de cassis, roasted meat juices, and a hint of Provencal herbs interwoven with licorice and a touch of balsamic, it is voluptuously textured, with striking body, low acidity, and amazing concentration. This fabulous bottle of Chateauneuf du Pape should drink well for 20+ years." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=30600 98-100 points Parker: "An amazing effort is the 2005 Ermitage Cuvee de l?Oree. This should flirt with perfection given its nose of white peach liqueur intermixed with quince, acacia flower, hazelnut, and honeysuckle. This amazingly full-bodied, powerful wine has zesty acidity and a tannic structure which is exquisite. It will be a 50+-year wine." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=35146 96-100 points Parker: "The 2005 Ermitage l?Ermite probably needs 20 years of bottle age. It is incredibly tannic and tastes like liquid minerals infused with creme de cassis, blueberry, and melted licorice. Powerful, full-bodied, but excruciatingly backward, this huge, massive wine will last for 100 years. This is amazing stuff, and like so many wines Michel Chapoutier has produced over the last 17 years, another legend in the making." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=35130 98+ points Parker: "The biggest production cuvee, the 2005 Ermitage Le Pavillon (1,067 cases in this vintage) has a dense purple color, the classic acacia flower, graphite-based, smoky creme de cassis nose with a tremendous intensity and a full-bodied power and richness that is awesome. These are monumental wines, and when you think that this wine, much like most of its siblings, is made from yields of 12-18 hectoliters per hectare, the explanation for its concentration and extraordinary expression of terroir is obvious." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=35129 93-95 points Parker: "The red 2007 Hermitage is a candidate for the wine of the vintage. It is a blend of fruit from some of Hermitage?s finest vineyard sites (Les Bessards, Meal, l?Ermite, Peleat, and Les Beaumes). The latter two vineyards tend to offer finesse, elegance, and aromatic complexity without the power and richness found in Meal and Les Bessards. L?Ermite seems to provide an extraordinary liqueur of rocks and floral character. The 2007 production was very tiny because of serious crop-thinning as well as a strict selection process in the cellar. This should turn out to be a mid-90 point red Hermitage with loads of tannin, and a style not dissimilar from Chave?s 1996, but even better. Very structured with superb concentration, noble sweet tannins, and oodles of tar-infused creme de cassis, licorice, fig, and earth notes. It is a large-framed, big-boned effort with a finish that lasts nearly a minute." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41442 92 points Parker: "The 2007 Terre d?Argence ,an unfiltered blend of 90% Syrah and 10% Grenache, possesses rich, ripe blackberry fruit notes intermixed with licorice and garrigue characteristics. Opulent, even flamboyant, this stunning 2007 should drink nicely for 3-4 years." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41021 96 points Parker: "Two brilliant successes are Brunel?s cuvees of 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape. His limited cuvee of approximately 500 cases of the 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Centenaire (made from 80% Grenache aged in foudre, and the balance Syrah and Mourvedre aged in one- to three-year-old small barrels) comes primarily from a parcel of 120-year-old vines in the northern part of the appellation in the lieu-dit known as Farguerol. This cuvee has only been made in vintages such as 1989, 1990, 1995, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2006, and now 2007. Deep ruby/purple in color, the wine exhibits very up-front, precocious, sexy plum, black currant, and sweet cherry notes intermixed with some floral hints, licorice, and garrigue. It is dense, full-bodied, much more supple and silky-textured than the 2005 or 2001, but seemingly more concentrated than the 2000 version of this wine. It is a brilliant, full-throttle, seamless Chateauneuf du Pape capable of lasting for up to two decades, although few people will be able to resist its exuberant youthfulness." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40449 93 points Parker: "Two brilliant successes are Brunel?s cuvees of 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape. The 2007 Les Cailloux Tradition (a blend of 65% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre, 12% Syrah, and 3% other authorized varieties) comes from 60-year-old vines and is aged completely in tank except for the Mourvedre and Syrah components, which are kept in small barrels. Explosively fruity, this dense plum/purple-colored wine displays grilled meat notes intermixed with Provencal herbs, spice box, black cherry and black currant, in addition to having a lush, opulent texture. The finish goes on and on, and the wine is beautifully pure. It can be drunk now or cellared for 12 or more years." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40447 92 points Parker: "The 2007 Galets Rouge ,78% Syrah and the rest Grenache, Mourvedre, and Carignan, is another extraordinary value from the 2007 vintage. A deep ruby/purple color is followed by gorgeous aromas of blackberries, white flowers, and charcoal. Full-bodied, and oozing with fruit and glycerin, good acidity, freshness, and focus, this is a lovely red to consume over the next 2-4 years." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=39716 98 points Parker: "The 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape is one of the two or three candidates for the wine of the vintage. An extraordinarily great wine, the 2006 is far superior to the 2005, which was amazing, and while made in a different style, is as great as the 2003, and such legends as 1990 and 1978. Fashioned from a minuscule 21 hectoliters per hectare, and tipping the scales at 15.2% natural alcohol, the 2006 boasts a dense ruby/purple color to the rim, in addition to an extraordinary bouquet of melted licorice, spring flowers, raspberries, black currants, spice box, and earth. In the mouth, it is utterly profound ? full-bodied and multidimensional with astonishing purity, length, equilibrium, and intensity. This is a superb vintage for the Avrils, and Vincent deserves huge accolades for producing a wine of such incredible intensity and complexity. Think of Clos des Papes as a Chateauneuf du Pape with the complexity of a top-notch grand cru Burgundy from the Cote de Nuits." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=38917 94 points Parker: "Even better is the 2007 Gigondas Les Racines Vieilles Vignes. Its dense ruby/purple hue is accompanied by an extraordinary bouquet of black raspberries, kirsch, licorice, crushed rocks, and flowers. Full-bodied with sensational texture, purity, and length as well as remarkable elegance and freshness, this stunning Gigondas can be enjoyed over the next 15-20 years. Bravo!" http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40768 94-95 points Parker's WA: "Assembled into a foudre when I tasted it, the Gauby 2007 Cotes du Roussillon Villages Vieilles Vignes ? relatively equally divided among Carignan, Grenache, and Syrah with a smaller amount of Mourvedre, and exposed to around 20% new wood ? smells of thyme, rosemary, fennel, and tar, along with ripe black fruits. With a bitter edge to its almost severe palate concentration of cassis, blackberry, juniper berry, resinous herbs, licorice, and tar, this strikingly dense, palate-staining cuvee exhibits a juiciness of fresh fruits and exuberance, as well as a refinement of tannins, that distinguish all of the best recent Gauby wines, and that keep it from austerity. Nor ? amid a virtual torrent of finishing fruit ? is a diversity of impressions missing that, while hard-to-describe, can only be categorized as mineral. I would anticipate being rewarded by bottles of this for 12-15 years." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40353 92-94 points Parker: "There are four single vineyard wines from Ermitage in 2005, including the 2005 Ermitage Les Greffieux. This wine has an inky purple color, a beautiful, sweet nose of creme de cassis, powdered chalk, licorice, and some smoke. The wine is full-bodied, relatively fleshy, and more approachable than the other Ermitage." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=35865 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=38486 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41252 95+ points Parker: "This wine is composed of a selection the Maret family makes from their holdings in one of the great sites in all of Chateauneuf du Pape, the lieux-dit known as La Crau. The 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Hautes Brusquieres Cuvee Speciale is a blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah. The Grenache is aged in large oak foudres and most of the Syrah in smaller barrels. This fabulous, inky/ruby/purple-tinged wine offers up sweet, jammy aromas of black raspberries, licorice, truffles, underbrush, and Provencal herbs. It is the deepest colored of these four wines, and is also profoundly rich and layered, with sweet tannins as well as refreshing vibrancy and acidity. This stunner should hit its peak in 3-4 years, and last for two decades." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40570 93-95+ points Parker: "The 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape had not been assembled at the time of my visit, so I had the privilege of tasting all the different component parts. My ratings were (91-93) for the Cinsault, (92-94) for the Counoise, (93-95) for the Grenache, (90-93) for the Syrah, and (94-96) for the Mourvedre. The Mourvedre and Grenache represent 65% of the final blend, so I tend to think this wine will fall within the (93-95+) range. Even though Beaucastel rarely uses as much Grenache as the other famous Chateauneuf du Pape producers, their 2007 is very much in keeping with the vintage. It exhibits beautiful freshness, superb maturity, great fragrance, full-bodied power, and more seamlessness than the 2006. This may be their greatest vintage of Beaucastel since 2001 and 1998. It should age effortlessly for a minimum of two decades." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=39364 95 points Parker: "The 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee La Cote Ronde (a blend of equal parts Grenache and Syrah from 60-year-old vines, with the Syrah enjoying malolactic fermentation in barrel and aging in new oak) possesses smoky, roasted herb, seaweed wrapper, licorice, cassis, and black cherry characteristics. The oak component is beautifully integrated, and the wine has superb concentration, a full-bodied style, and a true Chateauneuf du Pape personality in spite of the new oak. It should drink well for 15+ years." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=39297 92-94 points Parker: "The 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes is fashioned from old vine Grenache (90%) and the rest Syrah and Mourvedre, the last two components aged in new oak. The fruit comes from parcels on La Crau, Solitude, and Mont-Olivet. The wine exhibits that sweet white chocolate character that Grenache sometimes displays, along with a deep ruby/purple color, super intensity, and plenty of red and black fruit, garrigue, and grilled meat notes. A quintessential example of Provence, drink it over the next 15-20 years." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=39332 94 points Parker: "The dense ruby/purple-tinged 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Petits Pieds d?Armand (100% Grenache from sandy soils) exhibits sweet aromas of kirsch liqueur, tobacco leaf, spring flowers, licorice, and hints of truffles and incense. Deep, full-bodied, rich, and long, this is a superb success for the vintage. Consume it over the next 15+ years" http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41197 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41123 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41122 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41124 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41121 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41127 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41132 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41131 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41120 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41119 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41128