Premier Cru - Rhone Wine RSS/RDF Feed http://www.premiercru.net/premier/jsp/xml/premiercrurhone.php 93-95 points Parker: "The 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape is such a great effort. Dense purple-colored to the rim, with notes of melted licorice, smoke, pepper, blackberries, kirsch, and incense, it is incredibly aromatic (no doubt because of the cool growing conditions), with excellent concentration as well as lofty alcohols (from the drought that lasted from late spring through the end of September). It reveals wonderful freshness and vivacity, a full-bodied style, and an elegant, pure personality. It should drink nicely for two decades or more. Interestingly, Jean-Paul Daumen compares his 2007 with the 1999, also a great success." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=36236 96-99 points Josh Raynolds: "Inky violet. Explosive aromas of blackberry, raspberry, kirsch, lavender pastille and sexy Asian spices show a room-filling pungency. Then remarkably concentrated on the palate, offering an awe-inducing display of red and dark berry flavors, velvety texture and spicy minerality. This is almost overwhelming in its fruit flavors and shows breathtaking persistence through the ripely tannic finish. Stupefying and utterly hypnotic." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=36163 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 96 points Parker: "The inky/blue/purple-tinged 2003 Cote Rotie Les Rochains (a 2.78-acre vineyard) is a floral, bacon fat, litchi nut, black raspberry, and blackberry-filled effort. Opulent, rich, and slightly less tannic and backward than the 2003 Cote Rozier, it is an enormously-endowed, exemplary example of Cote Rotie from an extreme vintage. Well-balanced and incredibly pure, it is one for anthology. Give it 2-4 years of bottle age, and drink it over the following two decades." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=35466 94-96 points Parker: "From the oldest vines, the luxury cuvee of 2007 Gigondas Les Hautes Garrigues is a blend of 80% Grenache, 15% Mourvedre, 3% Syrah, and 2% Cinsault. One of the finest examples of this cuvee Gras has yet made (and I have vintages going back to 1989 in my cellar), the 2007 is a classic. A wine of great intensity, it possesses a dense purple color, full-bodied power, and oodles of peppery, gamy, blackberry and cherry fruit, all presented in a super-concentrated style with superb precision, purity, depth, and length. This stunning wine should evolve for two decades." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=39843 97-99+ points Parker: "The prodigious 2000 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve Clos du Caillou is a legend in the making. Representing the essence of Chateauneuf du Pape, this inky/purple-colored wines concentration is akin to a dry vintage port. It boasts astonishing layers of licorice, blackberries, black cherries, and cassis. Essentially, it tastes like liqueur of Chateauneuf du Pape, with a phenomenal purity, perfect equilibrium, and a 50-second finish (one of the longest I have ever tasted in a dry red wine). As I stated last year, the style being produced at Domaine Les Caillou is a synthesis between the modern approach to winemaking and that which adheres to the traditions of the past. This 2000 displays the typicity of Chateauneuf du Pape, but has ratcheted up the levels of concentration and richness to unbelievable heights. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2025." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=22807 93 points Josh Raynolds (IWC): "Bright red. Intensely spicy nose offers ripe cherry and blackberry scents and a strong cracked pepper component. This includes 30% mourvedre and 10% syrah, and it shows today. Quite sweet on the palate, with deep dark berry flavors, a chewy texture and powerful tannins carrying through the bright, focused finish. Has the fruit and structure to repay cellaring." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=33735 96 points Parker: "The profound, opaque purple-colored 2000 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee des Felix elicited the following words: "Mama-Mia!" A fabulous offering, it provides a lesson in the flavors of Provence. It is like an open air Provencal marketplace with notes of dried herbs, saddle leather, fennel, licorice, black cherries, cassis, blackberries, and tapenade. With tremendous concentration and purity, as well as powerful, balanced, full-bodied flavors, this stunning effort represents the nectar of old vines planted in the sun-drenched appellation of Chateauneuf du Pape. Although more forward than the 1998, it is equally fragrant. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2020." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=22811 98-100 points Parker: "The 2003 Ermitage Le Meal blanc may be the finest dry white I have ever tasted. Providing a prodigious tasting experience, it is filled with honeyed citrus, an unctuous stoniness to the fruit character, amazing body, and abundant freshness, precision, and length (the finish lasts nearly 90 seconds). A legend in the making, it is an incredible effort." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=31269 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=23922 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=26516 98 points Parker: "The 2000 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve des Deux Freres, which has been one of the winners in several blind tastings, is a candidate for "wine of the vintage." Sadly, there are only 5,000 bottles. The wine emerges from the estate's oldest vines, and is aged in old barrels. This blend of 95% Grenache and 5% Cinsault tips the scales at a whopping 15.8% alcohol. Its inky purple color is accompanied by succulent aromas of blackberry, cherry, and raspberry liqueur interwoven with licorice, mineral, and acacia flower characteristics. Fabulously concentrated and full-bodied, with a voluptuous texture, sweet tannin, and a flamboyant and accessible personality, this prodigious, majestic Chateauneuf du Pape needs to be tasted to be believed. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2030." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=22810 89 points Parker: "The 2005 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Terre d?Argile is a beauty. Dark ruby/purple with notes of roasted meats, spice box, tobacco leaf, licorice, and red and black fruits, it is dense, chewy, has some tannins to resolve, but is quite a mouthful of wine that should age nicely for 5-8 years. Tasting at Janasse is fun. It is a large estate of 195 acres with 45 of them situated in Chateauneuf du Pape. Even if you weren?t obsessed with their fabulous Chateauneuf du Papes, they have a portfolio of brilliant wines from Cotes du Rhone as well as a vin de pays. Young proprietor Christophe Sabon, working with his wife and father, continues to fine-tune his winemaking skills. He is already brilliant at reds and shows increasing confidence in the quality of his white wine cuvees." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=37539 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=32550 96 points Parker: " Guigal is the largest producer of Condrieu, and he continues to augment his production from this tiny appellation. His 2005 Condrieu La Doriane is one of the finest he has ever made. The wine is just spectacular and in 2005 went through 100% malolactic. The wine is sensationally rich with notes of crushed rocks, white peach, spring flowers, and some bee?s wax and tropical oils. Totally profound, with fabulous acidity, amazing richness and length, this is a stunner that should drink well for 4-5 years, possibly longer. Experience has taught me that confidence in Condrieu to hold up with aging is a fool?s game, so enjoy this wine?s early appeal and its fabulous aromatics." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=35276 94 points Parker: "The opaque ruby/purple-colored 2000 Chateauneuf du Pape offers a profoundly sweet perfume of melted licorice, blackberries, and black cherries backed up by loads of glycerin, full body, and moderately high but sweet, well-integrated tannin. There is a seamlessness to the 2000 that will make it accessible early in life, and thus atypical for Beaucastel. The 1985 behaved in this manner when young, but the 2000 possesses even more stuffing. Like its 2001 sibling, it is a classic blend of 30% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre, 10% Syrah, 10% Counoise, and the balance other permitted varietals. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2025." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=22894 96 points Parker: "The limited production Cuvee Vieilles Vignes (70% Grenache and 30% Syrah and Mourvedre) was rocking when I tasted it. The 2000 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Vieilles Vignes represents the essence of kirsch liqueur intermixed with pepper. Sexy, full-bodied, layered, and multidimensional, it exhibits great intensity, even more length than the Chaupin, sweet fruit, adequate acidity, and ripe tannin. This is a flawless as well as seamless blockbuster to drink now and over the next 15-20 years." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=25292 94 points Parker: "From the eastern side of the Chateauneuf du Pape appellation, from soils with less of the famed galets roules (the melon and football-sized boulders that cover much of the appellation), comes the Croix de Bois. The stunning 2000 Chateauneuf du Pape Croix de Bois reveals aromas of sweet cherry liqueur intertwined with pepper, incense, and Asian spices. Spicy, with distinctive garrigue and lavender characteristics, it is a full-bodied, unctuously-textured, glorious heady, classic Chateauneuf to drink over the next 15-20 years." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=23443 92-94 Parker: "The amazing 2000 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Quartz is a jammy, creme de cassis, black raspberry/cherry-filled effort with notions of liquid minerals and flowers in the background. There is super-richness, spectacular purity and delineation, and a full-bodied, massive finish that is every bit as long as the 1999s. The tannin is nearly concealed by the wealth of fruit." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=22806 96 points Parker: "The limited production Cuvee Vieilles Vignes (70% Grenache and 30% Syrah and Mourvedre) was rocking when I tasted it. The 2000 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Vieilles Vignes represents the essence of kirsch liqueur intermixed with pepper. Sexy, full-bodied, layered, and multidimensional, it exhibits great intensity, even more length than the Chaupin, sweet fruit, adequate acidity, and ripe tannin. This is a flawless as well as seamless blockbuster to drink now and over the next 15-20 years." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=22813 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=39363 96 points Parker: "This fabulous, blockbuster has been totally unevolved since bottling, but at the Jaboulet tasting, it was beginning to reveal some of its formidable potential. A saturated opaque purple color is followed by aromas of cassis, minerals, and hot bricks/wood fire. Super-ripe and full-bodied, with a massive mid-section, teeth-staining extract, and mouth-searing tannin, it is a monster-sized La Chapelle. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2050." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=11024 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=C1528 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 91-94 points Tanzer's IWC: "Ruby-red. Powerful and deep on the nose, with ripe blackberry, cassis and exotic spice aromas. A strong note of graphite complements deep, sweet dark fruit flavors, with a subtle mint note arriving on the back end. The spicy, deeply fruity finish features excellent length and a late hit of pungent herbs." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=38155 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=38725 96 points Parker: "Superior to the 2007, the 2006 Hermitage reminds me of Chave?s brilliant 1991. An incredibly subtle perfume of black raspberries, creme de cassis, camphor, and acacia flowers is followed by an elegant, concentrated wine with beautifully integrated acidity, tannin, wood, and alcohol. This seamless, gorgeously-proportioned, large-framed wine represents the definition of finesse, elegance, and terroir. It will be drinkable in several years, and should last for 20-25 years." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=39430 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40153 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=14762 97 points Parker: "The bottled 2006 Hermitage blanc is remarkably powerful (around 15% natural alcohol), and demonstrates the heights white wine varietals reached in the northern Rhone in 2006. Its sumptuous nose reminds me of a liqueur of white flowers intermixed with notions of truffles, white peaches, honeysuckle, marmalade, and crushed rocks. Dense, full-bodied, and super-powerful as well as flowery, with razor-like focus, this magnificent white Hermitage should drink well for 25-30 years." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=39431 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=35131 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40129 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+ 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 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 92 points Parker: "The 100% Grenache cuvee, the 2003 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee des Felix offers beautiful currants, cherries, incense, black tea, and flavorful, intense black cherry jam intermixed with hints of mineral and black currant. A distinctive, elegant wine that has surprising structure, definition, and an almost Bordeaux-like mouthfeel, this reminds me of the 1998 but seems to be slightly behind the 2001 and 2000. Drink it over the next 12-15 years." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=30601 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=36556 92 points Parker: "The 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape Croix de Bois reveals an intense Provencal herb character as well as peppery, roasted meat, garrigue, and kirsch liqueur notes, full body, good richness, and a long finish. Chapoutier?s single vineyard Chateauneuf du Papes represent two different areas of the appellation, with the Croix de Bois coming from the eastern sector in the Bedarrides region. Chapoutier has adjusted the manner in which he ages these cuvees, as they are now completely aged in tank. Yields for this offering (made from 100+-year-old Grenache vines in the Galets Roulets area) are typically less than .5 tons of fruit per acre. Both the Barbe Rac and Croix de Bois are 100% Grenache." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40095 94 points Parker: 'The deep ruby/purple-tinged 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape Barbe Rac reveals a rich, sumptuous perfume of root vegetables, blackberries, cassis, melted licorice, incense, and spice. Chapoutier?s single vineyard Chateauneuf du Papes represent two different areas of the appellation, with the Barbe Rac coming from the western corridor, not far from the Plateau of Mont-Redon. Chapoutier has adjusted the manner in which he ages these cuvees, as they are now completely aged in tank. It is incredibly full-bodied for a 2006, with superb concentration as well as excellent length and purity. Drink this beauty over the next 15+ years. Both the Barbe Rac and Croix de Bois are 100% Grenache." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=36550 95-97 points Parker: "The 2006 Ermitage Le Meal has pure creme de cassis, camphor, truffle, and an earthiness, a rich, full-bodied, powerful mouthfeel, a beautiful purity, and sensational intensity, but I have to rate it behind Les Greffieux at this stage. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2040." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=36555 94 points Parker: 'The deep ruby/purple-tinged 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape Barbe Rac reveals a rich, sumptuous perfume of root vegetables, blackberries, cassis, melted licorice, incense, and spice. Chapoutier?s single vineyard Chateauneuf du Papes represent two different areas of the appellation, with the Barbe Rac coming from the western corridor, not far from the Plateau of Mont-Redon. Chapoutier has adjusted the manner in which he ages these cuvees, as they are now completely aged in tank. It is incredibly full-bodied for a 2006, with superb concentration as well as excellent length and purity. Drink this beauty over the next 15+ years. Both the Barbe Rac and Croix de Bois are 100% Grenache." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=36549 99 points Parker: "Nearly perfect, the beautiful 2006 Ermitage Cuvee de l?Oree offers up sensational aromas of quince, honeyed hazelnuts, white currants, flowers, and a liqueur of crushed rocks. Incredible glycerin as well as zesty acids give this enormously-endowed, thick, massive wine surprising lift and laser-like focus. It should drink well for half a century!" http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=38453 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=38487 98 points Parker: "The warmest terroir for the white Ermitage cuvees is Le Meal, an upper mid-slope terroir with a great exposition.The multi-dimensional 2006 Ermitage Le Meal blanc has mouthsearing levels of acidity as well as phenomenal intensity, compelling richness, and a full-bodied power. No matter how many times I taste these wines, they are shockingly profound and are to be admired, as one of America?s first wine lovers, Thomas Jefferson, said when he called them ?the greatest white wines of France.? http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=38404 92 points Parker: "The 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape Croix de Bois reveals an intense Provencal herb character as well as peppery, roasted meat, garrigue, and kirsch liqueur notes, full body, good richness, and a long finish. Chapoutier?s single vineyard Chateauneuf du Papes represent two different areas of the appellation, with the Croix de Bois coming from the eastern sector in the Bedarrides region. Chapoutier has adjusted the manner in which he ages these cuvees, as they are now completely aged in tank. Yields for this offering (made from 100+-year-old Grenache vines in the Galets Roulets area) are typically less than .5 tons of fruit per acre. Both the Barbe Rac and Croix de Bois are 100% Grenache." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40093 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=38486 100 points Parker: "At the very top of the appellation?s dome of decomposed granite is l?Ermite. This wine is the equivalent of drinking liquified rocks.The 2006 Ermitage l?Ermite blanc is pure perfection. A liqueur of licorice, crushed rocks, white citrus, and currants jumps from the glass, and in the mouth, the wine is one seamless, layered mouthful of citrus oil, white flowers, white peach, and honeysuckle. Just amazing. I am sure both of these vintages will live for 50-100+ years." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=38405 98 points Parker: "The warmest terroir for the white Ermitage cuvees is Le Meal, an upper mid-slope terroir with a great exposition.The multi-dimensional 2006 Ermitage Le Meal blanc has mouthsearing levels of acidity as well as phenomenal intensity, compelling richness, and a full-bodied power. No matter how many times I taste these wines, they are shockingly profound and are to be admired, as one of America?s first wine lovers, Thomas Jefferson, said when he called them ?the greatest white wines of France.? http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40094 90-92 points Parker: "The 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape is a blend of 80% Grenache and the rest equal parts Mourvedre, Syrah, and Cinsault. Half of it is aged in 600-litre demi-muids and the rest in cement tanks. The wine is delicious, showing the brilliant typicity of the appellation in its notes of lavender, melted licorice, kirsch liqueur, tapenade, and spice box. It is soft, round, full-bodied, very sexy, exceptionally pure, layered, and just a brilliant Chateauneuf du Pape. Drink it over the next 12-15 years." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40092 98-100 points Parker: "The 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes is one of the vintage?s most compelling wines. Most of the fruit for this offering comes from the estate vineyards in La Crau, and it is usually a blend of 80% Grenache (aged in tank and foudre) and the rest equal parts Syrah and Mourvedre that are kept in small barrels. Approxmiately 5,000-6,000 bottles are produced. It is hard to say whether this is the finest wine Christophe Sabon has made since taking over for his father, but what a profoundly great effort! It is an elixir of Chateauneuf du Pape with an inky/blue/purple color and an extraordinary nose of kirsch liqueur, black raspberries, licorice, truffles, graphite, and spice. The wine boasts enormous richness, incredible harmony, and a finish that lasts more than a minute. It is one of the most outrageously rich, concentrated, and perfect Chateauneuf du Papes I have ever tasted at this stage of development. It should last for 30+ years." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=39259 91-93 points Parker: "The blockbuster 2007 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Terre d?Argile, which comes from red clay soils, is a blend of 75% Grenache and 25% Mourvedre. A deep ruby/purple color is accompanied by aromas of black raspberries, blueberries, freshly grilled mushrooms, truffles, camphor, and spice. Full-bodied, deep, silky, and layered, it is an incredible example of a Cotes du Rhone-Villages." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40091 90-92 points Parker: "The 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Olivets is Provencal, displaying notes of roasted herbs, licorice, sweet black cherries, and pepper. Filled with seductive fruit and glycerin as well as a heady, long finish, it should be enjoyed over the next 10-12 years." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40089 90-93 points Parker: "The dark ruby/purple-tinged 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Reserve is one of the finest yet made by the Sabons. Deep ruby/purple with notes of root vegetables, figs, tobacco leaf, roasted meats, kirsch liqueur, and black currants, this is a broad, deep, substantial, long, heady Chateauneuf that should evolve for 15 or more years." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=39474 96-100 points Parker: "Reminiscent of a hypothetical blend, stylistically speaking, of a 1990 and 1998, the opaque plum/purple 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Le Secret des Sabon is off the charts. There are only 2,000 bottles of this limited cuvee, from a parcel of 100+ year old vines in the famed La Crau sector. Enormously powerful notes of grilled herbs, roasted meats, creme de cassis, blackberries, charcoal, and truffles emerge from this massive, super-concentrated 2007. A tour de force in winemaking, this is old vine intensity at its greatest and purest. Give it 5-6 years of bottle age, and drink it over the following three decades." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=39398 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40088 96-98 points Parker: "The 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes is a 4,000-bottle cuvee produced largely from old vine sites in Les Gallimardes, Charbonniere, La Crau, and occasionally, Esquirons. In most vintages, this offering includes 98% Grenache, and it usually tips the scales at 15+% alcohol. The opaque purple-colored 2007 reveals an extraordinary nose of black truffles, acacia flowers, black raspberries, blackberries, licorice, incense, and camphor. Full-bodied and extraordinarily intense with perfect balance as well as superb freshness, this profound effort requires 3-4 years of bottle age, and should keep for 20-25 years after its release next year." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=39263 96 points Parker: "Beaucastel has been on a terrific qualitative roll over the last four vintages, and the 2001 Chateauneuf du Pape (which Francois Perrin feels is similar to the 1990, although I don?t see that as of yet) is a 15,000-case blend of 30% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre, 10% Syrah, 10% Counoise, and the balance split among the other permitted varietals of the appellation. This inky/ruby/purple-colored cuvee offers a classic Beaucastel bouquet of new saddle leather, cigar smoke, roasted herbs, black truffles, underbrush, and blackberry as well as cherry fruit. It is a superb, earthy expression of this Mourvedre-dominated cuvee. Full-bodied and powerful, it will undoubtedly close down over the next several years, not to re-emerge for 7-8 years. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2025." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=26703 93 points from Parker: "Readers trying to find some of the estate's finest wine, the Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee des Cadettes, will be pleased to know that 1998 is the largest production ever (30,000 bottles). In 1998, the quality of the Mourvedre and the other varietals was superb, allowing for a more generous production of this classic. A blend of 39% Grenache, 37% Mourvedre, and 24% Syrah aged in 100% small barrels, this wine, which is vinified in open wood cuves, and given a Burgundian-like treatment of pigeage (the mashing of the fermentation cap manually to break up the skins and extract more flavor and color), is impressive. It will not be released until 2001, but it possesses a saturated dark ruby/purple color as well as a gorgeous nose of blackberries/cherries, minerals, vanillin, and spice. Tannic, full-bodied, and superbly concentrated, with multiple flavor dimensions, this well-textured wine behaves like a sky scraper on the palate. The longer the wine sits in the mouth, the more nuances become apparent. It should have an uncommonly long life of 20-30 years. 96 pts. Wine Spectator: "Seductive and sexy, this world-class red is rich, opulent and ripe, with layers of superb mocha, toast and spice. Loaded with blackberry and cassis, its fabulous balance leads to a long fruit-and-oak finish. Very tempting now. Best from 2005 through 2030." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=14942 92-94 points Parker: "The 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape Croix de Bois possesses aromas and flavors of incense, kirsch liqueur, garrigue, spice, plums, and black cherry jam. Full body and abundant alcohol suggest it will benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age, and drink well for 10-15+." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=35138 95+ points Josh Raynolds (IWC): "Ruby-red. Potent red berry and kirsch on the nose, with exotic floral, mineral and game notes adding complexity. Seductively sweet, with deep but admirably focused flavors of raspberry, bitter cherry and blackcurrant. Supple tannins build through the finish. More closed than it was from barrel last year, but this wine possesses incredible depth and power, and picks up a remarkably seductive minerality with air. Don't touch this for at least five more years." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=36182 96 points Parker: "The Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee des Cadettes was one of the first luxury cuvees of old vines made in Chateauneuf du Pape, the first vintage originating in 1972. There are usually anywhere from 500 to 1000 cases of it. A real stunner, and just being released on the market, is the 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee des Cadettes. A magnificent wine with deep ruby/purple color, a wonderfully sweet focus, aromatics of blue and black fruits intermixed with graphite, a hint of charcoal, and some earth and subtle Provencal herbs, the wine is full-bodied and has great depth, richness, power, and stature. There is plenty of tannin to shed, as one might expect from a top 2005, but it is well-integrated, and there is more than enough concentration and fruit to balance out the wine?s structural profile. Give this wine 5 years of bottle age and drink it over the following three decades. This is a monumental example of Chateauneuf du Pape." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=39267 98-100 points Parker: "The 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve des Deux Freres is one of the two or three finest wines of the vintage. The quintessential Chateauneuf du Pape, made from 100% old vine Grenache aged in one-, two-, and three-year-old small barrels and larger demi-muids, has a black/bluish color and a remarkably aromatic nose of scorched earth, ground pepper, smoked herbs, meat juices, and oodles of blackberry, cassis, and sweet cherry fruit. A wine of extraordinary intensity, density, and power, but with sweet tannin and relatively low acidity, this wine will be approachable in 2-3 years and last for at least 20-25." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=37882 100 points Parker!!!! http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=14258 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 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40027 91-93 points Parker: "The 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape Tradition is a brilliant wine, dense ruby/purple with sweet black cherry and blackberry fruit as well as hints of licorice, lavender, and truffle. Concentrated, full-bodied, unctuously textured, with low acidity and ripe tannin, this beauty can be drunk upon release or cellared for 10-12 years." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=37880 97 points Parker: "The 2005 Rayas Chateauneuf du Pape, which looked strong last year, has put on considerable weight, perfume and complexity, and now looks to be the greatest Rayas Chateauneuf du Pape since the legendary 1995 that was made by the late Jacques Reynaud. Deep ruby in color to the rim, with an enthralling/compelling aromatic display of explosive quantities of kirsch, licorice, and balsam wood notes, this wine hits the palate with extraordinary fullness and richness, but even with such amazing intensity, has a delicacy and lightness of being that are almost impossible to fully appreciate. This is a stunner of awesome complexity, richness, and full-bodied power, but it?s built like a ballerina. Give it 3-5 years of bottle age and drink it over the following 25 years." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=37909 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=39996 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=39997 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=39995 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=39998 94+ points Parker: "The 2005 Hermitage is a frighteningly backward, tannic, broodingly dense, formidable wine. Its dense purple color is followed by notions of road tar, spring flowers, camphor, creme de cassis, licorice, and earth. It displays high tannin, huge extract and richness, with fresh acidity. I agree with the Chaves that this is a vintage for those with patience as this wine needs a decade of cellaring. 1983 might be the closest vintage of comparison, but overall, I think the winemaking and selection process at Chave are far greater today than they were 25 years ago. Readers with good DNA and youth on their side are the only ones who should purchase this monster Hermitage. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030+. " http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=38273 91-93 Parker: "The 2002 Cote Rotie La Turque, which includes 7% Viognier, reveals a deeper ruby/purple color along with a sweet bouquet of graphite, acacia flowers, black currants, and notions of meat and truffle. Fruity, soft, round, and substantial, it can be drunk over the next 10-12 years." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=33867 90-93 Parker: "The star of the 2002 La La?s is the 2002 Cote Rotie La Landonne. Aromas of burning embers, scorched earth, truffles, and black cherries are followed by an unexpectedly deep, rich wine that is best consumed over the next 12-15 years." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=33865 90-92 points Parker: "The 2002 Cote Rotie La Mouline offers bacon fat, litchi nut, peach, and sweet cherry characteristics in an elegant, medium-bodied, lighter style than normal. There is plenty of substance in this seductive, Pinot Noir-like effort. It should drink well for a decade." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=33866 98 points Parker in The Hedonist's Gazette - previous review = 95 points Parker: "The profound 2000 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee de Mon Aieul (85% Grenache and the rest equal parts Syrah, Mourvedre, and Cinsault) tips the scales at 15% alcohol. From an old vineyard and cropped at 15 hectoliters per hectare, and aged only in foudre, it boasts a dense purple color in addition to an exquisite nose of violets, minerals, blueberries and blackberries. Pure and concentrated, but atypically tannic, it requires considerable aging as it is one of the vintage's more backward, broodingly powerful efforts. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2020." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=22808 93 points Parker: 'The old vine Grenache cuvee, the 2004 Chateauneuf du Pape Chaupin, ended up with about 15.1% alcohol, which is pretty high considering the vintage conditions. A wine of great finesse and elegance, this deep ruby/purple-colored effort has a big, sweet nose of crushed cherries, creme de cassis, raspberries, and spring flowers. The gorgeous ripeness, multi-dimensional texture, and tremendous finish all augur well for a wine that is going to be one of the longer-lived wines of the vintage, drinking well for 12-15 years. It is delicious already." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=33731 99 points Parker in The Hedonist's Gazette: "Perhaps the greatest Cuvée Réservée ever made is Pégaü?s 2003. If they had wanted to, I think they could have declared this entire vintage as a Cuvée da Capo. The 2003 Cuvée Réservée is powerful, rich, voluptuous, and represents a more modern day version of their 1990, but with even more power, glycerin, richness, and concentration. It?s an amazing wine and it is thrilling to drink now, although it will be even better in 5-7 years, and probably mind-boggling in a decade or so." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=31349 95 points Parker: "The special cuvee, the stunning 2001 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve Sixtine, is a blend of 50% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 20% Mourvedre aged in equal parts small barrels and neutral wood foudres. An elegant effort with freshness yet tremendous power and flavor intensity, it is a full-bodied, layered, provocative 2001 with expcetional depth as well as richness. While the tannin levels are high, there are even higher levels of concentration and fruit. Give it 2-3 years of cellaring, and drink it over the following 15-20. This brilliant wine should ultimately be even better than my lofty score suggests. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2020+." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=26940 95+ points Parker: "The 2005 Vieux Telegraphe Chateauneuf du Pape, this estate?s strongest vintage since 1998, has put on serious weight since last year. Dense ruby/purple-colored with an exquisite perfume of black raspberries, kirsch, ground pepper, and incense, this full-bodied, powerful, concentrated wine reveals fabulous purity as well as a finish that lasts over 45 seconds. Purchasers of this beauty will need patience. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2025." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=36180