Premier Cru - Rhone Wine RSS/RDF Feed http://www.premiercru.net/premier/jsp/xml/premiercrurhone.php http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41028 90 points Parker: "A blend of 80% Grenache and the rest Syrah and Cinsault from 50-year-old vines, the 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Olivets is a beautiful sleeper of the vintage. This sexy, full-bodied wine possesses a dark plum/purple color, abundant aromas of pepper, lavender, forest floor, and roast beef, a lush, layered style, and 10-12 years of drinkability." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40089 96 points Parker: "The Chaupin is slightly eclipsed by the profound quality of the 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes. Inky/blue/purple, with massive aromatics, an unctuous texture, and superb length on the palate, it is enormously endowed for a 2006. Very pure for a 2006, with sweet tannins as well as amazing length, it will benefit from several years of cellaring, and drink well for 20-25 years." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40219 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 91-92 points Parker's WA: "A new project guided by Claude Gros, Chateau Rigaud?s 2007 Faugeres ? combining Syrah grown in schist, with Grenache from chalk-clay, and matured in a combination of tank and barriques ? was slated for bottling early this year. It displays smoke-wreathed black fruit aromas, and a satin-textured, deeply-rich palate, with beet root, peat, humus, stone, and saline-savory undertones. Not a bit of superficial sweetness or rusticity of tannin accrues to this Faugere?s polished finish. The epitome of 2007s ability to combine lift and vivacity with ripe richness and sheer density, it represents a mind-boggling value that will in addition probably evolve interestingly in bottle for several years." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41019 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 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 93 points Josh Raynolds (IWC): "Dark ruby. Deep cherry and blackcurrant aromas, with sexy anise, incense and floral character expanding with air. Lush and sweet, offering deep creme de cassis and bitter cherry flavors framed by supple tannins. Invitingly sweet and plush on the finish, which echoes the cassis and licorice qualities. This is utterly seductive today." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=36165 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=14762 95 points Parker: "A blend of 90% Grenache and 10% Syrah and Mourvedre, the 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Lucille Avril receives the same upbringing as the regular cuvee, but is made from some of the estate?s oldest vines. Even better post-bottling, its saturated ruby/purple color offers up notes of cassis, jammy cherries, smoke, camphor, licorice, meat juices, and roasted herbs. Full-bodied, pure, broad, layered, and exceptionally long and silky, it can be drunk now or cellared for two decades or more. Bravo!" http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40942 95 points Josh Raynolds (IWC): "Saturated red. Expansive, hugely aromatic bouquet of raspberry, mulberry, allspice, smoked meat and minerals, with a strong floral quality that gains strength with air. Deeply concentrated but surprisingly lithe and precise, offering sweet red berry and cherry preserve flavors and notes of licorice and rose pastilles. The finish is spicy, focused and extremely persistent, with a zesty mineral element adding lift and cut. This is the wine formerly known as Tradition, and is based on grenache vines planted in the late 19th century." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40945 95 points Josh Raynolds (IWC): "Saturated red. Expansive, hugely aromatic bouquet of raspberry, mulberry, allspice, smoked meat and minerals, with a strong floral quality that gains strength with air. Deeply concentrated but surprisingly lithe and precise, offering sweet red berry and cherry preserve flavors and notes of licorice and rose pastilles. The finish is spicy, focused and extremely persistent, with a zesty mineral element adding lift and cut. This is the wine formerly known as Tradition, and is based on grenache vines planted in the late 19th century." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40944 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 '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=40940 95 points Parker: "Gorgeously sweet aromas of black raspberries, cherries, and flowers jump from the glass of the inky ruby/purple-colored 2003 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Chaupin. With a structured mouthfeel, superb intensity, moderately high tannin, and a long, heady, concentrated finish, it will benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age, and should drink well for 15+ years." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40938 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=38663 94-96 points Parker: "The 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Renaissance is as black as a moonless night. It exhibits notes of blueberry, acacia flowers, licorice, sweet kirsch, and blackberry. Full-bodied, powerful, dense, and almost Port-like because of its thickness and viscosity, this is a stunning wine that had a finish of 45+ seconds. The tannins are present, and the wine probably needs 4-5 years of cellaring but should keep for 20-25 years." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=36493 90-92 points Parker: "The 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape is deep ruby/purple in color, opulent, full-bodied, and rich, with notes of smoke, blackberry, cassis, garrigue, and pepper as well as chocolate. It is deep, full-bodied, with sweet tannin, moderate acidity, and superb precision and overall balance. Accessible for a 2005, it can be drunk during its first 10-12 years of life." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=36492 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=38487 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=38485 99 points Parker: "The 2006 Ermitage Cuvee de l?Oree exhibits classic peach jam, marmalade, quince, white stone, and crushed rocks, full-bodied intensity, crisp acidity, and amazing freshness, in spite of huge power. I have no idea what the alcohol levels on these wines are, but I suspect they must be in the 15% range, yet the acidities are so high, the balance is struck. My aging curve on all of these single-vineyard wines is pretty much the same, and these are very strong vintages with higher acidity than 2005." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=38403 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 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=38484 95-97 points Parker: "The exquisite 2006 Cote Rotie La Turque may or may not be as good. It exhibits exceptional aromas of bacon fat, smoked duck, soy, black currants, blackberries, and graphite. Full-bodied and dense with good acidity, outrageous concentration, and a finish that lasts over 60 seconds, this is amazing stuff!" http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40765 95 points IWC (Josh Raynolds): "Opaque purple. Explosively perfumed, pungent bouquet of ripe cherry and candied plum, with exotic Asian spice and incense notes adding complexity. Intense dark fruit flavors boast remarkable sweetness and depth, becoming spicier and broader with air. I tried to find the tannins but kept hitting a wall of deep berry fruit. This is superb." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=39997 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 95 points Parker: "The 2003 Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape Hommage a Jacques Perrin has turned out even better than I thought last year. Black purple to the rim, with an extraordinary nose of smoke, camphor, blackberry, cassis, sweet cherry, white flowers, licorice, and Chinese black tea, the wine has superb richness, huge tannins, massive concentration, and a monster finish. Forget this wine for 5-8 years and drink it over the following 35 or more." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=31574 96 points Parker: "The dense ruby/purple-colored, full-bodied 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape La Ferme du Mont is an outrageously rich, complex wine exhibiting beautiful creme de cassis, kirsch, licorice, forest floor, and spring flower-like aromas. It is fresh, voluptuous, and opulent in the mouth, but the fresh acids and vibrancy give it exceptional precision as well as a refreshing style despite its weight, richness, and length. This is a superb, young Chateauneuf du Pape from an up-and-coming star of the appellation. Give it 1-3 years of bottle age and drink it over the following two decades." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40610 96 points Parker: "The blockbuster 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Imperiale (90% Grenache and 20% other authorized varietals) comes from a vineyard planted in 1902. Aged 80% in tank and 20% in small wood barrels, it may be the finest wine I have yet tasted from Raymond Usseglio. This exquisite offering is Burgundian-like in its floral minerality mixed with dense kirsch liqueur and garrigue notes. Full-bodied, sensationally rich, and large-scaled as well as fresh, vibrant, and precise, this sensational effort can be drunk now or cellared for 15-20 years." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40910 94 points Parker: "The blockbuster 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve Sixtine (55% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 15% Mourvedre from 50- to 105-year-old vines) boasts an inky/purple color as well as a sensational perfume of camphor, graphite, black currants, black cherries, licorice, and smoke. Built like a young Bordeaux with its tannic structure, this full-bodied, intensely flavored wine reveals a meaty character in the mouth. As with most vintages since 1998, the 2007 requires cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2028+." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40499 91 points Parker: "The sensational, opulent, fleshy 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape reveals abundant aromas of kirsch liqueur, lavender, licorice, and forest floor. Round and lush with silky tannins, full body, and superb purity as well as depth, it can be drunk now or cellared for 12-14 years." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40742 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=40293 95 points Parker: "All four 2007 Chateauneuf du Papes, including the unbottled new cuvee, are absolutely brilliant efforts. A true sleeper of the vintage, and a wine to buy by the case given its reasonable price is the 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape. This blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah and Mourvedre from 40-year-old vines was aged 80% in tank and the rest in small oak. Its dense purple color is accompanied by sweet aromas of creme de cassis, kirsch, incense, spice box, and a touch of toast. Deep and multidimensional with huge glycerin, great acids, and sweet tannins, this massive 2007 is accessible now, and should last for 15-20+ years." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=39476 94 points Parker: "The fabulous 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape (a blend of 64% Grenache, 19% Syrah, 15% Mourvedre, and the rest Cinsault and Vaccarese) boasts a deep plum/ruby/purple color as well as a super expressive perfume that represents the essence of Provence. Fresh bouquet garni, roasted Provencal herbs, licorice, black cherries, and black currant aromas soar from the glass of this full-bodied, incredibly deep, savory wine. Juicy and succulent with terrific acidity, freshness, and length, it is accessible now, and should continue to drink well for 12-15 or more years. Bravo to the Cazes family!" http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40909 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=39864 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 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 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=39694 93-95 points Parker: "The 2006 Cote Rotie Chateau d?Ampuis is exquisite. A feminine, grand cru Musigny-styled effort, it possesses abundant floral scents along with hints of frying lard interwoven with creme de cassis, cherries, and spice. Round and generous with a superb texture, terrific purity, and a long, spicy finish, there is not a hard edge to be found in this brilliant Cote Rotie. It should drink effortlessly for 15-20 years." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40857 91-95 points Parker: "The 2006 Hermitage Ex-Voto blanc is a powerful, aromatic wine offering notes of crushed rocks, quince, orange marmalade, white peaches, and honeysuckle with spicy oak in the background. This dense, unctuously-textured offering is a promising white Hermitage that should drink well for three decades." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40858 93-95+ points Parker: "The 2006 Hermitage Ex-Voto is slightly denser, revealing gorgeous aromas of black raspberries, black currants, graphite, herbs, and truffles. Elegant yet substantial in size, well-textured, and long, this superb wine should age effortlessly for 25-30 years." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40859 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=39687 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 96-98 points Parker: "The 2006 Cote Rotie La Landonne may merit a three digit score by the time it is bottled. A dense purple color is accompanied by an extraordinary bouquet of burning embers, espresso roast, black currants, blackberry liqueur, and pain grille. With aeration, bacon fat and licorice characteristics also emerge. The sweetness of the tannin, the extraordinary intensity of the flavors, and the remarkable finish suggest this is another legendary effort from Marcel Guigal and his son, Philippe." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40763 92-95 points Parker: "The deep ruby/purple-tinged 2006 Cote Rotie La Mouline exhibits gorgeous notes of plum pudding, espresso roast, black cherry jam, and caramelized, exotic fruits. Full-bodied, fleshy, velvety-textured, and silky with superb richness as well as a sumptuous mouthfeel, this is a tour de force of hedonism and complexity. It should provide immense pleasure over the next 20+ years." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40764 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 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=17363 94 points Parker: "The outstanding 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape (a blend of 80% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre, 7% Syrah, and 3% Cinsault that achieved 16.5% natural alcohol) exhibits a dark ruby/purple color in addition to a sumptuous bouquet of black fruits, scorched earth, lavender, truffles, and licorice. The wine reveals the vintage?s gorgeous freshness and vibrancy as well as sensational concentration, and a tremendous finish. It can be drunk young or cellared for 15+ years." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40088 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 98 points Parker: "The 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes is still an infant in terms of development. Composed of 98% Grenache from 100- to 110-year-old vines, and made from incredibly tiny yields, it boasts a dense ruby/purple color followed by a sweet kiss of kirsch liqueur, incense, camphor, truffles, and lavender. The wine hits the palate with sensational richness, a full-bodied, multilayered texture, awesome purity, and remarkable freshness as well as vibrancy. The tannins are velvety, the acids provide uplift and delineation to the wine?s enormous richness and depth, and the finish lasts nearly a minute. This 2007 is still very young and unevolved, so 2-4 years of cellaring is recommended. It should age for 25 or more years." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=39263 94 points Parker: "The outstanding 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape (a blend of 80% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre, 7% Syrah, and 3% Cinsault that achieved 16.5% natural alcohol) exhibits a dark ruby/purple color in addition to a sumptuous bouquet of black fruits, scorched earth, lavender, truffles, and licorice. The wine reveals the vintage?s gorgeous freshness and vibrancy as well as sensational concentration, and a tremendous finish. It can be drunk young or cellared for 15+ years." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=39262 90 points Parker: "The 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape exhibits garrigue, pepper, incense, and meaty black cherry notes interwoven with heady levels of glycerin, abundant sex appeal, and a full-bodied, fleshy finish. It should provide superb drinking over the next 10-15 years." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=38278 98 points Parker: "Made from 100% Grenache (60- to 80-year-old vines) aged largely in neutral oak foudres with a small amount in new barrels, the inky/ruby/purple-hued 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Chaupin is the greatest example of this offering since the 1998, but it is even more concentrated than that wine. A cold terroir and sandy/clay soils have given the wine an extraordinary amount of acidity and freshness that serve it well in buttressing the fabulously concentrated, massively extracted, old vine Grenache. This blockbuster wine possesses enormous richness and density as well as an incredibly unevolved, young personality. Everything is there, including awesome aromatics, unbelievable layers of kirsch, raspberries, licorice, incense, and blacker fruits, and a finish that goes on for close to a minute. However, I would age this wine for 2-4 years and drink it over the following two decades or more. It is a tour de force in old vine Grenache as well as one of the vintage?s most compelling wines." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=39266 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 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 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 Contains a bottle each of Mon Aieul, Usseglio (100 RP), Clos des Papes (99+ RP), Cuvee Papet, Mt Olivet (98+ RP) and Cuvee Chaupin, Janasse (98 RP) http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40727 Save $55 on the 4 bottle set! Contains a bottle each of Cuvee Juline, Autard (95+ RP), Cuvee Reine de Bois, Domaine Mordoree (96+ RP), Croix de Bois, Chapoutier (96 RP) and Beaucastel (96 RP) http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40728 Save $90 on the 4 magnum set! Contains a magnum each of Cuvee Reservee, Pegau (94-96 RP), Croix de Bois, Chapoutier (96 RP), Cuvee Quartz, Clos du Caillou (95+ RP) and Vieux Telegraphe (96+ RP) http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40724 Save $50 on the 4 bottle set! Contains a bottle each of Cuvee V.V., Cristia (96 RP), Cuvee Reservee, Pegau (94-96 RP), Cornelia Constanza, Domaine Solitude (96 RP) and Cuvee Quartz, Clos du Caillou (95+ RP) http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40721 Save $60 on the 4 magnum set! Contains a magnum each of Marcoux (94 RP), Vieux Donjon (95+ RP) La Ferme du Mont, Deux Rhones (96 RP) and Cuvee V.V., Tardieu Laurent (92-94 RP) http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40722 Save $34 on the 4 bottle set! Contains a bottle each of Cuvee Prestige, Sabon (RP 95), Marcoux (94 RP), Les Cailloux, Brunel (93 RP) and Saint-Siffrein (94 RP) http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40725 Save $70 on the 5 bottle set! Contains a bottle each of Cote Ronde, Autard (95 RP), Vieux Donjon (95+ RP), Vieux Telegraphe (96+ RP), La Ferme du Mont, Deux Rhones (96 RP) and Cuvee Barberini, Domaine Solitude (91+ RP) http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40723 Save $18 on the 4 bottle set! Contains a bottle each of Cotes du Roussillon VV, Gauby (94-95 RP), Costieres de Nimes Galets Rouge, Mourgues du Gres (92 RP), Gigondas Tradition, Santa Duc (94 RP) and Cotes du Rhone Villages Terre d'Argile, Janasse (91 RP) http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40726 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 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 90 points Parker: "Even better is the stacked and packed, very concentrated, yet elegant, pure, and impeccably well-balanced 2007 Cotes du Rhone La Ferme du Mont Le Ponnant. This big-time Cotes du Rhone exhibits loads of concentration as well as abundant red and black fruit characteristics intermixed with notions of incense, spice, pepper, and licorice." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40609 94-96 Parker: "From sedimentary soils at the bottom of the hillside, the intense, inky/purple-colored 2003 Ermitage Les Greffieux Vieilles Vignes boasts beautiful aromas of sweet black cherries, flowers, and minerals along with a velvety texture, full body, and a long, elegant finish. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2030. As I have said so many times over the last 15 years, the top Chapoutier wines are meant for very long term drinking, and are not designed for immediate gratification. Everything Chapoutier is doing, from his bio-dynamically farmed vineyard to tiny yields, extended fermentations, indigenous yeasts, and no fining or filtration, is done to produce the essence of a vineyard and a vintage. His track record since 1989 and 1990 admirably proves that these are indeed remarkable wines made by a young genius who refuses to compromise. Michel Chapoutier has been misunderstood by some of his peers, and there is a lot of jealousy when someone this young is so incredibly talented, but it is an irrefutable fact that these are wines of singular greatness as well as longevity." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=32365 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 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 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 95 points Parker: "While the beautiful 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape is already accessible, it will benefit from 2-3 years of cellaring, and should last for two decades or more. It exhibits an inky/ruby/purple color, a great texture, and a gorgeous nose of boysenberries, blueberries, blackberries, acacia flowers, licorice, and incense. There is wonderful freshness and vibrancy (because of the good acids) as well as a terrific finish. Jean-Paul Dauman is one of a handful of Chateauneuf du Pape proprietors who believes his 2005s are better than what he produced in 2007, and I find it difficult to disagree relative to this estate-s wines. True lovers of Chateauneuf du Pape will probably want to have both vintages in their cellars." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=39399 '95+ points Parker: "The prodigious 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Quartz (85% Grenache aged totally in foudres and the rest Syrah, which is aged in small barrels) has terrific floral, raspberry, and black cherry notes intermixed with a striking minerality and precision. A Musigny grand cru Burgundian style of wine, with power and elegance, a thoroughly compelling flavor profile, and a rich, intense finish, the tannins are sweet and the well-integrated acidity gives uplift to the wine. Stunningly proportioned yet never heavy, this is a sensational wine that should only get better over the next few years and last for 15 or more." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40583 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 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 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=39261 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=35868 95+ points Parker: "Still backward and unevolved, the 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape (75% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre, and 5% other authorized varietals) was aged completely in foudre. Its deep ruby/purple color is followed by a reticent, but burgeoning bouquet of black cherries, plums, black currants, garrigue, lavender, and licorice. One can sense the weight, power, and richness in the mouth, but the tannins are there, and the wine also has very good acids. Consequently, patience will be required, and this is one 2007 where 2-3 years of bottle age is warranted. The wine is capable of lasting 15-20+ years. This pure, deep, full-bodied 2007 is the finest Chateauneuf du Pape Vieux Donjon has made since their sensational 1998 and 1990." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=39272