First sniff upon pulling the cork said all was well. The first sip was in harmony with the bouquet. BMaturity - all the edges still have crystalline clarity. Elegant CdP at its peak from this very fine vintage. Everything in equilibrium. Nothing indicated one should wait. Perfect with pan-seared venison medallions, wine-mushroon souce. No hint of tiring. Make hay while the sun shines!
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earthy and forest. Some red berries left, but has lost it's balance between acidity and fruit. Raisins and prune is dominant. Should have been drunk a few years ago.
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Similar to my prior note. Lovely clear ruby in the glass. Moderately complex nose of cherries, garrigue, tar, and some smoke. Rather Burgundy-like on the palate with lovely balance of fruit and tannin. All in all a nice if not exciting drink. Had a bit too much garrigue tonight for my preference.
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2007 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Tasting at Winetasters of Toronto Club (North York Memorial Hall): The half-bottle of 2007 Château Fortia Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée du Baron was badly oxidised. Pungent volatile vinegar masked all other aromas, and the acidity was too high to access. It echoed the common belief that small-format bottles did not age well, and were prone to oxidation. My personal rank for this wine was the seventh out of eight, and the table rank was the eighth. The blend composed of 50% Grenache, 45% Syrah and 5% Mourvedre, aged 16 months in old foudres. The annual production was 4,000 cases. Château Fortia played a significant historical role in the formation of the first AOC in France, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, in 1936, as Baron Pierre le Roy of Château Fortia laid down the foundation by setting the minimal alcohol requirement and permitted varietals in his wines.
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Nose full of ripe and dried fruit. Some leather as well. Giving little on the nose initially. Palate is really nice. Lots of concentrated candied fruit. A powerful and complex wine.
50+5+12+15+8 (90p)
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Drank this at the 2018 TIARI Wine Mixer alongside 2009 Teyssier, 2005 Fombrauge, 2007 Fleur Cardinal, 2005 LA Croix St. George. I preferred this out of the bunch, but some of the other tasters preferred the Fombrauge and the Croix St. George. This wine turned around since my last tasting at an unbelievable rate. Upon opening there was some melon on the nose with nectar. The pallet was silky with lush red fruit along with some nectar and honeyed sweetness. As the night went on the sweetness and the honey kept getting stronger. The nose continued to show perfume, honeyed sweetness, melon (perhaps cantaloupe), and nectar. The pallet evolved to thick concentrated fruit (in a good way) nectar and pruned fruit. This turned out to be an unbelievable wine. 94 points! Amazing.
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Clear ruby-garnet with little, if any bricking. Rather subdued but otherwise elegant, balanced, and complex nose of garrique, red fruit, some leather, herbs, and freshly-cut wood. Very nicely balanced, if rather light, on the palate with flavors that echo the aroma and a palpable completeness and balance that were striking. On the whole the wine lacks some intensity and body that I would otherwise expect from a CdP in a good year but the overall grace of the wine was noteworthy. Purchased on release and stored in my cellar since.
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Surprisingly light red. Sweet ripe purple fuit a bit roasted at first then becomes more blackberry. Zero earth or mineral or garrigue. Tastes a little better then the nose. Very tannic without much acid.
Better then a St Cosme Gigondas from 07 that we had earlier in the week, but is another train wreck from the "Vintage of the Century".
One thing I have learned about the Southern Rhone is to stick to great producers in cool years.
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Châteauenuf-du-Pape 2007 - ten years after (chez moi): When you know what this is, it is not very difficult to pick up; rich, yet stony, cool style, not bad at all, this cuvee seems to be doing well in rich vintages. Years to go, but again, this is trying quite hard. Alcohol, as is the case with many of its peers, seems even stronger on day 2
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This has a lot going for it; in spite of the year, it has a cool feel, albeit also a hints of green stalks, that could also be the resultat of the weather. But first and foremost, it is a classic neuf, well balanced, full bodied, with the fat of the land showing through, sweetness, garrigue et al, but in a civilized way. Will live 5+ years with no effort, might even improve and become more complex. #WeehawkenStreet#Election2016
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A blend of 55% Grenache, 35% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre, this medium red/garnet wine opens within thirty minutes of decanting to flaunt a bouquet of black raspberry, lavender, incense, anise and loamy earth. Medium-bodied and with good acidity, it delivers flavors which mirror the nose. The wine's 14.5% alcohol is a non-factor and the residual tannins are soft. Discounted as pedestrian by an esteemed critic upon release, this Châteauneuf has matured nicely and has proven him wrong. Drink now-2020.
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Friday Night Double Blind Tasting $40+ (Bin 75): Dull garnet with good clarity, lighter rim; elegant and attractive nose, framboise, ripe cherry, complex though lighter, restrained ripeness, marzipan, could smell this for days; classic framboise, herbs, sweet fruit though not overripe; really well done for this vintage, can go quite a bit longer, delicious.
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375 ml bottle; Quite forward nose of dark red cherry and strawberry; quite balanced , rosemary, little alcoholic on the nose. The tannins have mellowed and clearly it is time to drink; good acidity.
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Drank this over dinner along side a 2005 Chateau Fortia and Chateau Montelena and Stags leap at the Keg get together with my cousins. This was by far the worst of the bunch. I don't know what happened since my last review but this definitely did not have the same characteristics as the last bottle. This was syrupy and thick with some considerable alcohol coming through. This may settle down in a few years. The 2005 Fortia was much more delicate and was elegant, silky, and smooth.
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Needs some coaxing to get to the nose. Dark red cherry, nutmeg, rosemary, little alcoholic on the nose. The tannins are still notable but the finish is better than expected. Nice acidity keeps the wine fresh. Needs another year or two. Drank from 375 ml bottle.
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Baked cherry on the nose, touch of heat. Medium bodied with medium acidity. Sweet black cherries and blackberries, a touch of savoriness and green herb. Palate is ok, a bit sweet and simple, but heat is the real problem here, evident from start to finish. Ashley had a different impression of this wine and enjoyed it, so your mileage may vary.
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Tasted over two days. Consistent over both. Dark garnet. Absolutely massive wine on both nose and palate. The nose shows powerful berries and a strong surge of black pepper. Full bodied. Raspberry flavors and an almost syrupy texture. Low acidity, soft tannic structure and huge fruit persisting through the entire palate and finish.
This shows more like Priorat or a very modern Pinot or Grenache than a Rhone wine. I don't dislike it, but another fatiguing bottle of wine.
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Bought a case after trying the 06 at The Keg. Decent C du P, but not as good as the 2006. Much thinner, less fruit forward, but still has a good structure and depth. I was expecting a much bigger/richer wine, but definitely a decent wine with good nose. Will age a bit and try again. However, I don't think age will bring out any more flavour on this one.
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On openning: Nose - Quite fruity but not delicate. But nonetheless a nice nose. Palette - Fruity, abit of tannin. Not that delicate. And some off notes. 2nd Day, after a 3 hour decant. Less tannic but otherwise not improved.
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Même si encore très fermé, beaucoup plus intéressant que bien des Châteauneuf 2007, l'alcool n'est pas trop présent et c'est quand même équilibré. Les arômes plus floraux et le fruit légèrement en retrait, donne l'indication que ce vin a besoin de repos pour 3-4 ans. Intéressant et à revoir.
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375 Popped and poured. Initial nose was a huge floral bouquet, chalk, bubble gum, and wilted rose petals. Over the course of the night this changed to more of a cherry/floral bouquet with a sweetness of caramel/leather. On the palet was initially bubble gum and washed out cherry as RP stated in his review - I think he nailed it. There was not too much of a finish initially. As the night went on there was more cherry/tannic on the palet along with a caramel/leather like sweetness which carried on to the finish as well. Difficult to score because it evolved over the night I would give it a 88-90 right now. I have another one stashed so it will be interesting to see what happens to it over time.
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Surprisingly transparant color, nose of garrique, pencil-tip and sweet black fruits. Palate reeks of Grenache with welcoming fruity notes (black berries), hints of bacon and plenty of ripe sweetness. Deep and complex. Medium-long aftertaste. Keep for another 10 years, but is actually drinking quite nicely.
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From 375, decanted 1 hour. Initially this was pretty closed. After several hours, much more open and flavorful. Cranberry, spice and earth. Cherries and spice on the finish. Nice acidity, light tannins, and drinks very well with air right now.
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Pop n pour observed over 4 hours. Plenty of garrigue, dark spice, cherry, meat, leather and dried herbs. The medium-bodied palate put on some weight over time and managed to show solid depth to the fruit. Nothing overwhelming in terms of complexity here, but it nonetheless proved a competent and agile food wine. Medium acidity, medium finish. Drink thru 2015.
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Open for 4 hours. Heavy chalkiness, gunpowder, cranberry seeds and skin, tart berries, with some light astringency. Medium to full bodied with some nice spiciness, hibiscus flower, tart berries, some chemicalliness. Pretty straight forward on the palate. Fairly smooth transition to the finish without any kind of heat, showing some nice pepper and spice. Alcohol actually builds in 10-20 seconds after I swallow. While it's not hot on the finish, the heat is what lingers after a minute. After drinking the other three I came back to this, and now it's showing quite a bit of astringency and funky broccoli on the nose. Palate and finish are similar, though still a bit harsher. Was 87 points initially, and now 86.
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Open 3 hours: Bright red fruit, plum, leather, some richness or savoriness coming through. Hints of alcohol show as well on the nose. The palate is on the lighter side for 2007 CdP, still has great body though. Red/dark fruit early on, leather, graphite, mushroom and soil come in on the mid-palate and carry through the finish along with the fruit and light gravel. Over-all very fruit-forward. The alcohol is there on the finish but not obtrusive. Very light weight tannins, medium strength acids. Over-all a more balanced effort than many 07's I have had. --2 hours later: my palate is finding way more funk than before, almost pinot-esque. The problem is the palate has tightened up, it seems to have closed up. Down-grading based on the palate as of now.
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2007 Rhone Tasting at Local Wine Shop (Wine Sense): Outstanding. Rich nose of blueberry pie and flowers. Ripe fruit on the palate, again blueberry pie, plum and blackberries. Initially the midpalate was rough, with almost harsh tannin. The finish showed bit of heat. After aeration, the midpalate was tamed and heat died off / blended in. Then the fruit was balanced by earthy, animal fat (and fur) and dried fruit notes. Seems like a more modern CDP, maybe due to the fruit upfront. The distributor did note that the fruit was 100% destemmed and cofermented. There may be options I find more preferable at this price point, but still an outstanding wine that will be very enjoyable with time.
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A little muted compared to the last bottle I had, a little less expressive. Still a light intensity and balanced CdP that seems open for business now. Good stuff.
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I dumped this through the vinturi and let it sit an hour in glass: light weight nose of blackberry, plum, leather and dry soil. Medium to light bodied palate but well balanced, wow. Plum, some grape, leather and tobacco notes picked up on the palate. While light bodied this feels absolutely luxurious in the mouth, rolls around nicely and has nice medium strength acidity and dusty tannins that carry some fruit through in the finish. You could say instead of velvety in the mouth this feels silky, I wish it was just a bit heavier. I agree with the previous taster, I like the elegance of the wine, and this does well as a stand-alone drinker. Don't know how it would stand up to food. I will most likely buy a few bottles as this is drinking well now for my tastes with some air.
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2007 Chateauneufs (K&L Wines, San Francisco): 55% Grenache. Medium to light red color and saturation. Lively tree bark nose. Medium bodied with prominent acidity. Definitely not a fruity style-I like the elegance, tobacco notes, spice, and length here. It just lacks a bit of concentration and oomph that it would take to make it worth buying.
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CDP tasting at Boston Wine Expo: A little tough to try after the Tradition. Not because it isn't better, but doesn't have the exuberence of the Tradition. Much more tannic, and hasn't really opened up yet. But you can tell all the elements are there, and this should be a beauty. 91-93
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3/3/2022 - MS86 wrote: 89 Points
Clear, medium- ruby, significant fading at rim
This is quite different and not what I expect from CDP. Popcorn and candied strawberry. Balsamic.
Medium bodied. Soft tannins, nicely balanced acidity. Quite high alcohol shows through warmth in the throat.
Somewhat sweet. Flavours of strawberry. Almost port like with prune and alcohol.
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2/24/2022 - Carlo Sarto Likes this wine:
First sniff upon pulling the cork said all was well. The first sip was in harmony with the bouquet. BMaturity - all the edges still have crystalline clarity. Elegant CdP at its peak from this very fine vintage. Everything in equilibrium. Nothing indicated one should wait. Perfect with pan-seared venison medallions, wine-mushroon souce. No hint of tiring. Make hay while the sun shines!
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10/11/2020 - winebonanza1 wrote: 84 Points
earthy and forest. Some red berries left, but has lost it's balance between acidity and fruit. Raisins and prune is dominant. Should have been drunk a few years ago.
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11/9/2019 - tomandlu wrote: 88 Points
Similar to my prior note. Lovely clear ruby in the glass. Moderately complex nose of cherries, garrigue, tar, and some smoke. Rather Burgundy-like on the palate with lovely balance of fruit and tannin. All in all a nice if not exciting drink. Had a bit too much garrigue tonight for my preference.
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10/23/2019 - apple1813 wrote: flawed
2007 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Tasting at Winetasters of Toronto Club (North York Memorial Hall): The half-bottle of 2007 Château Fortia Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée du Baron was badly oxidised. Pungent volatile vinegar masked all other aromas, and the acidity was too high to access. It echoed the common belief that small-format bottles did not age well, and were prone to oxidation.
My personal rank for this wine was the seventh out of eight, and the table rank was the eighth.
The blend composed of 50% Grenache, 45% Syrah and 5% Mourvedre, aged 16 months in old foudres. The annual production was 4,000 cases.
Château Fortia played a significant historical role in the formation of the first AOC in France, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, in 1936, as Baron Pierre le Roy of Château Fortia laid down the foundation by setting the minimal alcohol requirement and permitted varietals in his wines.
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3/2/2019 - Shiaxonna wrote: 90 Points
Nose full of ripe and dried fruit. Some leather as well. Giving little on the nose initially. Palate is really nice. Lots of concentrated candied fruit. A powerful and complex wine.
50+5+12+15+8 (90p)
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1/1/2019 - mcease Likes this wine: 94 Points
Drank this at the 2018 TIARI Wine Mixer alongside 2009 Teyssier, 2005 Fombrauge, 2007 Fleur Cardinal, 2005 LA Croix St. George. I preferred this out of the bunch, but some of the other tasters preferred the Fombrauge and the Croix St. George. This wine turned around since my last tasting at an unbelievable rate. Upon opening there was some melon on the nose with nectar. The pallet was silky with lush red fruit along with some nectar and honeyed sweetness. As the night went on the sweetness and the honey kept getting stronger. The nose continued to show perfume, honeyed sweetness, melon (perhaps cantaloupe), and nectar. The pallet evolved to thick concentrated fruit (in a good way) nectar and pruned fruit. This turned out to be an unbelievable wine. 94 points! Amazing.
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12/1/2018 - tomandlu wrote: 90 Points
Clear ruby-garnet with little, if any bricking. Rather subdued but otherwise elegant, balanced, and complex nose of garrique, red fruit, some leather, herbs, and freshly-cut wood. Very nicely balanced, if rather light, on the palate with flavors that echo the aroma and a palpable completeness and balance that were striking. On the whole the wine lacks some intensity and body that I would otherwise expect from a CdP in a good year but the overall grace of the wine was noteworthy. Purchased on release and stored in my cellar since.
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4/24/2018 - David J Cooper wrote: 88 Points
Dark red. Smoky berry fruit nose, developing some mineral notes. Tasty warm berry and earth flavours and a dry finish.
Bought for around $40 can, held for almost a decade and it ends up about as good as a decent Cotes du Rhone.
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4/22/2018 - AudunG wrote: 88 Points
Aromas of blackcurrant bush, like in a Chilean Cabarnet, in addition to some port wine resemblance. Lacks elegance and some concentration.
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3/11/2017 - David J Cooper wrote: 85 Points
Surprisingly light red. Sweet ripe purple fuit a bit roasted at first then becomes more blackberry. Zero earth or mineral or garrigue. Tastes a little better then the nose. Very tannic without much acid.
Better then a St Cosme Gigondas from 07 that we had earlier in the week, but is another train wreck from the "Vintage of the Century".
One thing I have learned about the Southern Rhone is to stick to great producers in cool years.
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1/17/2017 - beatles wrote:
Châteauenuf-du-Pape 2007 - ten years after (chez moi): When you know what this is, it is not very difficult to pick up; rich, yet stony, cool style, not bad at all, this cuvee seems to be doing well in rich vintages. Years to go, but again, this is trying quite hard. Alcohol, as is the case with many of its peers, seems even stronger on day 2
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10/2/2016 - beatles wrote: 91 Points
This has a lot going for it; in spite of the year, it has a cool feel, albeit also a hints of green stalks, that could also be the resultat of the weather. But first and foremost, it is a classic neuf, well balanced, full bodied, with the fat of the land showing through, sweetness, garrigue et al, but in a civilized way. Will live 5+ years with no effort, might even improve and become more complex. #WeehawkenStreet#Election2016
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12/14/2015 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine: 91 Points
A blend of 55% Grenache, 35% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre, this medium red/garnet wine opens within thirty minutes of decanting to flaunt a bouquet of black raspberry, lavender, incense, anise and loamy earth. Medium-bodied and with good acidity, it delivers flavors which mirror the nose. The wine's 14.5% alcohol is a non-factor and the residual tannins are soft. Discounted as pedestrian by an esteemed critic upon release, this Châteauneuf has matured nicely and has proven him wrong. Drink now-2020.
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12/9/2014 - asgerG wrote: 92 Points
D1h. Really excellent glass of wine. Very expressive yet elegant and possessing great depth. Fully mature and ready to enjoy. Drink now - 2017
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11/21/2014 - Rezy13 Likes this wine:
Friday Night Double Blind Tasting $40+ (Bin 75): Dull garnet with good clarity, lighter rim; elegant and attractive nose, framboise, ripe cherry, complex though lighter, restrained ripeness, marzipan, could smell this for days; classic framboise, herbs, sweet fruit though not overripe; really well done for this vintage, can go quite a bit longer, delicious.
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11/8/2014 - Milos wrote: 89 Points
375 ml bottle; Quite forward nose of dark red cherry and strawberry; quite balanced , rosemary, little alcoholic on the nose. The tannins have mellowed and clearly it is time to drink; good acidity.
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2/5/2012 - Mmark wrote: 90 Points
Quite good - no formal notes but remembered it to be very CdP-like.
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12/11/2011 - mcease wrote: 86 Points
Drank this over dinner along side a 2005 Chateau Fortia and Chateau Montelena and Stags leap at the Keg get together with my cousins. This was by far the worst of the bunch. I don't know what happened since my last review but this definitely did not have the same characteristics as the last bottle. This was syrupy and thick with some considerable alcohol coming through. This may settle down in a few years. The 2005 Fortia was much more delicate and was elegant, silky, and smooth.
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11/27/2011 - Henry Miller wrote:
This must have taken a nosedive in the past year or so. Lost all its fruit and tannin. Pinot Noir-like oxidation. Flawed bottle?
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10/24/2011 - Milos wrote: 90 Points
Needs some coaxing to get to the nose. Dark red cherry, nutmeg, rosemary, little alcoholic on the nose. The tannins are still notable but the finish is better than expected. Nice acidity keeps the wine fresh. Needs another year or two. Drank from 375 ml bottle.
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10/18/2011 - zscheiner wrote: 86 Points
Baked cherry on the nose, touch of heat. Medium bodied with medium acidity. Sweet black cherries and blackberries, a touch of savoriness and green herb. Palate is ok, a bit sweet and simple, but heat is the real problem here, evident from start to finish. Ashley had a different impression of this wine and enjoyed it, so your mileage may vary.
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10/12/2011 - Anthony Lombardi wrote:
Tasted over two days. Consistent over both. Dark garnet. Absolutely massive wine on both nose and palate. The nose shows powerful berries and a strong surge of black pepper. Full bodied. Raspberry flavors and an almost syrupy texture. Low acidity, soft tannic structure and huge fruit persisting through the entire palate and finish.
This shows more like Priorat or a very modern Pinot or Grenache than a Rhone wine. I don't dislike it, but another fatiguing bottle of wine.
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4/15/2011 - Materatz Likes this wine: 88 Points
Bought a case after trying the 06 at The Keg. Decent C du P, but not as good as the 2006. Much thinner, less fruit forward, but still has a good structure and depth. I was expecting a much bigger/richer wine, but definitely a decent wine with good nose. Will age a bit and try again. However, I don't think age will bring out any more flavour on this one.
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3/8/2011 - Jhcwine wrote: 90 Points
On openning: Nose - Quite fruity but not delicate. But nonetheless a nice nose. Palette - Fruity, abit of tannin. Not that delicate. And some off notes. 2nd Day, after a 3 hour decant. Less tannic but otherwise not improved.
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3/4/2011 - ggb wrote: 91 Points
Même si encore très fermé, beaucoup plus intéressant que bien des Châteauneuf 2007, l'alcool n'est pas trop présent et c'est quand même équilibré. Les arômes plus floraux et le fruit légèrement en retrait, donne l'indication que ce vin a besoin de repos pour 3-4 ans. Intéressant et à revoir.
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2/18/2011 - mcease wrote: 89 Points
375 Popped and poured. Initial nose was a huge floral bouquet, chalk, bubble gum, and wilted rose petals. Over the course of the night this changed to more of a cherry/floral bouquet with a sweetness of caramel/leather. On the palet was initially bubble gum and washed out cherry as RP stated in his review - I think he nailed it. There was not too much of a finish initially. As the night went on there was more cherry/tannic on the palet along with a caramel/leather like sweetness which carried on to the finish as well. Difficult to score because it evolved over the night I would give it a 88-90 right now. I have another one stashed so it will be interesting to see what happens to it over time.
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1/6/2011 - joshwoodward wrote: 92 Points
Corks: Something or other: Perfect big fruit-forward nose. Classic 2007 - delicious, unstructured. Slight heat and oak bitterness.
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1/4/2011 - nwinther wrote: 90 Points
Surprisingly transparant color, nose of garrique, pencil-tip and sweet black fruits. Palate reeks of Grenache with welcoming fruity notes (black berries), hints of bacon and plenty of ripe sweetness. Deep and complex. Medium-long aftertaste. Keep for another 10 years, but is actually drinking quite nicely.
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2/3/2010 - RPerro wrote: 88 Points
From 375, decanted 1 hour. Initially this was pretty closed. After several hours, much more open and flavorful. Cranberry, spice and earth. Cherries and spice on the finish. Nice acidity, light tannins, and drinks very well with air right now.
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1/13/2010 - Tim Heaton Likes this wine:
Pop n pour observed over 4 hours. Plenty of garrigue, dark spice, cherry, meat, leather and dried herbs. The medium-bodied palate put on some weight over time and managed to show solid depth to the fruit. Nothing overwhelming in terms of complexity here, but it nonetheless proved a competent and agile food wine. Medium acidity, medium finish. Drink thru 2015.
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1/5/2010 - cvvhrn wrote: 88 Points
A bit young but hints of mocha and spice on the nose with a palate pf pommagranet, clove, and expresso. fair finish
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1/3/2010 - shadow wrote: 93 Points
wotn, the winner of the du-pape football bowl night, rich mouth feel, can't stop swallowing richness
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12/30/2009 - Wink wrote: 89 Points
Didn't take notes. Accessible, open, with ripe dark fruit, smoke, mild tannins, and vibrant acidity. Very good QPR for CdP.
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11/18/2009 - David Paris (dbp) wrote: 86 Points
Open for 4 hours. Heavy chalkiness, gunpowder, cranberry seeds and skin, tart berries, with some light astringency. Medium to full bodied with some nice spiciness, hibiscus flower, tart berries, some chemicalliness. Pretty straight forward on the palate. Fairly smooth transition to the finish without any kind of heat, showing some nice pepper and spice. Alcohol actually builds in 10-20 seconds after I swallow. While it's not hot on the finish, the heat is what lingers after a minute. After drinking the other three I came back to this, and now it's showing quite a bit of astringency and funky broccoli on the nose. Palate and finish are similar, though still a bit harsher. Was 87 points initially, and now 86.
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11/18/2009 - gripNsip wrote: 89 Points
Open 3 hours: Bright red fruit, plum, leather, some richness or savoriness coming through. Hints of alcohol show as well on the nose. The palate is on the lighter side for 2007 CdP, still has great body though. Red/dark fruit early on, leather, graphite, mushroom and soil come in on the mid-palate and carry through the finish along with the fruit and light gravel. Over-all very fruit-forward. The alcohol is there on the finish but not obtrusive. Very light weight tannins, medium strength acids. Over-all a more balanced effort than many 07's I have had. --2 hours later: my palate is finding way more funk than before, almost pinot-esque. The problem is the palate has tightened up, it seems to have closed up. Down-grading based on the palate as of now.
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10/1/2009 - jnanz wrote:
2007 Rhone Tasting at Local Wine Shop (Wine Sense): Outstanding. Rich nose of blueberry pie and flowers. Ripe fruit on the palate, again blueberry pie, plum and blackberries. Initially the midpalate was rough, with almost harsh tannin. The finish showed bit of heat. After aeration, the midpalate was tamed and heat died off / blended in. Then the fruit was balanced by earthy, animal fat (and fur) and dried fruit notes. Seems like a more modern CDP, maybe due to the fruit upfront. The distributor did note that the fruit was 100% destemmed and cofermented. There may be options I find more preferable at this price point, but still an outstanding wine that will be very enjoyable with time.
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7/29/2009 - gripNsip wrote: 90 Points
A little muted compared to the last bottle I had, a little less expressive. Still a light intensity and balanced CdP that seems open for business now. Good stuff.
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7/16/2009 - gripNsip wrote: 91 Points
I dumped this through the vinturi and let it sit an hour in glass: light weight nose of blackberry, plum, leather and dry soil. Medium to light bodied palate but well balanced, wow. Plum, some grape, leather and tobacco notes picked up on the palate. While light bodied this feels absolutely luxurious in the mouth, rolls around nicely and has nice medium strength acidity and dusty tannins that carry some fruit through in the finish. You could say instead of velvety in the mouth this feels silky, I wish it was just a bit heavier. I agree with the previous taster, I like the elegance of the wine, and this does well as a stand-alone drinker. Don't know how it would stand up to food. I will most likely buy a few bottles as this is drinking well now for my tastes with some air.
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3/28/2009 - drwine2001 wrote:
2007 Chateauneufs (K&L Wines, San Francisco): 55% Grenache. Medium to light red color and saturation. Lively tree bark nose. Medium bodied with prominent acidity. Definitely not a fruity style-I like the elegance, tobacco notes, spice, and length here. It just lacks a bit of concentration and oomph that it would take to make it worth buying.
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2/6/2009 - vespasian wrote:
More garrigue on the nose here than the Tradition; dense muscular fruits though I prefer the Tradition in this vintage.
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1/24/2009 - hutch wrote: 92 Points
CDP tasting at Boston Wine Expo: A little tough to try after the Tradition. Not because it isn't better, but doesn't have the exuberence of the Tradition. Much more tannic, and hasn't really opened up yet. But you can tell all the elements are there, and this should be a beauty. 91-93
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