More Provencal, unctuous and hedonistic than the Grenache de Pierre, the blockbuster 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee les Gallimardes is a powerhouse wine that knocks it out of the park with its bouquet of roasted Provencal garrigue, licorice, dried rocks, black currants and blackberries. With a stacked mid-palate, full-bodied richness, sweet tannin and a finish that won’t quit, this insanely good 2007 will continue to knock your socks off for another decade.

The 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Gallimardes (90% concrete-aged Grenache and 10% oak-aged Syrah) exhibits a dense purple color, full body, and a broodingly backward, unevolved personality. The most youthful and long term effort of this trio, unlike most 2007 Chateauneuf du Papes, it will benefit from 2-3 years of cellaring, and should offer 20-25 years of drinkability if kept in a cold cellar. Ethereal aromas of spring flowers, charcoal, black raspberries, and jammy black cherries are present in this formidably endowed 2007 that is just beginning to hint at its ultimate potential. Forget it for a few years and enjoy this elixir over the following 20 years. After selling wine to negociants for many years, this estate began to estate bottle in 1998. With the assistance of the brilliant Philippe Cambie, the wines have soared in quality, and Domaine Giraud is now one of the more exciting domaines in Chateauneuf du Pape. They own over 47 acres of vineyards, including the incredible parcel of 100+-year-old vines in a lieu-dit called La Grande Pierre which has sandy soil similar to that at nearby Chateau Rayas. Two of the finest 2008 Chateauneuf du Papes I tasted were produced by proprietors Marie and Francois Giraud.Importer: Eric Solomon, European Cellars, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565