The classic 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape (made from the same blend and the same upbringing as the 2008) exhibits notes of lavender, kirsch, black raspberries, pepper, tobacco leaf, and spice box. Full-bodied, seductive, and round with a generous, full-bodied mouthfeel and tremendous length and purity, this beauty is made from the estate’s youngest vines, just under 40-years of age. The energetic and very passionate Isabel Ferrando got her start in Chateauneuf du Pape in 2002, only to experience historic flooding and the most disastrous vintage since 1956 and 1932. However, she is a strong woman, and survived that calamitous vintage to turn out what was essentially her debut, the fabulous 2003s. She has followed that up with strong efforts in 2004, 2005, and 2006, and her greatest wines to date, the monumental 2007s. Interestingly most of her estate is located in the southernmost area of Chateauneuf du Pape, a region known as Serres, which is largely sandy soils. Until this visit, I had not realized how good the Saint-Prefert white wines are (only 400-500 cases produced in most vintages). To reiterate, the 2007s are the greatest wines Isabel Ferrando has yet made. They represent three sensational yet totally different styles of Chateauneuf du Pape. A Daniel Johnnes Selection, imported by Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300