The 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape is a big-time sleeper of the vintage. Deeper-colored than Les Grenaches de Pierre, it offers beautiful, ripe black raspberry, licorice, cherry, roasted herb, and meat juice-like notes, full body, a voluptuous texture, and a superb finish that lasts for 40-45 seconds. A blend of 60% Grenache, 35% Syrah, and 5% Mourvedre from 70-year-old vines, all except the Syrah is aged in steel tanks and concrete. The Syrah component spends time in small barrels. It should drink well for 15 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