The superb 2007s include a sleeper of the vintage, the reasonably priced 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape. Composed of 90% Grenache and equal parts Syrah and Mourvedre from 60-year-old vines, and aged primarily in tank with a small amount kept in 600-liter demi-muids, it exhibits a deep ruby/purple color as well as sweet, candied berry aromas intermixed with hints of boysenberries, black raspberries, kirsch, and lavender. Opulent, luscious, full-bodied, pure, and impressively built with soft tannins and good acids, it should drink well for 12-15 years.
A breakthrough vintage for this estate, which was created in 2006 when the former proprietor, Henri Boiron, sold part of his holdings to his son-in-law, Olivier Hillaire. The brilliant consultant Philippe Cambie works with Hillaire, which no doubt explains the extraordinary quality that was achieved both in 2007 and 2008. This tiny estate of just under 10 acres produces two wines, a regular Chateauneuf du Pape and a 100% Grenache cuvee from 110-year-old vines, the Petits Pieds d’Armand.
Importer: Alain Junguenet, Wines of France, Mountainside, NJ; tel. (908) 654-6173