In total contrast, the 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape possesses a dark ruby/purple-tinged color, a seductive perfume of kirsch liqueur, sandalwood, soy, seaweed, and blacker fruits, ripe tannin, good freshness, and a plump style. This classic, traditional example of Chateauneuf is a blend of 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, and the rest Mourvedre and Cinsault aged totally in tank. This relatively small (25+ acres) estate flies somewhat under the radar, but its offerings from the sandy soils of Pignan are well-worth checking out. They also produce some stunning wines under the Cotes du Rhone-Villages appellation. Importers: Simon N Cellars, Charlottesville, VA; tel. (434) 977-4476 and Christopher Cannan, Europvin; www.europvin.com.

In total contrast, the 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape possesses a dark ruby/purple-tinged color, a seductive perfume of kirsch liqueur, sandalwood, soy, seaweed, and blacker fruits, ripe tannin, good freshness, and a plump style. This classic, traditional example of Chateauneuf is a blend of 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, and the rest Mourvedre and Cinsault aged totally in tank. This relatively small (25+ acres) estate flies somewhat under the radar, but its offerings from the sandy soils of Pignan are well-worth checking out. They also produce some stunning wines under the Cotes du Rhone-Villages appellation.Importers: Simon N Cellars, Charlottesville, VA; tel. (434) 977-4476 and Christopher Cannan, Europvin; www.europvin.com.