2007 Clos des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape (1.5L) (Pre-Arrival)

98-100 points Robert Parker: " I'll go out on a relatively safe limb and state that I believe the 2007 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is the greatest Clos des Papes I have ever tasted...The 2007 reveals all the characteristics that make Clos des Papes so special, including extraordinary elegance, remarkable complexity in the black raspberry, kirsch, truffle, meaty, Provencal herbaceousness, full-bodied palate, voluptuous, silky tannins, and mind-boggling richness and length. Nothing is out of place, and there are no hard edges in this beautiful Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The vintage's cool growing conditions have given the wine a freshness to go along with its substantial size and power. This monumental Châteauneuf is a tour de force in winemaking. It should be relatively accessible in 3-4 years, and evolve along the lines of the 1978, only the 2007 has more to it, so expect it to last at least 30 years. Not to be missed!" 95-97 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: "...An approximation of the final blend: Bright ruby-red. Strongly perfumed bouquet of spicy red and dark berries, licorice, pungent herbs and graphite. Saturates the palate with deep, sweet black raspberry, cherry and blackcurrant flavors. Turns spicier on the back end, finishing with outstanding clarity, lift and persistence." (Jan/Feb '09) ETA for this wine is late fall 2009.