2007 Delas Frères "Haute Pierre" Châteauneuf-du-Pape

92-94 points Robert Parker: "The 2007 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah. It reveals a deep ruby/purple color in addition to a gorgeous nose of black fruits, spring flowers, licorice, incense, lavender, and grilled Provencal herbs. Dense, full-bodied, flamboyant, and chewy, with that terrific freshness and purity that characterize this great vintage in the south, it should drink well for 12-15+ years." (10/08) 91 points Wine Spectator: "Very friendly fig, boysenberry and blackberry fruit is woven with violet, anise and fruitcake notes that extend through the long, well-rounded finish. Drink now through 2019." (09/09) Beginning in the late 1990s Delas Frères undertook a renaissance in wine. Their objective: to produce stunning terroir driven wines with exceptional quality-to-price ratio. Under new leadership and ambitious investments in the winery, they are succeeding admirably. With the 2007 Haute Pierre, winemaker Jacques Grange and his team have once again produced a Rhône wine with an amazing price quality ratio. Recommended pairings include beef daube a la Provencale, lamb stew or sirloin steak slathered with anchovy butter. 15% abv