2007 Domaine Charvin Châteauneuf-du-Pape (Pre-Arrival)

SKU #1046785 97 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

I believe the 2007 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is the finest wine ever made at Charvin. Their wines never achieve a lot of color, but this is one of the most saturated ones they have produced. The blend from the 45- to 50-year-old vines is 85% Grenache and the rest equal parts Syrah, Mourvedre, and Vaccarese, all aged in cement tanks prior to being bottled unfiltered. A terrific nose of kirsch, lavender, licorice, forest floor, and spice box soars from the glass of this full-bodied effort. With fabulous density, a multidimensional mouthfeel, and a 45+-second finish this brilliant, elegant, feminine-styled wine is loaded with concentration and intensity. Like many 2007 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the extraordinary fruit level makes it hard to resist. However, it will be even better in 3-5 years, and should last for 15-20. (10/ 2009)

95 points Wine Spectator

Even though this is crammed with fig and currant paste notes, it maintains a racy, silky feel, thanks to perfectly embedded structure and a complex backdrop of incense, charred mesquite, shiso leaf and freshly ground espresso. This has ample grip, but it's extremely graceful—a deft act in this vintage. Best from 2010 through 2030. (11/ 2009)

94 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

Vivid ruby. Mineral-driven aromas of strawberry, black raspberry, potpourri and allspice, plus a whiff of white pepper. Very fresh, palate-staining red fruit flavors are complicated by floral pastille, baking spice and smoky herb nuances. Very deep in flavor but impressively light on its feet, finishing with strong minerality and spicy persistence. (2/ 2010)