2007 Tardieu-Laurent "Cuvée Speciale" Châteauneuf-du-Pape (Pre-Arrival)

94-96 points Robert Parker: "A 100% Grenache cuvée from the sandy soils of a 106-year-old, biodynamically farmed La Crau vineyard, and aged in both foudre and tank, the 2007 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Speciale is amazing. Abundant notes of melted licorice, kirsch liqueur, and flowers is followed by a full-bodied, seamlessly constructed wine with sensational purity, texture, depth, and length. The bad news is there are only 2,000 bottles. This 2007 should drink well for two decades or more." (10/08) 95 points Wine Spectator: "This is gorgeous, with wood spice and tobacco notes leading the way for a massive core of black Mission fig and warm currant preserve flavors. This has the opulent fruit of the vintage, but maintains an edgy minerality as well. The long finish ripples with lavender and black tea. Grenache. Best from 2010 through 2023." (11/09) 92-95 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: "Glass-staining ruby. Extremely sexy aromas of dark berries and kirsch, with anise and candied flowers adding complexity. Powerful black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors coat the palate, picking up lavender pastille and apricot notes with air. Lush, creamy and seamless, with excellent finishing sweetness and thrust." (Jan/Feb '09) ETA: Feb 2010.