2007 Domaine de la Vieille Julienne Châteauneuf-du-Pape (Pre-Arrival)

SKU #1052763 95 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

While the beautiful 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape is already accessible, it will benefit from 2-3 years of cellaring, and should last for two decades or more. It exhibits an inky/ruby/purple color, a great texture, and a gorgeous nose of boysenberries, blueberries, blackberries, acacia flowers, licorice, and incense. There is wonderful freshness and vibrancy (because of the good acids) as well as a terrific finish. Jean-Paul Dauman is one of a handful of Chateauneuf du Pape proprietors who believes his 2005s are better than what he produced in 2007, and I find it difficult to disagree relative to this estate's wines. True lovers of Chateauneuf du Pape will probably want to have both vintages in their cellars. (10/ 2009)

94 points Wine Spectator

Very ripe, but focused and pure, with a gorgeous core of crushed plum, pastis and raspberry ganache notes stitched together with long, velvety tannins. Spice, fruitcake and melted licorice notes echo through the superlong finish. Drink now through 2020. (11/ 2009)

Jancis Robinson

85% Grenache. No stems. Aged in tank and old wood. Very, very dark crimson. Savoury. Real vibrancy and savour. Still lots of tannin. 17.5/20 points. (11/ 2009)