2007 Chante Cigale Châteauneuf-du-Pape "Vieilles Vignes"

95 points Robert Parker: "The compelling 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes (78% Grenache and the rest Syrah and Mourvedre) is made from 60- to 120-year-old vines. Its dense plum/purple hue is followed by knock-out aromas of incense, crushed pepper, cedar, black currant jam, licorice, and sweet cherries. Voluptuously textured, opulent, and round with well-formed, moderately high tannins that are nearly covered by the wine’s fruit and glycerin, it will easily last 15-20 years in a cold, damp cellar. I wish I saw more of these wines in the marketplace as I have been a big fan of this estate since I first tasted their 1978s." (10/09) 92 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: "Deep ruby with a bright rim. Explosive, fruit-driven bouquet of red and dark berry preserves, potpourri and oak spices, with a smoky undertone. Supple, velvety dark berry flavors seem tannin-free and provide impressive palate coverage. This very sexy, ready-to-drink wine offers intense, spicy blackberry, mulberry and candied licorice flavors on the sweet, faintly warm finish. Reminds me of some high-end Central Coast wines." (Jan/Feb 10) 14% abv.