2007 Domaine de la Charbonniere "Les Hauts Brusquieres Cuvee Speciale" Chateauneuf-du-Pape

95+ points Robert Parker: "This wine is composed of a selection the Maret family makes from their holdings in one of the great sites in all of Chateauneuf du Pape, the lieux-dit known as La Crau. The 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Hautes Brusquieres Cuvee Speciale is a blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah. The Grenache is aged in large oak foudres and most of the Syrah in smaller barrels. This fabulous, inky/ruby/purple-tinged wine offers up sweet, jammy aromas of black raspberries, licorice, truffles, underbrush, and Provencal herbs. It is the deepest colored of these four wines, and is also profoundly rich and layered, with sweet tannins as well as refreshing vibrancy and acidity. This stunner should hit its peak in 3-4 years, and last for two decades." (10/09) 93 points Wine Spectator: "Combines enticing plum, raspberry and blackberry fruit with black tea, tobacco, mineral and sandalwood notes. The long, fine-grained finish lets everything hang together nicely. Should blossom in the cellar. Drink now through 2027." (10/09) 93 points Stephen tanzer's International Wine Cellar: "60% grenache and 40% syrah) Vivid red. Bright, expressive bouquet of raspberry, blackcurrant, lavender and white pepper, plus a smoky Indian spice quality. Deep but impressively energetic red and dark berry flavors pick up notes of chewing tobacco and minerals with air. The finish repeats the red fruit and spice notes and lingers with impressive clarity and persistence. This is really li" (Jan/Feb 2010)