2008 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Classique
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Tasting notes
The light ruby-colored 2008 Chateauneuf du Pape is a classic, quintessential wine of Provence. Notes of lavender, roasted herbs and sweet kirsch are offered in a soft, seductive, round, medium-bodied, sexy style displaying lots of fruit. Enjoy it over the next 5-6 years. One of the up and coming superstar estates in Chateauneuf du Pape is that of Isabel Ferrando’s Domaine Saint-Prefert. Her 2007s are future legends, with one perfect wine (the Collection Charles Giraud), and two nearly perfect efforts (the Reserve Auguste Favier and the 100% Grenache cuvee sold under the Isabel Ferrando label, the Chateauneuf du Pape Colombis). Under her own name, Isabel Ferrando produces a 100% Grenache from 60-year-old vines. The difference is that the Isabel Ferrando cuvee, called Chateauneuf du Pape Colombis, is aged in the truncated wood cuves (tronconique in French) prior to bottling. The 2007 Colombis is one of the greatest expressions of ripe, concentrated Grenache that I have ever tasted. A Daniel Johnnes Selection, imported by Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Very floral and perfumed, the 2008 Domaine Saint Préfert Châteauneuf-du-Pape has sweet kirsch and macerated cherry fruit, garrigue, roasted meats and spice aromas on the nose. Picks up a whiff of bakers chocolate with air and shows solid ripeness for the vintage. Sweet and round on the palate with superb texture, ripe fruit, and silky tannin, this upfront beauty should be consumed over the next 6 to 8 years. Tasted twice.
Deep red. Fresh red berries and cherry on the nose, with complicating notes of dried flowers and herbs. Peppery, sharply focused raspberry and bitter cherry flavors are lifted by zesty minerality and show a Burgundian personality. Silky tannins add grip to the nicely persistent, juicy finish. This is in bottle and ready to drink.
Pale crimson. Lots of acidity on the nose. Easy and juicy. Very fresh and lively. But this is not even typical Côtes-du-Rhône it’s so light! Honest but I honestly think you’d be better off for value with a Spanish Grenache. (JR)
About the producer
Famille Isabel Ferrando is a leading wine producer in Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
Product details
Grenache/ Garnacha , Syrah / Shiraz, Mourvedre/Monastrell/Mataro, Cinsault
Red
Dry