2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Classique
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Tasting notes
A blend that’s most Grenache, the 2007 Domaine Saint Préfert Châteauneuf-du-Pape offers up a deep red/purple color as well as gorgeous aromatics of licorice infused raspberries, kirsch, spice and Provençal herbs. Beautifully perfumed and pure on the nose, the wine is medium to full bodied on the palate with perfectly ripe fruit, a soft, round texture and a long finish. This will be hard to resist young (and I don’t see any reason to either) but should drink well over the following 10 to 12 years. Isabel Ferrando’s ‘07s are spectacular and these are worth the effort to track down. I reviewed her other upper level cuvees in prior issues and they are some of the top wines of the vintage.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Bright red. Sexy aromas of raspberry, cherry, apricot and potpourri, with a subtle smoky quality. Plump, sweet red fruit flavors stain the palate, taking on a sexy floral impression on the back half. The sweet, energetic finish leaves behind notes of spices and floral pastille. Already drinking well but I'd hold off on opening this one for another couple of years.
The classic 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape (made from the same blend and the same upbringing as the 2008) exhibits notes of lavender, kirsch, black raspberries, pepper, tobacco leaf, and spice box. Full-bodied, seductive, and round with a generous, full-bodied mouthfeel and tremendous length and purity, this beauty is made from the estate’s youngest vines, just under 40-years of age. The energetic and very passionate Isabel Ferrando got her start in Chateauneuf du Pape in 2002, only to experience historic flooding and the most disastrous vintage since 1956 and 1932. However, she is a strong woman, and survived that calamitous vintage to turn out what was essentially her debut, the fabulous 2003s. She has followed that up with strong efforts in 2004, 2005, and 2006, and her greatest wines to date, the monumental 2007s. Interestingly most of her estate is located in the southernmost area of Chateauneuf du Pape, a region known as Serres, which is largely sandy soils. Until this visit, I had not realized how good the Saint-Prefert white wines are (only 400-500 cases produced in most vintages). To reiterate, the 2007s are the greatest wines Isabel Ferrando has yet made. They represent three sensational yet totally different styles of Chateauneuf du Pape. A Daniel Johnnes Selection, imported by Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300
Vivid red. Expressive, perfumed nose shows raspberry, garrigue, floral and smoky mineral qualities. Lush red fruit flavors are energized by tangy minerality and framed by silky tannins. Finishes pure and juicy, with a repeating floral note. You'll be able to drink this sexy wine as soon as it is released. Based on 80% grenache.
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