2007 Domaine Chante Perdrix Châteauneuf-du-Pape

The 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape is an outstanding effort. Upfront, evolved notes of spring flowers, sweet licorice, blueberry, and boysenberry aromas emerge from this dark ruby/plum-tinged wine. Like many 2007s, the fruit character is prominent, and the wine is seductive, lush, opulent, and best consumed over the next 7-8 years. A larger estate than I realized, this 50-acre property is owned by the Nicolet family, who produce a traditionally made Chateauneuf du Pape that, interestingly, contains a large quantity (10%) of Muscardin as well as 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 10% Mourvedre. The majority of the wine is aged in foudre, with tiny amounts of the Syrah and Mourvedre kept in small oak casks. The finest vintage I ever tasted of this wine was the killer 1989. Unusual for Chateauneuf du Pape, everything is located in one sector of the appellation, the southern sandy/gravelly lieux-dit close to the Rhone River called Les Galimardes and Les Grandes Serres. Importers: Fred Ek, Ex Cellars, Solvang, CA; tel. (805) 686-9153

Possessing a great nose, the 2007 Domaine Chante Perdrix Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a big, sweet Grenache bomb and has kirsch, raspberries, spice and incense jumping from the glass. These lead into a medium bodied palate that has sweet fruit, nice freshness and a gulpable, lush texture. This should provide lots of pleasure over the next 7 or so years.

Medium red. Alluring aromas of spicy red berries, lavender, minerals and Asian spices. Smells a lot like pinot noir, and tastes like it too. Fresh strawberry and raspberry flavors are given spine by zesty minerals and pick up candied flowers with air. This sexy wine will probably be drinkable on release.