2007 Cristia Chateauneuf du Pape Renaissance

The 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Renaissance (60% 100-year-old-plus Grenache vines, 30% Mourvedre, and 10% Syrah, aged in a combination of one-fourth new small barrels and three-fourths small barrels of two and three years of age) is sensational. It is inky bluish purple in a full-bodied style, displaying a classic blueberry, blackberry, and kirsch nose with an almost melted asphalt/charcoal-like character intermixed with lavender, spring flowers, as well as black olives and spice. The wine is super-concentrated and has a fabulously layered, multi-dimensional mouthfeel as well as a stunning finish. This should be one of the more remarkable wines from the vintage and capable of lasting two decades or more. Wine Advocate 93-96

As I have indicated over the last few years, this is one of the superb newer producers in Chateauneuf du Pape. Their cellars are in the village of Courthezon, which is located adjacent to the very northeast sector of the appellation. Their 2007s are spectacular wines. This superb Chateauneuf du Pape producer also fashions tasty Cotes du Rhones and Cotes du Rhone-Villages meant to be consumed during their first few years of life.