2007 Clos Saint Jean, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Vieilles Vignes 1x750ml

$55.00

Out of stock

More Info

SKU: hub-VS10232194-1-DP-10971080 Categories: , Tags: ,
Rating: Robert Parker 95Vinous 93

Additional information

Wine Type

Country

Region

Subregion

Vintage

Producer

Bottle Size

Pack Size

Availability

Tasting Notes

Robert Parker 95

The 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes is blockbuster stuff that has overflowing kirsch, blackberry, incense, lavender and Asian spices flowing to a sexy, full-bodied, multidimensional wine that has impeccable balance and knockout length. While I’ve a slight preference for the 2010, the 2007 has fabulous mid-palate density and an incredibly polished mouthfeel that’s hard to resist. It too is drinking well now, but will have 15 to 20 years of overall longevity when all is said and done. Since taking control of the estate in 2002, and bringing on board rock-star consultant Philippe Cambie, the Maurel brothers have been knocking it out of the park in literally every vintage. 2004? Gorgeous wines and easily at the top in a recent retrospective. The cooler, rainy 2008? Beautiful ripeness and texture, and again, at the top of the hierarchy. 2011 is the same story, and it’s amazing what this team has accomplished in all of their vintages. Looking at this retrospective, we went through all of their cuvees going back to 2003. Unfortunately, there’s no new information here, and this tasting simply confirmed what myself and Robert Parker have been saying for some time now: Clos Saint Jean is at the top of their game and producing some of the most singular, hedonistic and brilliant wines in the world. Starting out with the classic Chateauneuf du Pape, it’s normally a blend of 75% Grenache, with the balance a mix of Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault, Muscardin and Vaccarese. As is common at this estate, the Grenache is aged all in tank, and the other varieties in a mix of tank and barrels. While I think this cuvee always lags the Vieilles Vignes bottling, it is consistently outstanding and always a super value. Moving to the old vine cuvee, this is made especially for the U.S. Market and is 85% tank-aged, old vine Grenache, and the balance Syrah and Mourvedre. It too almost always represents a crazy value and has a broad drink window. I’m currently finishing up a case of the -08, and purchased two cases of the 2010, which is just starting to open back up after closing down shortly after release. Moving to the Combe des Fous release, this cuvee comes from a single plot of vines and is based largely on Grenache, with roughly 20% Syrah and 10% each of Vaccarese and Cinsault in the blend. The Grenache is aged all in tank and the other components see time in mostly demi-muids. While the Deux ex Machina always impresses more with its overt power and muscle, this cuvee always seems more polished, fine and elegant to me. Importers: Eric Solomon, European Cellars, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565 [28/08/2014]

Anticipated maturity: 2014-2034

Vinous 93

Deep ruby. Black raspberry, smoky herbs and Asian spices on the nose. Suave and fine-grained, with deep flavors of raspberry, blackberry and tangy minerals. A step up in extract and power from the regular bottling, with more depth and intensity to its red and dark fruit flavors. Gains a floral quality on the back half, finishing sweet, broad and minerally, with dusty tannins and an echo of candied flowers. [Josh Raynolds, 01/01/2010]

Recommended

You may Also Like