The compelling 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes (78% Grenache and the rest Syrah and Mourvedre) is made from 60- to 120-year-old vines. Its dense plum/purple hue is followed by knock-out aromas of incense crushed pepper cedar black currant jam licorice and sweet cherries. Voluptuously textured opulent and round with well-formed moderately high tannins that are nearly covered by the wine's fruit and glycerin it will easily last 15-20 years in a cold damp cellar.

Inviting with dark coffee and tobacco aromas giving way to a velvety feel which lets the raspberry blackberry and boysenberry flavors glide along laced with hints of black tea and mineral. The fruit hangs on nicely through the long finish. Drink now through 2020. 1000 cases made. -JM