The finest tradition cuvee yet made the 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape (70% Grenache 20% Syrah and 10% Mourvedre aged in foudre and concrete tanks) possesses a deep ruby/purple-tinged color as well as a bouquet of black currants black cherries garrigue pepper and lavender. It is a full-bodied ripe exceptionally elegant pure wine to drink now or cellar for 12-15 years.Shrewd connoisseurs of Chateauneuf du Pape should be paying attention to what is taking place at La Roquete. This property was acquired by the Brunier family (who also own Vieux Telegraphe) in the mid-eighties and over the last 4-5 years they have made successful efforts to upgrade the quality dramatically.

($40) This has gorgeously silky mouthfeel with layers of blackberry black cherry and dark plum fruit seamlessly woven with black tea and perfumy pepper and spice notes. The long finish lets the fruit and minerality drip. Grenache and Mourvèdre. Drink now through 2020. 7500 cases made.