A brilliant '07 the 2007 Domaine des Sénéchaux Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a blend of mostly Grenache with smaller components of Syrah and Mourvèdre that's aged in used French oak barrels. Displaying stunning purity with cassis and red currant driven fruit rolled stone licorice toast and roasted meat aromatics this full-bodied gorgeously put together Châteauneuf-du-Pape fleshes out in the glass showing solid concentration and a rich chewy finish. The purity here is fantastic and there's nothing overripe or blousy about it. While superb now this will be even better in 2-3 years and drink well through 2022.

The nose of Sénéchaux's 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape has moved into the earthy-meaty spectrum, but the wine tastes fresher on the palate, still delivering generous cherry flavors. It's full-bodied, supple and creamy in texture, with a note of warmth creeping in alongside licorice and pepper on the finish. Drink it over the next 5-6 years. - Joe Czerwinski