Olivier Hillaire 2007 Chateauneuf-Du-Pape

WS 93pts. - WA 93pts. - IWC 93pts. - According to the Wine Spectator: Fresh and driven, with a delicious core of intense blackberry and raspberry fruit laid over licorice-tinged structure, followed by a long finish of spice and graphite. Nicely focused from beginning to end. Drink now through 2020. According to the Wine Advocate: The superb 2007s include a sleeper of the vintage, the reasonably priced 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape. Composed of 90% Grenache and equal parts Syrah and Mourvedre from 60-year-old vines, and aged primarily in tank with a small amount kept in 600-liter demi-muids, it exhibits a deep ruby/purple color as well as sweet, candied berry aromas intermixed with hints of boysenberries, black raspberries, kirsch, and lavender. Opulent, luscious, full-bodied, pure, and impressively built with soft tannins and good acids, it should drink well for 12-15 years. According to Steven Tanzer: Saturated ruby. Highly perfumed, spicy aromas of raspberry, Asian spices, garrigue and anise. Pliant red and dark berry flavors stain the palate, enlivened by zesty cinnamon and white pepper qualities. Finishes sweet, with a gentle snap of smoky minerals.