2007 Chapoutier Chateauneuf du Pape Croix de Bois

2010 March Wine Club Premiere Selection

What's not to love about M. Chapoutier in any vintage?  The packaging is gorgeous, a perfect marriage of Old World style (traditional Chateauneuf raised crest on the glass, textured paper, Latin insignia and wax-dipped seal) and modern ingenuity (they're pioneers in the industry, putting brail on the front label).  But we're well aware it's what's inside that counts, just as your second-grade teacher told you, and what's inside is equally impressive indeed.  Though the standards of the Chateauneuf appellation allow for up to 13 grapes in the blend (Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre usually dominating), Chapoutier opts for pure, 100% unadulterated Grenache, hand-picked, fermented in concrete, and aged in vats for 12-16 months before blending and bottling.  Even in less-than-stellar vintages, Parker tends to score this wine high and speaks of ageability for 10-15 years or more.  But it was in the 2007 vintage that Parker finally proclaimed, "the superb 2007 Croix de Bois may turn out to be the finest example from this vineyard yet produced...The wine boasts extraordinary notes of black pepper, lavender, sweet black currants, kirsch, and hints of tapenade as well as black raspberries.  Full–bodied with flavors of grilled meat, a superb texture, sweet tannin and a 50+ second finish, it should drink well for 20+ years."

Reviews

Robert Parker 96 Points

The 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Croix de Bois comes from the eastern sector of Chateauneuf du Pape near Bedarrides. Its dense plum/purple color is accompanied by a big, sweet bouquet of licorice, roasted Provencal herbs, meat juices, kirsch, black raspberries, and black currants. Deep, full-bodied, and rich, this beauty is ideal for drinking over the next 10-15+ years.