Article paru sur le site internet de SFGATE Home of the San Francisco Chronicle
écrit par Jon Bonné paru le 20 décembre2009
The 2007 vintage in France's Chateauneuf-du-Pape has been a magnet for attention, a
year when everyone takes notice. It's not just because Robert Parker, perhaps the most powerful Chateauneuf partisan ever, was beyond bullish. Chateauneuf is the new collectible - bold, friendly,
approachable - and a ripe vintage means ample hype.
How are they? That comes down to your feelings about Grenache. If you endorse its unapologetically rich berry fruit, these are wines for you. Yet most also bring
layers of nuance to the table, perhaps because these examples received more neutral wood, versus the special oak-focused cuvees that seem to be homogenizing Chateauneuf.
These are big, enveloping red wines to suit the holidays, so enjoy them in that spirit
2007 Domaine de Beaurenard Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rouge ($54) This historic estate run by Daniel and Frederic Coulon stands by a quieter style from both barrel and cask aging, with
perfumed, juicy raspberry and exotic apricot scents, and edged by mineral and kirsch undertones. It's ready to age for a decade or so, or can be enjoyed without a moment's delay. (Importer:
Europvin USA)
