2007 Domaine de Marcoux Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes

Pure perfection in a glass, the 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes is up with the tiny handful of truly monumental wines from this hallowed appellation. Deep, concentrated and incredibly balanced, yet packed with character and intensity, its deep ruby/purple color is followed by insanely good notes of black cherries, fruit cake, lavender, garrigue and chocolate. While a blockbuster of a wine, it possesses the telltale elegance, seamlessness and perfume that's the hallmark of this estate and it never puts a foot wrong, with a seamless mid-palate, building, sweet tannin and a great finish. It's a tour de force to drink anytime over the coming decade or more.