2007 Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe Chateauneuf du Pape $89.99

Wine Advocate 96+ Points
The 2007 Vieux Telegraphe may be the greatest wine made at this property since the 2005 and 1998. Dense ruby/purple-tinged with an exquisite nose of salty sea breezes, licorice, ground pepper, jammy black cherries, black currants, figs, and plums, this is a full-bodied, rich, Provencal-styled offering with lots of sweet, ripe tannin. It is surprisingly accessible for a Vieux Telegraphe (this wine normally shuts down several years after bottling), but it should have great longevity (25+ years) given its power, full-bodied mouthfeel, and enormous length and richness. This is a brilliant effort from brothers Frederic and Daniel Brunier.

Wine Spectator 95 Points “Top 100 Wines of 2009 #3”
Packed, in a brawny, muscular style atypical for this lush vintage, with a gravelly undertow to the currant paste, braised fig and dark licorice notes. Picks up even more steam on the finish, with grilled mesquite, mineral and garrigue notes and a long, hot stone¿filled finish. Best from 2010 through 2030.
 

2007 d'Andezon Cotes du Rhone Village "La Granacha"
Vieille Vignes Signargues $17.99

Wine Advocate 91 Points
A brilliant 100% Grenache cuvee from old vines, the 2007 Cotes du Rhone-Villages La Granacha Signargues comes from an organically farmed parcel, and is bottled unfined and unfiltered with no SO2 additions. Deep ruby to the rim, with beautiful aromas of kirsch liqueur, melted licorice, ground pepper, and garrigue, it is a superb, full-bodied effort with terrific precision, definition, and concentration. This beauty should drink well for 5-6 years.
 

2007 Coudoulet de Beaucastel Cotes du Rhone  $32.99

An outstanding value, the Coudoulet is a second label from superstar Chateauneuf du Pape producer Chateau Beaucastel.

Wine Advocate 92 Points
The blockbuster 2007 Cotes du Rhone Coudoulet, always one of the best "values" from the south, may be the finest Coudoulet ever produced. A blend of 30% Mourvedre, 30% Grenache, and the rest Syrah, Cinsault, and a few other authorized varietals, is incredibly opulent and rich, with sensational notes of black currants, licorice, smoked herbs, and meat juices, a full-bodied mouthfeel, savory tannins, and good acidity as well as length. This outstanding wine can be drunk now or cellared for 10-15 years.

2007 Domaine Grand Veneur Cotes du Rhone
Villages les Champauvins $23.99

Wine Advocate 91 Points
The top Cotes du Rhone, the 2007 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Les Champauvins, is a serious effort that could easily be mistaken for a Chateauneuf du Pape. Sweet black cherry fruit, seaweed wrapper, licorice, pepper, and spice aromas are followed by a wine with a broad, savory mouthfeel, sweet tannin, and a long finish. It should drink well for 4-5 years. This is one of the most ambitious estates as well as burgeoning negociant operations in Chateauneuf du Pape. The two Jaume brothers, Sebastien and Christophe, continue to ratchet up the level of quality with a bevy of brilliant Chateauneuf du Papes and for bargain hunters, some top-flight offerings that include generic Cotes du Rhones as well as Cotes du Rhone-Villages.

2007 Beau Mistral Cotes du Rhone Villages
Rasteau Vieilles Vignes  $26.99

Wine Advocate 91 to 93 Points
The dense ruby/purple-hued 2007 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Rasteau Vieilles Vignes exhibits a big, sweet nose of melted chocolate, damp forest floor, black cherry jam, and black currants. Full-bodied, broad, powerful, and muscular with sweet tannin, this chewy wine's impression is one of sumptuous texture as well as amazing depth. Consume it over the next 10-15 years.

2007 Domaine les Aphillanthes Cotes du Rhone Villages
Cuvee Trois Cepages Vieille Vigne $26.99

Wine Advocate 91 Points
The 2007 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Les Trois Cepages is a blend of equal parts Grenache, Mourvedre, and Syrah. One of the finest examples of this cuvee I have tasted, it possesses a dense ruby/purple color in addition to a beautiful bouquet of framboise, dark fruits, spice box, soy, blackberries, and truffles. Medium to full-bodied and earthy, with excellent fruit and a luscious texture, it should provide plenty of enjoyment for another 4-5 years.

2007 Domaine du Vieux Lazaret Chateauneuf du Pape  $38.99

Wine Advocate 92 Points
The 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape's dense ruby/purple color is followed by a bouquet of charcoal, framboise, black raspberries, and a hint of spring flowers. It is a rich, full-bodied, concentrated effort with silky tannins and good acidity. Enjoy it over the next 12-15 years.

2007 Domaine Raymond Usseglio
Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Girard $49.99