2007 Les Halos de Jupiter Chateauneuf du Pape

Les Halos de Jupiter is a partnership between Philippe Cambie and Michel Gassier from Chateau de Nages in Costieres de Nimes. For the Chateauneuf du Pape, Cambie wished to focus on his passion for Grenache, a grape he considers to be the most prestigious of Southern Rhone varietals.Thanks to his consultancy work across the region, Cambie identified several blocks where centenarian Grenache vines were producing grapes of extraordinary potential. This particular cuvee comes from one such terroir, located between Orange and Courthezon to the North East of the appellation.

No effort was spared, starting with successive picking in the vineyards, in order to get the desired levels of ripeness, with a severe sorting in the vineyards followed by a control on sorting table. The grapes were then destemmed and put into tanks without crushing. Gentle extractions with manual plunging (no pump overs) and strict temperature control (28C) pushed the length of ferments up to 5 weeks.The ensuing maturation took place in used “pieces Bourguignonnes” (Burgundian barrel type=228 L) and the wine was bottled without fining nor filtration.

The last of the 2007 Chateauneuf du Papes & unquestionably, one of the vintage's most compelling bargains from this sought after appellation. 2007 in the Southern Rhone was described as the 'vintage of his lifetime' by noted American wine critic, Robert Parker and Philippe Cambie certainly produced a knockout Chateauneuf du Pape .It displays an opaque deep dark red black colour with dark red hue. The nose is very perfumed with lifted dark raspberry, liquorice and lavender scents followed by some incense and spice. Generously textured, powerful and rich the palate delivers opulent mouthfilling flavours of black raspberry and liquorice along with some incense infusions, meaty characters and spice. Very fine grained velvet smooth tannins with long black raspberry, liquorice and meaty spice aftertaste. Cellar 4-5 years. Alc 15% Very Limited Stocks.

Other reviews... "...An incredible effort, the 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape (100% Grenache) possesses a fabulous bouquet of kirsch liqueur, lavender, licorice, pepper, and spice. It reveals gobs of rich fruit, a full-bodied, opulent mouthfeel, terrific freshness and vibrancy (because of the vintage character), and a long finish. Drink it over the next 15+ years." 95 points - Robert Parker, Wine Advocate #185 - Oct 2009 size>