2007 Domaine de Cristia Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Renaissance

Deeper, inkier and more concentrated than the classic cuvee, the 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Renaissance checks in as 60% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre and 10% Syrah, with the Grenache aged in concrete and the Mourvedre and Syrah in demi-muids (some new). Offering up notes of graphite, cassis, chocolate, crushed flowers and tobacco, it's a sexy, voluptuous example of this cuvee that has sensational concentration, sweet tannin and a blockbuster finish. Much more closed and backward on release, it's just now starting to open up. It will benefit from another year or so in bottle and drink beautifully through at least 2027. Review Date: September 2015