Beaucastel's 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape has turned out even better out of bottle than I predicted. An inky/ruby/purple color is followed by a glorious nose of blue and black fruits, truffles, pen ink, licorice, and meat juices as well as glorious levels of acidity and sweet tannin, buttressing the fruit's fabulous freshness and vibrancy. This full-bodied effort still displays considerable tannin, no doubt because of the relatively high Mourvedre content. It should resolve its tannins in 2-4 years, and last for 25 or more.

Robert Parker, 96 Points.

30% Mourvèdre, 30% Grenache, 5-10% Syrah, 10% Counoise and the rest. Very dark purple. Very thick and concentrated and extremely ripe. Quite difficult to see the acid. Lots of tannins, but tannins are ripe or mûr - and mûres (blackberries) in fact - grainy tannins. Date tasted 10th Dec 08.

Jancis Robinson MW, 18/20

Extremely dense, with layer upon layer of melted fig, mulled boysenberryand black currant fruit, all laced with notes of charredmesquite, hoisin sauce and Kenya AA coffee. The long, silkymouthfeel belies the latent power in reserve-and there's a lot ofit, with waves of grip driving the finish. Best from 2010 through2030.

Wine Spectator, 96 Points.