Tasting notes and ratings were provided beforehand. I know, I shouldn't look at those before tasting, but I saw "RP" and 97 points next to the 2009. Normally, this might cloud my judgement, but this time, Mr. Parker was right on the money.
The 2007 had mellowed out quite a bit since the last time I tasted it a year ago. It still retains a bit of earth, spice, and light tannin, but mostly, it's mellow if not a bit too short. Great fruit flavors remain along with suggestions of rare red meat and fig. The finish is short, but still nice.
The 2008 received lower scores from the reviewers, but in my review, it still had a great Chateauneuf-du-Pape "old school" feel. Cigar box and spices dominate the nose. More spice and some red earth fill the palate. This one feels a bit more alcoholic with noticeable heat remaining after several years in bottle. The finish is slightly longer than the 2007, therefore, this wine is more my style.
The 2009 is a monster. The tannin is strong, but not overly so. The finish is one of, if not the longest I've found on a Chateauneuf. This was decanted 5 hrs prior to tasting and it improved as I moved it around in the glass. This wine is structured for a long cellar life, but you won't want to keep it that long. I'd give it 3 - 5 years, but couldn't fault you for opening it now. Plums, fig, smoky dry meat are obvious up front. The finish is a long wave of cherries and the tiniest bit of bandaid (hopefully not a sign of bad things to come). This is a truly wonderful wine, grab up what you can find, it will not last.
T-Scale:
2007 - 91 points, great wine, short finish
2008 - 92 points, has more character but will not cellar as long as 2007 or 2009
2009 - 96 points - a true monster. This truly IS everything a great Chateauneuf-du-Pape strives to be
Average price for all of these is $75. I've seen them for less. Other vintages are still out there as well. Look for the 2004 which compares to the 2009.
