2007 Tardieu-Laurent "Vieilles Vignes" Ch̢teauneuf-du-Pape

This is crammed with a massive core of blueberry compote, braised fig and mulled blackberry and boysenberry fruit flavors, all wound up with graphite tannins and backed by a strong, iron-filled spine. This has serious depth and drive, with gorgeous mocha and espresso aromatics flittering throughout. Grenache, Syrah and Mourv̬dre. Best from 2010 through 2024. (JM)