2007 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Vieilles Vignes, Domaine de la Charbonnière

Real quality in Chateauneuf-du-Pape is difficult to find at this level but Charbonniere continues to produce the goods. Good concentration, weight and texture it ensure this will be attractive both in youth and after a good number of years in the cellar. Should be a must for every cellar and you won't pick a better vintage than 2007
(Jake Dean, BBR Fine Wine Sales Manager)

Favourite Rhône – Red
I never tire of the wines from this domaine; owner Michel Maret struggles to get a word in edgeways alongside his loquacious wife and daughters but lets his wines do the talking. Of his four cuvées this, for me, is his best, made from 70% Grenache and 30% Mourvedre with the vines boasting an average age of over 80 years. Benchmark Chateauneuf, power, fruit and complexity seamlessly interwoven.
(Alun Griffiths MW, Wine Director)

Charbonniere's Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine is made from 70% Grenache and 30% Mourvèdre, some of its vines over 80 years of age. Silky, rich and supple, it boasts impressive length and concentration, both predicting a lengthy evolution.
(Simon Field MW, Berrys’ Rhône Buyer)

Charbonniere's Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine is made from 70% Grenache and 30% Mourvèdre, some of its vines over 80 years of age. Silky, rich and supple, it boasts impressive length and concentration, both predicting a lengthy evolution.
(Simon Field MW, Berrys’ Rhône Buyer)

My notes on the dense ruby/purple-colored 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Vieilles Vignes (95% Grenache and 5% Mourvedre from 80-year-old vines) begin with the words “serious stuff.” Deep, rich, and full-bodied with abundant notes of forest floor, truffles, earth, kirsch, raspberries, and black currants, this powerful, layered, multidimensional, long, ageworthy wine should drink well between 2012-2028.

The Maret family runs this impeccably managed estate that has nearly 45 acres of vineyards, primarily in the northeast sector of the appellation. They also have a large holding on the high plateau in the northern tier of Chateauneuf du Pape from which they produce their superb Les Hautes Brusquieres from a lieux-dit of the same name. Only two 2008s were made. All of the 2007s performed better out of bottle than they did last year.
(Robert Parker - Wine Advocate - Oct 09)