Let the onslaught of 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape begin

Isabel Ferrando's '07s, while potentially fantastic in tank, have more than eclipsed what I thought they'd be in bottle. The base cuvee was like a ticking time bomb...rocketing old vine Grenache shrapnel through the air once the cork was popped.

Domaine St. Prefert CDP 07

A brief smell leaves me w/ one thought...WOW. Outrageously intense and exuberant, a la Clos St. Jean, the nose of plum cake, spice box, blackberry liqueur and cocoa dusted herbs is to die for. Expands rapidly over the palate, dousing the mouth from cheek to cheek w/ exhilarating, full-throttle flavors that speak of the vintage in volumes. In spite of its layers of flavor, you can still get a sense of how firm the backbone is. This is a surreal experience for an entry level wine, 94 points.

Cuvee Auguste Favier is next on tap...