2007 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, XXL, Domaine de la Janasse, Rhône

Another insanely good wine thats a legend in the making is the 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape XXL, which is almost all Grenache (theres a splash of Mourvdre) that spent three years in foudre and barrels before being bottled. Offering a port-like bouquet of blackberry jam, beef blood, black licorice and roasted herbs, it hits the palate with an incredible amount of fruit and texture yet always stays balanced, fresh and lively, with a finish that just wont quit. This decadent, heady, layered and just about over the top beauty wont be for everyone (and Ive had bottles state side that showed more stewed and evolved characteristics), but its a singular, heavenly bottle of wine.jeb_dunnuck - 01/03/2017

A curiosity is the 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape XXL, a blend of 95% Grenache and 5% Mourvedre that fermented for nearly three years. Bottled earlier this year, it reminds me of some of the Cuvee Speciales that Henri Bonneau made, particularly the 1990 and 1998. One would think it might taste like an Amarone, but in fact, it doesn’t. It is a very thick, unctuously-textured, over-the-top wine with unbelievable concentration that is technically dry, even though the alcohol level is extraordinarily high. Only 1,400 bottles were produced. Several California Rhone Ranger winemakers told me they thought this was the greatest Chateauneuf du Pape they ever tasted, which didn’t really surprise me because it is a singularly great wine, although I am sure some people will look at the alcohol level and simply dismiss it as being out of balance. It has phenomenal balance and is a rich, massive wine that in 20 or so years, will be considered to be a legend of Chateauneuf du Pape. (robert_parker- Wine Advocate-Oct 2010)