Wines

95 Points! I think the finest vintage for the classic cuvee ever, the 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape is a sensational blend of 65% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre, 12% Syrah and the balance other permitted varieties. Aged mostly in tank, it offers a massive array of smoked herbs, lavender, black raspberries, toasted nuts, truffle and garrigue. Full-bodied, ripe, decadent and concentrated, it has slightly less structure than the '09, but has more raw material. This flat-out awesome Chateauneuf will have 20 years of longevity. - Jeb Dunnuck, robertparker.com, 2015

94 Points! The 2007 Valpolicella Superiore from the celebrated Monte Lodoletta vineyard is rock-tight with a midnight black appearance and aromas that emerge with fierce determination. The fascinating aromatic medley includes dark spice, prune, Spanish cedar, tar, black licorice, balsam herb and blackberry tart. The mouthfeel is plush and rich with super-tight tannins that grip nervously to the finish. It has only started its bottle evolution and requires more time to soften and develop. Drink 2017-2035. - Monica Larner, robertparker.com, 2013

94 Points! Even better is the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Champoux Vineyard, perhaps eastern Washington’s finest site for this varietal. Purple/black in color, it sends up a soaring nose of pain grille, pencil lead, espresso, licorice, violets, black currant, and blackberry. Full-bodied, dense, smooth-textured, layered, and plush, the tannins and oak are totally integrated, and there is at least 7-8 years of aging potential. Give this large-scaled offering 5-7 years of cellaring, and drink it through 2032. - Jay Miller, robertparker.com

94+ Points! Scavino's 2007 Barolo Monvigliero is by far the most concentrated, rich and structured Barolo I have ever tasted from this historic vineyard in Verduno. Firm yet polished tannins frame an explosive core of dark red fruit, rose petals, mint and spices. The Monvigliero shows marvelous focus and intensity. It is one of the most tannic wines of the vintage, but also one of the most promising. Sweet, floral notes leave a lasting impression on the vivid, textured finish. Scavino's Monvigliero will be a fascinating wine to follow, although I fear it may require significant patience. This is a marvelous debut vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2032. - Antonio Galloni, robertparker.com

95 Points! Saving the very best for last, the 2007 Barolo Riserva Rocche dell’Annunziata is a gorgeous expression, with towering varietal characteristics that casts a long shadow. There’s so much going on in the glass: Prune, blackberry, cassis, dried herbs and licorice are beautifully woven together. The wine is firm and crisp in the mouth with perfectly integrated tannins. You can drink this wine in a few years, or decide to keep it for later. - Monica Larner, robertparker.com