2007 Domaine du Grand Tinel Chateauneuf du Pape

Happy Cellar Saturday!  It's the first Saturday of a new month, that magical day when I raid the cellar and open a bottle that's at least 10 years from harvest.  Tonight I've decided to open a wine of the Pope, the 2007 Domaine du Grand Tinel Chateauneuf du Pape, a classic blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre that traces its roots back to when the Pope was a French resident!  So let's see how this wine has matured!

The wine is a deep ruby color, a tribute to the Syrah in the blend.  The nose is a classic combination of green grass, floral notes and rich black fruit notes.  The taste is wonderfully fruit forward with a rush of plum, black cherry and currant that washes over the palate before transitioning to some course mineral notes midpalate.  The tannins are quite reserved, providing for a wonderful, long, smooth and dry finish, with a reprise of blackberry at the end.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's just a lovely example of a nice, approachable Chateauneuf du Pape.  This wine would pair nicely with southern Mediterranean dishes, to fresh shellfish, to classic pasta dishes, but tonight I am enjoying this wine with panko crusted chicken, creamy pesto penne and haricots verts.  Cheers!