By now all southern Rhone lovers know that the 2007 vintage has produced numerous extraordinary wines – ripe, fleshy and succulent, with fine tannins and fresh acidity – that offer great pleasure already yet should age superbly. One of the tastiest and most impressive I’ve tried so far has been this gem, Domaine de Marcoux’s regular cuvee (they also produce the deluxe cuvee ‘Vieilles Vignes’). Packed with loads of intense black fruits, licorice, minerals and Provencal herbs, this mostly (80%) Grenache-based blend boasts a greater sense of earthiness or savour than many of its other, ripe 2007 counterparts, and I for one love it for showing a more elegant, refined edge to an otherwise opulent vintage. STEWART PLANT, Randall's

Like most great wines from top vintages, quantities are extremely limited and it will sell out quickly.

The outstanding 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape (a blend of 80% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre, 7% Syrah, and 3% Cinsault that achieved 16.5% natural alcohol) exhibits a dark ruby/purple color in addition to a sumptuous bouquet of black fruits, scorched earth, lavender, truffles, and licorice. The wine reveals the vintage’s gorgeous freshness and vibrancy as well as sensational concentration, and a tremendous finish. It can be drunk young or cellared for 15+ years. ROBERT PARKER