Wine Advisor
Domaine de Ferrand, Chateauneuf du Pape 2007
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Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Jeb Dunnuck
I've had numerous incredible bottles of the 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape, but there is some variability with this cuvee as well and some do have a spritz. That wasn't the case with this bottle, however, and it was just about as good as it gets. Full-bodied, multi-dimensional, layered, massively concentrated, yet graceful and elegant, with to-die-for notes of incense, garrigue, pepper and sweet red and black fruits, this quintessential Chateauneuf du Pape is almost impossible to find in the market today, but it's well worth the effort to track down!
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
Possibly Bravay’s finest effort to date, the 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape boasts an inky/blue/purple hue as well as an extraordinary perfume of graphite, incense, charcoal, roasted meats, Provencal herbs, pepper, and copious quantities of blue and black fruits. Full-bodied, extraordinarily pure, and already revealing remarkable complexity, focus, and balance, this is a stellar Chateauneuf du Pape that will require 2-3 years of bottle age, and should drink well for 20+ years. I hope proprietor Charles Bravay receives the recognition he deserves from Chateauneuf du Pape enthusiasts. Domaine de Ferrand has been a top performer over the last decade, and these are classic old style Chateauneufs that are meant to age. They represent the essence of an open-air Provencal market. Importer: Peter Weygandt, Weygandt-Metzler, Unionville, PA; tel. (610) 486-0800
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
An amazing effort, the 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape eclipses what I wrote about it last year. Every time I went back to it, the wine revealed more nuances as well as greater depth. Full-bodied and powerful, it exhibits a compelling bouquet of creme de cassis, ground pepper, incense, seaweed, garrigue, and licorice. The knock-out aromatics are followed by a wine with colossal richness, a multilayered texture, no sense of heaviness, an incredibly deep, penetrating palate feel, and a finish that goes on for 50+ seconds. Philippe Bravay is one of the most modest and serious Chateauneuf du Pape vignerons, and it is a thrill to see him hit a home run in this vintage. For statisticians, it is made from 80- to 85+-year-old vines from two of the great sectors of Chateauneuf du Pape, La Gardiole and Cabrieres. It is composed of 90% Grenache and the rest Syrah, Mourvedre, and Cinsault. Moreover, it is the quintessential traditional Chateauneuf du Pape aged 12-14 months in tank before being bottled without filtration. The dense purple-colored 2007 will benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age, and last for 20-25 years. Bravo! This small estate, producing just over 1,200 cases, is run by Philippe Bravay, who took over from his father, Charles, a few years ago. They own 14 acres of vines, all located in the northern sector of Chateauneuf du Pape. Until 1995, everything was sold to negociants, but Bravay has gone from strength to strength since he began estate bottling, with the 2007 the greatest wine he has yet made. He also made one of the top wines of the difficult 2008 vintage. Importer: Peter Weygandt, Weygandt-Metzler, Unionville, PA; tel. (610) 486-0800
Reviewed by: Jeb Dunnuck
One of the wines of the vintage is the 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape from Philippe Bravey, and I’ve drunk more than a case of this wine and have consistently rated it at the upper end of the spectrum (however, some bottles suffer from too much volatile acidity). Big, full-bodied, layered and unctuous, it has a huge nose of garrigue, black fruits, saddle leather and licorice. I absolutely love this wine and would happily drink bottles over the coming decade.
Reviewed by: Josh Raynolds
Bright ruby. Expressive aromas of raspberry, cherry, blood orange and dried flowers, with an undertone of zesty spices. Very fresh and incisive red fruit flavors are complemented by sweet lavender and rose pastille, and pick up a peppery nuance with air. Impressively balanced, pure wine with a strong finishing jolt of red berry skin. I underestimated this wine from barrel. (Weygandt-Metzler Importing, Unionville PA
About the Producer
Domaine de Ferrand is a family-owned winery located in the Côtes du Rhône region of southern France. The estate has been in the hands of the Ferrand family for several generations, with the current owners, Joël and Jérôme Ferrand, continuing the tradition of producing high-quality Rhône varietals. The domain's vineyards are situated on diverse terroirs, including limestone, clay, and galets roulés, which contribute to the complex flavors and structures of the wines. Domaine de Ferrand is known for its commitment to sustainable, organic viticulture, as well as its focus on highlighting the unique characteristics of each grape variety and vineyard site.
