De la Janasse Cuvee XXL 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape

Another insanely good wine that’s a legend in the making is the 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape XXL, which is almost all Grenache (there’s a splash of Mourvèdre) 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 won’t quit. This decadent, heady, layered and just about over the top beauty won’t be for everyone (and I’ve had bottles state side that showed more stewed and evolved characteristics), but it’s a singular, heavenly bottle of wine.