Bosquet des Papes CNP "Chante Le Merle" 2007

Deep red. Seductive bouquet of red and dark berries, garrigue and Asian spices. Silky and sweet, with deep but focused raspberry and blackberry flavors, gentle tannins and an impressively sappy finish. Gained brightness and precision with air, suggesting that this outstanding youngster will repay cellaring.

Maurice and Jossette Boirion make full-bodied, traditional Chateauneuf from 90% Grenache and aged for eighteen months in large oak foudres. The Cuvee Chante Le Merle is a selection of the oldest vines of the estate and is given an extra six months ageing in cask. This is the real deal. Old vines, old oak and full rich fruit.

Since 1860 the Boiron family has made wine at the property. Through 5 generations the domain has been handed over from father to son.
2^nd generation Joseph-Victor Boiron (1875-1949) took over in 1890. from 1936 he called his domain "Clos Chantemerle". Since 1966 the name has been "Bosquet des Papes". This name was chosen by Maurice Boiron, who now (2008) is going in retirement and today Nicolas Boiron and his wife Jeanne-Claire carry on the family traditions.

The cellars were built in three steps in 1978, 1983 and 1994-95.
Nicolas Boiron wants to produce a traditional Chateauneuf du Pape.
"The philosophy of "Bosquet des Papes" estate is to produce laying down wines, meaning that they can be kept for many years, thereby respecting the traditions of Chateauneuf-du-Pape wines... They will reach their peak after 6 or 7 years."
Most of the wooden vessels in the cellar are foudres but they are using more and more demi-muids.

To the property belongs about 40 different parcels in the appellation - a total of 27 ha. The average age of the vines is about 50 years. 3.5 ha. - 100 years old - are used for Cuvée Chante le Merle.

Robert Parker (92-95 points )

The 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Chante Le Merle Vieilles Vignes is 84% Grenache and equal parts Syrah and Mourvedre from 80- to 90-year-old vines on pure limestone overlaid with the famed rocks the locals call galets roules. It is aged half in large wood foudres and the other half in 600-litre demi-miuds. This wine may turn out to be their best since their debut release of this cuvee in 1990. Full-bodied, with notes of kirsch, incense, black currant, cassis, plum, fig, and roasted Provencal herbs as well as some meaty juices, the wine is layered, dense, sexy, decadently rich and powerful, but incredibly well-balanced because of the freshness of the fruit in this vintage. This wine should age magnificently for 20+ years..

This is one of the appellation’s most consistent and brilliant producers of Chateauneuf du Pape, with an impressive record of consistency and high quality dating back well over the thirty years I have been tracking the wines of this appellation. They have been adding new cuvees, starting in 1990 with their Chante Le Merle Vieilles Vignes, and then their old vine Grenache cuvee, La Gloire de Mon Grandpere. In 2007 they added a new cuvee from very old vines of Grenache and Mourvedre on the plateau of Mont Redon called La Folie, which is aged in 100% new oak foudres.

Jancis Robsinon 17.5 / 20 Drink 2011-19 Grenache 84%, Syrah 8%, Mourvèdre8%.

18-24 months in foudres and demi-muids

Full, opulent and yet pretty fresh on the nose. Lots there satisfying even if not that subtle or sophisticated. – including a lot of alcohol! Pretty good and sure to be thorougly.

Decanter 5 Star award

"Promising Nose. Intense red cherry and choclate ripeness and power. Prominent Grenache red fruits coupled with oak, but ripe tannin, balanced evolution. Good length. From 2015"

http://www.rednosewine.com/blog/index.php/2010/02/06/5-star-decanter-award-bosquet-des-papes/