Vinsobres VV Hauts de Julien, Perrin - Château de Beaucastel 2007

Believe it or not, the 2007 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Vinsobres Vieilles Vignes Les Hauts Julien is even better. A 500-case lot of equal parts Syrah and Grenache, it is the greatest Vinsobres I have ever tasted, and it admirably demonstrates the potential that exists in this high elevation, cool climate terroir. An inky/blue/purple color is accompanied by an extraordinary perfume of crushed rocks, black truffles, blueberries, blackberries, licorice, and charcoal. Sensationally deep, extremely full-bodied and powerful yet also ethereal in its elegant, freshness, and laser-like precision, this is a tour de force in winemaking that is capable of lasting 15 or more years.