Dark, inviting and very alluring, with captivating black tea, charred mesquite and kirsch aromas and flavors allied to a remarkably silky mouthfeel. Superlong, with mineral, violet, pepper and additional crushed cherry and plum fruit notes all gliding through the finish. Shows none of the difficulties of the vintage - arguably the best property in the appellation right now. Best from 2011 through 2027. - Wine Spectator

As always, I tasted through all the different foudres, and the 2008 Chateauneuf du Pape, which will have essentially the same blend, is a much less powerful wine than the 2007. Made from some of the smallest yields ever (16 hectoliters per hectare), with 14.7% alcohol, the 2008 should turn out to be a very good, elegant effort vaguely reminiscent of their 1999. It exhibits a deep ruby color as well as abundant black cherry fruit intermixed with notions of licorice, herbs, and earth, medium body, and good purity, depth, and ripeness. It should drink well at a young age, an anomaly for Clos des Papes, and keep for 10-12 years. - Wine Advocate