Deeper, inkier and more concentrated than the classic cuvee, the 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Renaissance checks in as 60% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre and 10% Syrah, with the Grenache aged in concrete and the Mourvedre and Syrah in demi-muids (some new). Offering up notes of graphite, cassis, chocolate, crushed flowers and tobacco, it's a sexy, voluptuous example of this cuvee that has sensational concentration, sweet tannin and a blockbuster finish. Much more closed and backward on release, it's just now starting to open up. It will benefit from another year or so in bottle and drink beautifully through at least 2027.

The monster wine is the inky purple-colored 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Renaissance. This wine has only been made by Baptiste in 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2007. It is a blend of 60% Grenache and 30% Mourvedre, with the balance Syrah from 50- to 100-year-old vines. Despite the fact that there is only 30% Mourvedre in the blend, it seems to be the Mourvedre that dominates the wine at this stage of its development. It is very tannic, but the tannins are sweet and ripe, and the color an opaque purple. The wine displays notes of roasted meats, incense, and flowers, in a super-powerful, layered, multi-dimensional style. However, patience is required, despite the fact that this is a softer, more supple version of the behemoth that Cristia produced with this cuvee in 2005. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030.

(90% grenache and 10% syrah) Deep ruby. Sexy aromas of raspberry and blackberry preserves, potpourri and Asian spices. Weighty but fresh, with sweet dark berry flavors and impressive mineral lift. This has become more energetic since bottling and shows a very sexy, open-knit personality; I slightly underestimated it last year. The finish is juicy, focused and impressively persistent. (JF Wine Imports, Largo , FL; Wine Warehouse, City of Commerce CA