The 2007 vintage is often perceived as a vintage of average quality, with production varying widely depending on the regions. However, some wine regions experienced favorable climatic conditions, and talented producers were able to take advantage of this year to offer remarkable wines. Overall, the 2007 wines are marked by a beautiful freshness, great finesse, and appreciable aging potential, although some may lack the concentration typical of great years.
Bordeaux 2007: An Early Vintage with Beautiful Freshness
Bordeaux experienced a relatively early vintage in 2007, with generally favorable weather conditions in September. The Cabernets Sauvignon ripened particularly well, while the Merlots present rounder and fruitier wines. Although the overall quality varies, the great châteaux managed to produce balanced, fresh wines with a beautiful structure.
Best Wines:
Château Margaux (Médoc): An elegant wine, with aromas of fresh red fruits, cedar, and a silky tannic structure.
Château Latour (Médoc): A powerful and concentrated wine, with notes of blackcurrant, cedar, tobacco, and great length.
Château Cheval Blanc (Saint-Émilion): A complex wine, with aromas of black fruits, truffle, and cocoa, of great finesse.
Château Pétrus (Pomerol): A wine of great depth, with notes of black plum, truffle, and dark chocolate, very concentrated.
To Buy: The Great Châteaux of Bordeaux, such as Château Margaux, Château Cheval Blanc, and Château Pétrus, which have excellent aging potential and beautiful freshness.
Burgundy 2007: A Fresh Vintage with Very Good Wines
In Burgundy, the 2007 vintage was marked by moderate yields and favorable weather, with sunny days that allowed optimal ripening of the grapes. The Pinot Noirs showed fruity aromas and great finesse, while the Chardonnays displayed a beautiful purity of fruit, with marked minerality. It is a vintage that can be enjoyed relatively young while offering good aging potential.
Best Wines:
Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (Côte de Nuits): A wine of great purity, with aromas of red fruits, undergrowth, and violet.
Domaine Leflaive (Puligny-Montrachet): An elegant wine, with aromas of yellow fruits, brioche, and beautiful acidic tension.
Domaine Armand Rousseau (Gevrey-Chambertin): A structured wine, with notes of black cherry, licorice, and earth.
Domaine Comte Georges de Vogüé (Musigny): A complex wine, with aromas of rose, cherry, and undergrowth.
To Buy: The Pinot Noirs from Gevrey-Chambertin and the Chardonnays from Puligny-Montrachet, which have excellent aging potential and a very good quality/price ratio.
Rhône Valley 2007: A Quality Vintage with Tannic Wines
The Rhône Valley experienced favorable climatic conditions for the 2007 vintage, particularly in Côte-Rôtie and Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The Grenaches from the region were particularly successful, offering rich and concentrated wines, while the Syrahs produced elegant wines with spicy aromas and beautiful freshness. The wines from the Northern Rhône are more structured, while those from the Southern Rhône are fruitier and more concentrated.
Best Wines:
Domaine Jean-Louis Chave (Hermitage): A powerful wine, with aromas of black fruits, pepper, leather, and chocolate.
Château de Beaucastel (Châteauneuf-du-Pape): A rich and complex wine, with notes of black fruits, garrigue, leather, and tobacco.
Guigal (Côte-Rôtie): An elegant wine, with aromas of violet, black fruits, and spices.
Domaine du Pegau (Châteauneuf-du-Pape): A concentrated and structured wine, with aromas of red fruits, tobacco, and licorice.
To Buy: The Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Hermitage, which show great depth, concentration, and aging potential.
Piedmont (Italy) 2007: A Complex and Balanced Vintage
In Piedmont, the 2007 vintage was marked by relatively moderate summer temperatures, allowing for gradual ripening of the grapes, especially for Barolos and Barbarescos. These wines are well-structured, with beautiful acidity and remarkable complexity. Although slightly more accessible than some great vintages, they have great aging potential.
Best Wines:
Gaja (Barbaresco): An elegant and complex wine, with aromas of black fruits, truffle, licorice, and beautiful freshness.