Domaine de Ferrand is a small estate with only 7.5 hectares of Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyards spread over six parcels in 4 lieux dits, half being 95- to 110-year-old vines. Philippe Bravay's Châteauneuf-du-Pape is precise and clean; he faithfully delivers everything there is to love about this region's wines with finesse and purity. He doesn't use any barriques, only larger neutral barrels, and keeps intervention to a minimum in the winery—these wines only get better with age. 

A superb vintage across Châteauneuf-du-Pape, 2007 shows beautifully now and will continue to age with grace beyond the 20-year mark. Moderate weather and slow ripening led to a vintage with excellent acid balance, concentration, complexity... all the right stuff. This wine is replete with juicy red fruit, blackberry preserves, wild herbs, and just a suggestion of a far-off autumn bonfire. 

Pairing: Seared Duck breast with wild cherry sauce, Porcini mushroom ravioli

Grapes: 90% Grenache, 10% field blend (Syrah, Mourvedre, etc.)

Soil: Sandy clay, Galets Roules

Viticulture: Organic