2012 Chateauneuf du Pape Chante le Merle Vieilles Vignes
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The superb 2012 Chateauneuf du Pape Chante le Merle Vieilles Vignes appears to be at its apogee. Hints of cocoa and leather accent layers of black cherries on the nose, while the full-bodied palate retains a sense of velvety richness that portends well for the next several years. Concentrated and long on the finish, this is a beauty that readers should be very happy to drink over the next several years.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Jancis Robinson MW
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The 2012 Châteauneuf Du Pape Chante Le Merle Vieilles Vignes is stunning and is drinking incredibly well today. Coming from a selection of the top plots and older vines of the estate and not destemmed (it's mostly Grenache), it has a classic bouquet of Provençal herbs, ripe red and black fruits, licorice, and toasted spice. With full-bodied richness, a round, layered mouthfeel, and integrated tannins, this gorgeous, old school, utterly classic Chateauneuf du Pape is perfect for drinking any time over the coming decade.
Opaque ruby. Ripe, expansive blackberry and cherry scents are lifted and sharpened by peppery spices and smoky minerals. Juicy and broad on the palate, offering sweet dark fruit and floral pastille flavors that display unlikely energy and lift for their density. The smooth, sweet, smoky finish is framed by velvety, harmonious tannins. The label here reads 15.5% alcohol but I don't detect any undue heat.
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Grenache/ Garnacha , Syrah / Shiraz, Mourvedre/Monastrell/Mataro
Red
Dry