2012 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Reservee

The 2012 Châteauneuf du Pape Reserve is knockout stuff. Full-bodied, textured and yet still elegant and finesse-oriented, it gives up tons of ground pepper, spice, new leather and black cherry nuances. Made from 80% Grenache and 10% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre, it has excellent concentration, mouth-filling levels of fruit and a big finish. Drink this beauty over the coming decade.

Inky ruby. A highly aromatic bouquet evokes ripe blackberry, blueberry, spicecake, potpourri and musky herbs. Appealingly sweet and velvety, offering juicy dark berry flavors accented by sexy Asian spices and floral pastilles. Gains weight and power with air but maintains its energy, finishing with very good clarity and spicy persistence.

Clay-limestone. 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre. RS 1.6 g/l. 18 months in 70% foudres, 30% barriques. Bit of damp fur on the nose. Clean, fresh fruit with lovely balance and direction. Good drive. Impressive wine even if not that rich. Pretty cool for a Châteauneuf. (JR)