2012 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Prestige

Another step up in quality (but not by much, and it’s a step up in price as well), the 2012 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Prestige is one of the top efforts in this outstanding vintage. Mostly Grenache, with 20% Syrah and 10% Mourvedre and other permitted varieties, it offers classic black raspberry, cassis, licorice and smoked-meat-like aromas and flavors. Full-bodied, concentrated and with a stacked mid-palate and sweet tannin, it builds on the palate and will have 15+ years of overall longevity. Oct 2014, www.robertparker.com