2012 Chateauneuf du Pape La Reserve

Lastly, the 2012 Châteauneuf du Pape Reserve le Clos du Caillou is a classic example of this cuvee. Made from 60% Grenache and 40% Mourvedre, aged all in demi-muid, it offers ample dark fruits, chocolate, bouquet garni and licorice in its full-bodied, supple, forward and elegantly styled profile. As with all of the 2012s here, the tannin is wonderfully ripe, the wine has solid concentration and everything is perfectly balanced. While it’s hard to resist already, it will be better with short-term cellaring and have 15+ years of overall longevity.

Opaque ruby. Expressive cherry compote, incense and licorice aromas are complemented by potpourri, vanilla and smoky minerals. Seamless, juicy and deep, offering expansive black raspberry and cherry-vanilla flavors and a suave floral pastille quality. Shows impressive density with zero excess weight, finishing sweet, broad and very long. Potentially one of the wines of the vintage.