2012 Domaine de Cristia Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes

Inky ruby. Assertively perfumed black raspberry and cherry-cola aromas are complicated by notes of potpourri and licorice. Supple and rich but with impressive clarity and nerve to its dark fruit liqueur flavors. This deep, lively Châteauneuf shows excellent focus and no rough edges. Finishes silky, sweet and extremely long, with slow-building tannins and a touch of smokiness.

Coming all from the sandy soils of the Cristia lieu-dit, the 2012 Châteauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes is a knockout effort that’s up with the top wines in the vintage. Giving up thrilling Grenache-driven notes of licorice soaked blackberries, caramelized meats, chocolate and roasted herbs, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a beautiful texture and superb overall balance and length. In short, it’s a knockout old-vine Grenache cuvée to drink over the coming decade or longer.

Bright purple. Intense aromas of dark berry liqueur, incense and oak spices, with a sexy floral overtone. Sweet, expansive black and blue fruit flavors show very good depth and a velvety, open-knit character. Finishes smooth and ripe, with harmonious tannins and a late jolt of smoky Indian spices. This exotic Chateauneuf should be very appealing soon after release.