2012 Clos Saint-Jean Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes
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Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider
Josh Raynolds
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Inky ruby. Heady, mineral-accented aromas of blueberry, cherry compote, lavender and cola, with a smoky nuance building in the glass. Palate-staining dark berry flavors pick up notes of white pepper and licorice as the wine opens in the glass. This powerful yet nimble Châteauneuf finishes with very good clarity and silky tannins that add gentle grip.
Similar to the base cuvée, yet with more of everything, the 2012 Châteauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes offers smoking notes of kirsch, black cherry liqueur, ground herbs, licorice and big minerality. On the palate, it’s medium to full-bodied, seamless, pure and exceedingly elegant, all while carrying superb mid-palate concentration, plenty of tannic grip and a blockbuster finish. Drink this brilliant 2012 over the coming decade or more.
Opaque ruby. High-pitched raspberry, floral pastille and Asian spice aromas are deepened by notes of cola and licorice. Deeper and darker in character on the palate, offering sweet cherry and black raspberry flavors and a suggestion of spicecake. Finishes silky and long, with exotic spice and floral qualities and smooth, well-knit tannins.