2012 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes

Opaque ruby. Heady aromas of mulberry, raspberry, vanilla and peppery spices, with a floral nuance adding lift. Supple, sweet and seamless on the palate, offering sappy black and blue fruit flavors and suggestions of licorice and mocha. Closes sweet, supple and long, with no obvious tannins and an echo of dark berries.

Still not bottled, The 2012 Châteauneuf du Pape Les Vieilles Vignes (same blend as the 2013) will see 20-24 months in concrete tank prior to bottling. Juicy, bright and vibrant, with plenty of plum, blackberry, ground herbs and violets, it too is medium-bodied, reasonably well-textured and nicely balanced.

Bright violet. Spicy black and blue fruit aromas are brightened by white pepper and dusty minerals. Juicy dark fruit flavors show very good depth, with a spicy nuance building in the glass. The spicy character carries through the long, sappy finish, which also features a lingering blackberry note.