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 Châteauneuf du Pape Prestige is one of the top efforts in this outstanding vintage. Mostly Grenache, with 20% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre 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.

Inky purple. Sexy, intensely perfumed cherry and dark berries on the nose. Smooth and seamless in texture, offering deep blackberry and cherry-cola flavors enlivened by bright acidity and a smoky mineral nuance. Smoothly blends richness and vivacity and finishes with excellent clarity and persistence--and just a hint of tannins.

Galets roulés, sand. 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre. RS 1.9 g/l. 18 months in 70% foudres, 30% barriques. Dark crimson. Tight and tense. Very drying finish. Needs a bit more air. For the moment it is theoretical! (JR)