2013 Chateauneuf du Pape Chaupin

One of the wines of the vintage is the Grenache-dominated 2013 Châteauneuf du Pape Cuvée Chaupin. Coming mostly from a cool terroir in the northeast corner of the appellation (just to the east of Beaucastel), this wine is vinified with a small portion of stems and aged mostly in foudre (one-third is in demi-muids). It has gorgeous Grenache flair in its black raspberry, garrigue, spring flower and licorice scented bouquet. This gives way to a medium to full-bodied, elegant, and layered 2013 that has more texture and sweet fruit than just about every other wine in the vintage. I'd drink it anytime over the coming 4-5 years, but it will have 10-15 years of overall longevity.

Brilliant ruby-red. Intensely perfumed red berry and floral scents are complicated by star anise, allspice and orange zest. Spicy, focused and pure, offering intense raspberry and bitter cherry flavors that become fleshier and sweeter with air. Packs a solid punch but comes off as elegant and precise, finishing with superb thrust, supple tannins and lingering florality.