2012 Chateauneuf du Pape

Vincent is incredibly kind when it comes to opening older bottles and I was able to retaste the 2012 Châteauneuf Du Pape, which I think is an underrated vintage. It’s just now starting to round the corner toward its drinking plateau and offers lovely kirsch and blackberry fruits as well as plenty of garrigue and licorice notes. Medium to full-bodied, elegant, and seamless, it’s slightly closed on the palate and will benefit from another 2-3 years of bottle age, but it’s a brilliant wine. Clos des Papes remains one of the true reference point estates in Châteauneuf du Pape and is a safe buy in just about every vintage. I’ve yet to see the estate put a foot wrong, and even in more difficult vintages, they produce a beautiful, age-worthy wine, both with their white and red. The 2017 Châteauneuf du Pape is a profound wine that flirts with perfection, and comes in just behind the magical 2016 and 2007, and maybe the 2010, but time will tell. Regardless, comparing these great vintages over the coming two decades will be an incredible joy for any wine lover out there.

Showing no bricking at all, the 2012 Chateauneuf du Pape is in its early maturity. There's a lovely mushroomy savoriness layered against black cherries and cola, earth and spice. Full-bodied, supple and almost creamy-plush in texture, it's ready to drink now yet should easily go another decade.

Stewed fruit, honeyed and nutty on the palate with complex, cereal-like flavours on the finish. Not hugely persistent, but going very strong at this age, and ready to age further. (RH)