2013 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve des Vieilles Vignes

Clearly the crème of the lineup is the 2013 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve des Vieilles Vignes, which checks in as an outstanding blend of 75% Grenache, 17% Syrah and 8% Mourvèdre that spent upwards of 17 months in barrels. It has a touch of barrique in its black raspberry, toasted spice, graphite and licorice-laced bouquet, but it always stays in the background and the wine has fabulous purity of fruit. Medium-bodied, balanced, moderately concentrated, yet with fine tannin, it won’t make old bones, but should evolve for 5-7 years on its balance.

Vivid ruby. Fresh raspberry and cherry on the highly fragrant nose, with a mineral quality adding lift and focus. Energetic cherry, red berry preserve and floral pastille flavors show very good depth and a firming spine of tangy acidity. Aeration brings up deeper blackberry and bitter chocolate qualities, which carry through a persistent, focused, gently tannic finish.