2012 Clos des Papes Chateauneuf du Pape

‘This is one of the great estates in Chateauneuf du Pape….’ – Robert Parker

No question, 2012 is a first rate year for Chateauneuf du Pape and one that should be on collector's and drinker's radars. Opaque dark red black colour with a dark crimson red purple hue. Powerful black raspberry and black cherry aromas rise from the glass followed by hints of liquorice, incense and spicy, meaty characteristics. Full bodied with ample richness, this is a power house of flavour delivering concentrated black raspberry and black cherry intermixed with a touch of liquorice with savory nuances of dried meats and incense following in a spicy finish. Opulent supple mouthfeel with sturdy yet velvety tannins. Outstanding length with a prolonged aftertaste of black raspberry, black cherry, liquorice, meatiness and spice. A superb example. Cellar this beauty for 8-10 years to get even more out of it.

Other Reviews….
One of the benchmark estates, Clos des Papes covers close to 90 acres in Chateauneuf du Pape and is run by the incredibly talented Paul-Vincent Avril. Favoring a single cuvee, his Chateauneuf du Pape is always a blend of 65% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre 10% Syrah and the rest a mix of Vaccarese, Counoise and Muscardin. No new oak is used in the winery and all new barrels and foudre see three vintages of his non-vintage Le Petit Vin d’Avril before being used for his grand vin. Tasted from multiple foudres, the 2012 Chateauneuf du Pape is stunning! Showing surprising depth and concentration in the vintage, with full-bodied richness and texture, all of the samples showed perfumed, complex aromatics, fantastic mid-palates and serious back-end structure. Less forward than the 2011, with plenty of oomph, it will most likely require short-term cellaring to come around, and have a broad drink window.
15% alc
95-98 points
Jeb Dunnuck – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate


A stunner, with a gorgeous cassis aroma that soars from the glass, reinforced by a core of cassis, cherry and plum pâte de fruit, hoisin sauce, warm ganache and well-roasted apple wood notes. Hefty, but suave and seamless. The finish lets graphite and licorice elements glide through. The structure is dense, polished and perfectly integrated, resulting in lovely length. Should be a beauty after cellaring. Best from 2017 through 2032.
97 points
Wine Spectator