2013 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Trois Sources Vieille Julienne

Brilliant ruby- red. Potent red berry liqueur, potpourri and smoky Indian spice scents on the highly perfumed nose, lifted by a mineral flourish. Sweet, concentrated and seamless on the palate, offering intense raspberry, cherry cola and lavender flavors that deepen and gain power with air. The penetrating, youthfully tannic finish shows outstanding clarity and thrust and leaves behind a juicy red berry note.

I think a success in the vintage, the 2013 Châteauneuf du Pape les Trois Source comes from the same terroir as the Reserve cuvee and is 60% Grenache, 15% Cinsault, 15% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre. It reveals pretty black and blue fruits, leafy herbs, violets and some Pinot Noir-like forest floor characteristic, as well as medium-bodied depth and an elegant, silky texture. It's not a blockbuster, but it's nicely balanced and has sound underlying structure, all suggesting it will have 10-12 years of longevity.

Well-built, with a slightly chunky frame that should settle in soon enough, as the core of dark currant, plum and raspberry paste flavors have ample depth. Dried anise, sweet tobacco and warm ganache notes fill in through the finish. Fresh acidity lends support, giving this a sense of elegance despite the heft.

Charmerende vin, der er forbavsende frisk i forhold til alderen. Den ville kunne holde længe endnu. Den har stadig brug for en halv times tid på karaffel, inden den rigtigt åbner sig. Man mærker alderen og den lidt tørre, men afrundede garvesyre. Brombær i smagen.