2012 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Trois Sources Vieille Julienne

While I normally find the Les Hauts Lieux more compelling, in this vintage I prefer the 2012 Châteauneuf du Pape Les Trois Sources. Gorgeously perfumed and voluptuous, with fabulous blackberry, licorice, citron, salty minerality and hints of violet, this beauty flows onto the palate with full-bodied richness, building tannin and terrific length. The texture here is brilliant, and while it will benefit from 2-4 years in the cellar, this puppy is hard to resist now.

A rich, lush style, with warmed fig, boysenberry confiture and ganache notes melded together at the core, all backed by freshly drawn espresso and singed juniper details. A lovely tug of earth through the finish keeps this grounded. This should unwind slowly. Best from 2017 through 2030.

From sandy soils just across from the domaine, the 2012Châteauneuf-du-Pape les Trois Sources is more upfront and sexy compared to the more mineral driven les Hauts Lieux and boasts a deep purple color as well as fabulous notes of black raspberries, blackberries, licorice, and spring flowers. Perfumed, exotic, full-bodied, and voluptuously textured, drink this pleasure-bent beauty over the coming 10-15 years.

Vi havde for nylig årgang 2010 med i vores grenache-duel, og den var lukket som en vred østers. Det er 2012'eren ikke, tværtimod, den er et fortræffeligt eksempel på, hvad der sker på dette domaine; saftig, cremet, koncenteret og harmonisk, det er en neuf i stadstøjet, men den er hverken overpyntet eller moderne, den fornægter ikke sit landlige ophav. Som andre i årgangen kan den drikkes nu, hvorimod kollegaen "Les Haut-Lieux" (450 kr., 92+ point) er væsentlig mere lukket og streng, men nok bliver en større vin om 10 år.

Bright ruby-red. Ripe, spice-laced cherry and dark berries on the fragrant nose, with hints of licorice, spicecake and floral oil adding complexity. Supple, expansive black raspberry and cherry-cola flavors become firmer and spicier with air, picking up notes of star anise and smoky minerals. Closes sweet, velvety and long, with resonating spiciness and gentle tannins that fold smoothly into the wine's rich fruit. - Josh Raynolds