Châteauneuf du Pape, 2012

Complex and expressive aromatics, rich ripe and opulent like the 2007 but less heady and more red fruit tones, if less out and out power. Bright, clear and engaging. Corpulent without too much heaviness, intense and smooth flavours of red berries, fruit liqueur, kirsch, cherry with notes of spices, undergrowth and a touch of black olive that gives a twist of bitterness that marries beautifully to the sweet fruit. This represents a typical Beaucastel blend of 30% Grenache and 30% Mourvedre 10% Syrah, 10% Counoise, 10% Cinsault and a mixture of other permitted varieties making up the balance.