Showing honeyed quince on the nose, with no petrol aromas coming through yet. This is broad and full-bodied, with touches of lavender honey, wax polish, further quince and a touch of hazelnut. Lovely freshness. Equal amounts of Clairette, Bourboulenc, Grenache Blanc, Picardan, Piquepoul Blanc and Roussanne, all co-fermented in stainless steel, no malo and no oak ageing.

A stunner, with a gorgeous cassis aroma that soars from the glass, reinforced by a core of 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.

Leading off the reds in the retrospective, the 2012 Chateauneuf du Pape hit a whopping 15.7% natural alcohol, yet doesn't show a trace of heat in its gorgeous bouquet of kirsch liqueur, blackberries, Asian spice, cured meats and garrigue. This is followed by a thick, concentrated, seamless 2012 that has the vintage's purity and rounded nature, plenty of sweet tannin, and a killer finish. Already hard to resist, it will cruise for another 15-20 years. Drink 2015-2035.
96 points – Jeb Dunnuck (eRobertParker.com, Sept 2015)

Showing no bricking at all, the 2012 Chateauneuf du Pape is in its early maturity. There's a lovely mushroomy savoriness layered against black cherries and cola, earth and spice. Full-bodied, supple and almost creamy-plush in texture, it's ready to drink now yet should easily go another decade.

Opaque ruby. Smoky blueberry and cherry compote aromas pick up a peppery nuance with air, along with a suave floral quality. Fleshy and seamless on the palate, offering sweet, deeply concentrated black and blue fruit flavors and a hint of lavender pastille. Spreads out and becomes spicier on the juicy, penetrating finish, which is framed by supple, slow-building tannins.

Stewed fruit, honeyed and nutty on the palate with complex, cereal-like flavours on the finish. Not hugely persistent, but going very strong at this age, and ready to age further. (RH)