2010, 2011, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020... It's been hot in Châteauneuf! Much to the delight of long-ageing wines enthusiasts. OK. And the other vintages? Well, they're here, admittedly ready-for-drinking earlier, but with all that's so special about Châteauneuf: the combination of power and finesse, breadth without heaviness, and aromas ennobled by the patina of age, a blend of faded roses and blood orange. Because a wine is also pleasure, we'll finally be able to revel in the sweetness that isn't sugar, but the richness of sun-drenched fruit and garrigue, of which Grenache is the emblem. Here's our selection of Châteauneuf 2012, to drink or to keep.
- Tradition Cuvées are indicated by TC and Special Cuvées by SC.
- The score out of 100 gives an idea of the quality of the bottle opened on the day of the tasting, and should therefore be interpreted as a trend, not a fixed certainty about the vintage!
Clos du Mont Olivet Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2012 TC
Fine, fragrant nose, reminiscent of stewed strawberry, thyme, blood orange and rosebud. Rather half-bodied, the pure, silky palate delivers a luminous, full-bodied substance. Elegant and refined, if not overpowering. A very fine bottle to drink with pigeon or stuffed quail. 94/100
Clos du Mont Olivet Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée du Papet 2012 SC
Between strawberry and raspberry, the highly concentrated nose evokes the finest aromas of just-ripe Grenache. Concentration and precision are evident in this warm, yet delicate wine. An unequivocally fine wine, with good ageing potential. 95/100
Domaine de Beaurenard Châteauneuf-du-Pape Gran Partita 2012 SC
2012 is the first vintage of this cuvée, born from the co-fermentation of the 13 grape varieties of the AOC, themselves grown together in two parcels, one of which is the estate's conservatory. First vintage, first success. The unctuousness of the oak, with its delicious caramel notes, combined with that of the white grape varieties (15 to 20%), gives the wine a coating sensation on the palate that makes it very pleasant to drink. The aromatics are not to be outdone, with their combination of flowers and fresh vegetal notes, giving a feeling of lightness and freshness that balances the whole. 94/100
Domaine André Brunel Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Cailloux 2012 TC
Bouquet of rose petals and buds, discreet but perfumed, this 2012 is tactful. On the palate, the smooth, fresh, juicy texture is seductive, with a gastronomic hint of saltiness on the finish. A lovely wine to serve with roast quail. 92/100
Domaine Pierre Usseglio et Fils Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2012 TC
Rich and intense aromas of truffle, Russian leather, tapenade and vanilla, powerful and velvety on the palate, this 2012 doesn't lack thickness, even if the finish, open and loose, is pleasantly delivered today on melted tannins. Note the evolution of the domaine's style over the last 10 years towards more chiselled and dashing wines. 88/100
Domaine Pierre Usseglio et Fils Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée de mon Aïeul 2012 SC
Stewed red fruits, oak vanilla still present, this smells of ripe Grenache, in a suave, more balanced style than the Tradition Cuvée. Enjoy today with a fine entrecôte steak. 90/100
Le Clos du Caillou Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Quartz 2012 SC
Sparkling ruby color, Burgundian-inspired nose, with accents of black tea, kirsch and pepper. The palate is delicate, supple yet pure and juicy, with crushed strawberries and a hint of mint on the bitter finish. It's all in great taste, so much so that I can imagine a few more years in bottle. It could also be enjoyed today with onglet or marbled meat. 92/100
Domaine de Beaurenard Châteauneuf-du-Pape Boisrenard 2012 SC
A favorable evolution for this cuvée on tart red fruits and a hint of thyme. Precise on the palate, fairly linear but very well balanced, this wine is fresh and spicy, still a little marked by the oak. Let's wait a little longer, it's all there. 89-90/100
Famille Isabel Ferrando Châteauneuf-du-Pape Réserve Auguste Favier 2012 SC
Purity and precision in color and bouquet, complex, with scents of blood orange, pepper and thyme. Delicate, almost unctuous, the medium-bodied yet unaffected substance delights with its freshness and vegetal hint of laurel. A fine work of composition, to drink or to wait. Osso Buco. 93/100
Domaine du Grand Tinel Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge 2012 TC
This tradition Cuvée brilliantly holds its own in a style that's delicate yet full of energy. Between undergrowth and citrus fruit, the wine remains juicy, saline and salivating, finishing with a hint of herbs. A great success. 91/100