La Crau Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhone Blend

Opened prior to dinner; enjoyed over several hours. The 2012 pours a light ruby with a transparent core; medium+ viscosity with no staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of red brambles, red rope licorice, leather, red flowers and purple flowers, and stony minerals. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium acid. Confirming the notes from the nose the finish is medium+. Textbook, Grenache forward CdP that’s showing quite beautifully. Drink now through 2032.

Effortless, elegant feel. Very balanced, relatively light on its feet with striking floral and balsamic notes. Forceful on the entry with broad mouthfeel and nervy mineral streak. Juicy wild berry fruit coating every fiber of the palate with ripe tannins.

Somewhat past it's prime at this early age. Fruit was too subtle and the main event was underwhelming. Sorry to report.

Concentrated and grippy with, fig/port fruit, chestnut, singed wood and tobacco. Could knit together better with age. I would rather drink a tawny port for now.

Forever Young

Good now but can't wait to revisit down the road-

Always love the layers and energetic burst these wines show on the palate. Juxtapositions of ripe, cooked, and dried fruits bounce around with crushed stones, wood spice, savory herbs, and coffee tones. Alcohol a touch intrusive while the tannins give some edge.

Spice and chocolate nose with mouth coating med tannins. Love this stuff!

It's young. But it's damn tasty.

An outstanding bottle of wine. Fruit shows nicely, rich tannins, and very nice finish.