CDP Cuvée de la Reine des Bois, Domaine de la Mordorée 2012

One of the blockbusters in the vintage, the inky-colored 2012 Châteauneuf du Pape La Reine des Bois - 80% Grenache, completely destemmed and aged 12 months in 80% stainless steel and 20% old barrels - offers fantastic richness and depth in its blackberry liqueur, graphite, wood smoke and crushed-rock-like aromas and flavors. An elegant, stylish and polished example of this cuvée, it comes closest in my mind to a lighter-weight 2010. Medium to full-bodied, concentrated and with fine tannin, it will drink well for 10-15 years.

I've yet to see these guys put a foot wrong, and regardless of the vintage, they're able to make superb wines. In addition to their terrific Châteauneuf du Papes, they continue to raise the quality of their Lirac and Côtes du Rhône releases. Also, while these all have the ability to drink nicely on release, they age beautifully.

Gorgeous as well, with pure blackberry, cassis, licorice, charred earth and crushed flower aromas and flavors, the 2012 Chateauneuf du Pape La Reine des Bois (roughly 80% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre and the rest Syrah, Vaccarese and Counoise) is medium to full-bodied, pure and layered. One of the more approachable examples of this cuvee I've tasted, it should be relatively civilized on release, yet evolve gracefully given its overall balance and freshness. Drink 2017-2027.