the 2012 Châteauneuf du Pape Cuvee Réservée is a classic

A whiff of volatile acidity does not really materially diminish the appeal of the earthy and markedly sauvage-inflected aromas of both red and dark pinot fruit that display a top note of various floral elements

There is enough reduction to knock down the nose

There is that beguiling sense of underlying tension to the firmly stony and beautifully well-detailed broad-shouldered flavors that deliver superb length on the seamlessly well-balanced finale

smoke and leather are some of the nuances that flow from this brooding

Pascal Prunier Bonheur, Meursault Clous Vintage:2022 the 2012 Châteauneuf du PapeOne can smell the minerality on the wafting nose of acacia blossom, various white orchard fruit, just sliced citrus and a similar hint of petrol character. The vibrant and relatively generously proportioned medium weight flavors brim with sappy extract on the stony, youthfully austere and lingering finale where a similar hint of bitter zest appears. This isnt as racy as the best in the range but offers fine quality for its level. One to consider.