which is not surprising given the fact that the Chave family has more experience than just about anybody in the winemaking world (the domaine was founded in 1481 - nearly a decade before Christopher Columbus discovered America

Dark chocolate

Sweet floral and minty notes add freshness on the finish

with excellent length

succulent herbs

Vieille Julienne, Chateauneuf Du Pape Reserve Vintage:2012 which is not surprising givenDeep in color, the nose blasts off with lavender, cherry, spice, pepper and earthy scents. When the wine hits the palate, the wine is deep, rich, concentrated and packed with sweet, silky, black raspberries, cherry and kirsch that remains on your palate and expands in flavor. This bottle was popped and poured. Perhaps, if the wine and I both had more time together, this could hit triple digits. It's truly a stunning example of old vine Grenache.