CDP Senechaux, Domaine des Sénéchaux 2012

Another rocking wine from this team, the 2012 Châteauneuf du Pape doesn't disappoint and gives up loads of kirsch, cassis, licorice, meat juice, licorice and roasted herbs. Made from a blend of mostly Grenache, with Syrah and Mourvedre that was brought up in foudre, barrels and concrete, it's a fruit-filled, medium to full-bodied, seamless and beautifully Provencal effort to drink over the coming decade.

The 2012 Chateauneuf du Pape is a blend of 61% Grenache, 21% Syrah and 18% Mourvedre that's aging 60% in foudre and the balance in barrels. Offering up beautiful fruit, spice and underbrush aromas and flavors, it is a more classically styled effort than past vintages, which tended to border on fruit bomb status. Showing medium to full-bodied richness on the palate, with notable freshness and purity, it has excellent all around depth and richness. It should be approachable on release, yet age gracefully for 10-12 years. Drink 2014-2024 .

Bright ruby colour. The nose is intensely aromatic with ripe cherries, plums and anise. The palate is rich, ripe, and plush with no hard edges. The tannins are in balance with the dense core of ripe and creamy fruit. There's a hint of black pepper on the finish that adds a delicious spiciness to the wine. Another great effort from Senechaux.