CDP Cuvée Chaupin, Domaine de la Janasse 2012

The 2012 Châteauneuf du Pape Cuvee Chaupin, which I was able to taste (and drink) from multiple bottles, is a beautiful Grenache that comes from the cooler, northeastern edge of the appellation. Coming almost all from the Chapouin lieu-dit (it gets a small bit from La Janasse), it gives up the classic notes of black berries, spring flowers, violets, and licorice that I always seem to find in this cuvee. Building nicely on the palate, it is medium to full-bodied, beautifully textured, has tons of sweet fruit and solid, if not firm, tannin that come out on the finish. It will be better in another couple of years and have 15+ years of overall longevity.

In case you haven't been following any of the Wine Advocate reports over the past decade, Domaine de La Janasse, under the leadership of siblings Christophe and Isabelle Sabon, is one of the top two or three estates in the Southern Rhône. In addition to excelling in the top years, this estate also excels in the more difficult vintages. Looking at their 2013s, these were harvested around the October 18th. They have uncommon depth and richness in the vintage, beautifully sweet tannin, and will certainly be some of the top wines in the vintage. The 2012s also check in near the top of the hierarchy,

Also showing the purity and freshness of the vintage, the 2012 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Chaupin, which was harvested towards the end of September, displays classic licorice, crushed violets, flowers and mineral-tinged black fruits to go with a medium to full-bodied, beautifully balanced and lively feel on the palate. Always 100% Grenache that comes from very old vines and sandy soils, it is one impressive tank sample. Give it a couple years in the cellar and enjoy bottles over the following decade or longer. Drink 2015-2027.