Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhône Blend

2012 is more up front than prior years, nice bottle for the price. Classic CDP.

Emily had this 10 years ago

Fruity medium body.

Muted red fruit, lavender, spice, and new tire. Fresh and young. Great value but the 2001 reserve is better. Get your hands on it if you can find it!

Pale ruby in color with an orange rim.

Medium intensity on the nose with plums, blackberries, strawberries and licorice. Dry on the palate with strawberries, blackberries, currants, dirt, oak and black pepper.

Medium bodied and tart finish.

14.5% alcohol by volume.

This is a nice CDP that is still very young. In a few years, the tart finish will probably evolve into a nicer one.

40% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre and 30% Sirah.

Improved a touch from a year ago. Doubtful they will improve any further. Red fruit aromas. Licorice, vanilla, and lavender on the palate. Ok for an entry level CdP at $35.

Earthy aromas but falls flat on the palate. Subtle red fruits, lavender, and spice. At 6 yrs old, not sure if this will improve any further.

I was expecting something more defined. This reminded me of BMNT forest dew seeping into my awareness... I love the earth in the nose, but the mouth disappoints. Finish leaves me flat... So in final assessment the best part of this vintage is the memories it provokes of my best times in Seattle.

Dark fruit and a bit of a gamey nose. Sour cherry, dark, wet forest floor. Definitely getting some of the oak.

Really solid chateaneuf for this price point. Very balanced.