2012 clos des papes, chateauneuf-du-pape, rouge
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Why We're Buying
Few wines in the Rhône Valley are as coveted as Paul Avril Clos des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge. The red wine features grenache with touches of mourvèdre, syrah, and other grapes from the estate's 24 plots.
Critics Scores
Wine Spectator
A stunner, with a gorgeous cassis aroma that soars from the glass, reinforced by a core of cassis, cherry and plum pâte de fruit, hoisin sauce, warm ganache and well-roasted apple wood notes. Hefty, but suave and seamless. The finish lets graphite and licorice elements glide through. The structure is dense, polished and perfectly integrated, resulting in lovely length. Should be a beauty after cellaring. Best from 2017 through 2032.
Decanter
Soft and juicy with flattering, bright red fruits. The alcohol is showing through just a little bit but it's countered by precise acidity. Starting to show really nicely when tasted in 2019, taking on cedar and tobacco leaf. This is a happy, juicy style, full of life - flamboyant but stylish. Drinking Window 2020 - 2032
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Showing no bricking at all, the 2012 Chateauneuf du Pape is in its early maturity. There's a lovely mushroomy savoriness layered against black cherries and cola, earth and spice. Full-bodied, supple and almost creamy-plush in texture, it's ready to drink now yet should easily go another decade.
Jeb Dunnuck
Vincent is incredibly kind when it comes to opening older bottles and I was able to retaste the 2012 Châteauneuf Du Pape, which I think is an underrated vintage. It’s just now starting to round the corner toward its drinking plateau and offers lovely kirsch and blackberry fruits as well as plenty of garrigue and licorice notes. Medium to full-bodied, elegant, and seamless, it’s slightly closed on the palate and will benefit from another 2-3 years of bottle age, but it’s a brilliant wine.