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Indeed, all along the year, 2012 did not spare the Vignerons : even the savviest got confused, almost losing their points of references, while dealing with its tricks ! Heterogeneity in the vineyard would bear, right from the start, the mark
of damage caused by winter frost. Sadly enough, very old Grenache and Syrah vines did not survive this frost. Loss of a precious heritage, impact on the
yields of the upcoming harvest, Vignerons were already under pressure…
Conversely, the months of July and August were extremely hot, speeding
up the maturing process, as a first step, but worsening water stress, in a second. Rarest reaction, the Vignerons came to bless the rains that fell beginning of September, as they profitably revived the phenolic ripening of the grapes. In the end, deciding the right moment to pick up grapes caused the
serious Vignerons a real headache ! To the extent that the harvesting of
the different cépages, in the different parcelles, followed a more than widely unusual order…
And now, for one more uncommon observation : opting for a later harvest was not necessarily the winning choice, in 2012 : the exception that
proves the rule !
Now, at this stage, as the Wines are nearing the end of the fermenting process,
they already impose their real potential : they are very, very, good… Thus, they lead us to admit that, from contrasts, Harmony can arise...
Les Bédines, La Crau, Les Gardioles, Bois Dauphin.
Ageing12 months in one vintage old barrels. Allier and Tronçais. Then 12 months in foudre.
14°C
Decant 2 hours before tasting.
Archetype of the «Châteauneuf» as must be! With hints of oleanders, blood orange and fig. The “touch” on the palate is both delicate and velvety... Leaves a long-lasting feeling in the mouth…
14,5%
BottlingWithout fining and filtration.
CépagesGrenache noir : 90 % Cinsault : 5 % Syrah : 5 %
Magnifique classicisme. Approche complète et profonde belle noblesse aromatique sur le cacao.
Terre de vins
, 2014-10-31
Dark ruby. Deeply pitched cherry, black raspberry and Indian spice aromas are lifted by a sexy floral oil quality. Juicy and densely packed, showing excellent depth to its red and dark berry liqueur, cherry-cola and spicecake flavors. Stains the palate while coming across as energetic and precise. Closes with very good vivacity and length, with silky tannins adding structure and grip.
Josh Raynolds
Vinous
, 93/100
, 2015-04-01
This is packed with dark, alluring fig, blackberry and boysenberry paste flavors, inlaid with dried anise and well-roasted alder and cedar notes. Offers a lingering ganache edge on the finish. Has heft, but remains very silky in feel.
James Molesworth
Wine Spectator
, 93/100
, 2015-01-28
Inky ruby. Deep, powerful aromas of cassis and dried cherry, with complicating notes of incense, licorice and cured tobacco. Deeply pitched, smoky dark fruit flavors are complicated by suggestions of musky herbs and floral pastilles. Chewy tannins give shape and grip to the very long, spice-accented finish, with the cassis note lingering.
Josh Raynolds
Stephen Tanzer International Wine Cellar
, 93/100
, 2014-02-01
Broad and rich on the nose – very sweet and composed. Already quite evolved with the tannins pretty well covered. Spicy and already really fun and glorious. Perhaps not the most ambitious for the long term but really delicious now. Alcohol well managed.
Jancis Robinson
, 18/20
, 0013-01-04
Also superb and with loads of potential, the 2012 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes (90% Grenache, and 10% Syrah, with the Grenache aged in older barrel and the Syrah in new barrels) is more deep and layered than the Cuvee Speciale. Offering up impressive notes of mineral, new leather and smoky black fruits, this full-bodied, layered and textured 2012 has superb mid-palate depth, fine tannin and an all-around concentrated, backwards feel.
Robert Parker
Wine Advocate
, 93-95/100
, 2013-10-01