Robert Parker (96)
What I think might end up being the best Beaucastel since the 1990 or 2001, the 2012 Châteauneuf du Pape offers a full-bodied, decadent style to go with awesome black and blue fruits, garrigue, licorice, crushed flowers and violets. The purity here is truly something, and it has fabulous mid-palate concentration, building tannin and massive texture. Given all of the fruit and texture here, it will no doubt drink well in its youth, but it should still be alive and kicking after two decades as well.
Winespectator (95)
Warm raspberry and boysenberry confiture aromas and flavors are dominant in this lush, inviting style, but there's plenty of dried star anise, bay leaf, licorice root, worn leather and roasted juniper notes to fill out the chorus. The finish turns youthfully grippy, with a tarry edge holding sway and adding serious length. Try now, but cellar for maximum effect.
Jancis Robinson (18)
Very dark crimson. Vibrant colour is almost black. Black olives and smoked bacon. Extremely vibrant on the nose too. Luscious ripe fruit on the front palate almost completely covers the tannins. Really quite remarkable. What a different wine from the 2011! Sumptuous. (JR)
BOW (8.50)
Falstaff (95)
With a hint of candied violet underlaid black forest berries, but also ripe plum and nougat, candied orange zest, intense and at the same time very attractive bouquet. Very full, almost opulent, extract sugar and a pleasant savouriness, powerful tannins that promise a long life, pleasant herbal touch on the long finish, but still shows some baby fat. Here some patience is still required.
