Coming all from the sandy soils of the Cristia lieu-dit, the 2012 Châteauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes is a knockout effort that's up with the top wines in the vintage. Giving up thrilling Grenache-driven notes of licorice soaked blackberries, caramelized meats, chocolate and roasted herbs, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a beautiful texture and superb overall balance and length. In short, it's a knockout old-vine Grenache cuvée to drink over the coming decade or longer.

Lush and ripe, with a velvety texture to the dense core of fig, boysenberry and blackberry fruit flavors. Red and black licorice and fruitcake notes fill in the background, with a broad, juicy finish. Best from 2015 through 2027. 330 cases made.