The 2012 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée De Mon Aïeul has always reminded me of the estate 2006 with its beautiful elegance and charm. Coming from a mix of three terroirs – Les Grand Serres (96-year-old vines) in the south, La Crau (78-year-old vines) in the east, and La Guigasse (75-year-old vines) located in the center of the appellation – it's 100% Grenache brought up mostly in tank, with 10% in demi-muids. Loaded with beautiful kirsch and dark cherry fruit as well as licorice, peppery garrigue, flowers, and truffly earth, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a beautiful, seamless mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and a great finish. This brilliant, hedonistic, yet finesse-driven Grenache is going to shine over the coming decade or more, as it still has a lively, youthful style, putting it on the early side of its prime drink window.

Similar in style to the 2006, the 2012 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee de Mon Aieul is rounded and textured, with tons of charm in its blackberry, black raspberry, violets, garrigue and spice aromas and flavors. Full-bodied, supple and textured, it shows the vintage's upfront and forward character, yet has beautiful purity of fruit and enough density to drink nicely through 2027. Most 2012s are already showing nicely, and this is no exception. - Jeb Dunnuck

This version offers a juicy, brambly core of dark plum, macerated currant, fig and tobacco flavors that show notes of chestnut, singed alder and bittersweet cocoa, with details of warm stone and tar underscoring the finish. Shows ample range, energy and character. Best from 2016 through 2030. 850 cases made. –JM