Deeper and more concentrated, with medium to full-bodied richness and depth, the 2012 Châteauneuf du Pape Reserve Auguste Favier (70% Grenache, 10% Cinsault, 5% Syrah and the rest Mourvedre) has fabulous purity in its blackberry, currants, black licorice, roasted herbs and assorted meatiness. Possessing ultra-fine tannin and building underlying structure, it will benefit from 2-3 years in the cellar and evolve gracefully through 2027. - Jeb Dunnuck

Shows ample ripeness, with a fleshy feel to the melted licorice, warmed fig and plum cake flavors that pump along, carried by pastis, roasted apple wood and fruitcake notes. Features lots of well-embedded grip. Should cellar well. Best from 2016 through 2028. – JM