An interesting blend of 68% Syrah, 20% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre and 2% Terret Noir, aged in 20% new oak, the 2012 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve has a concentrated, medium to full-bodied profile to go with plenty of darker fruits, creamy licorice and roasted herbs. As with the classic cuvée, it has impressive sweetness to its tannin, an upfront, ripe feel and rock-solid length. Already approachable and delicious, I’d drink it over the coming 5-6 years.