Vanessa

9.2

We were initially drawn to this iconic Art Deco label but fell in love with what’s on the inside…

This Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC wine is a blend of Grenache Noir, Syrah, Cinsault & Mourvèdre, produced by L’Oratoire des Papes.

It’s a youthful wine (considering its potential lifespan) bursting with fruit on the nose and palate, such as stewed strawberry, ripe raspberry, red and black plum, cherry, boysenberry, blueberry, kirsch, wildflowers, dark chocolate, vanilla, cured meat, graphite, licorice, anise, black peppercorn, clove, tobacco, and wet leaves.

On the palate this wine is dry, with warming and well-integrated alcohol (15% ABV), a full body, and notable acidity that adds lift to the plush and fleshy characteristics. The tannins are ripe and smooth. The finish lingers.

We’re appreciating the balance of vibrant fruit and layers of non-fruit qualities. — 8 hours ago

with Deked1

Will Stanley

8.9

Honest, rustic Crozes though there are plenty other examples of N Rhône Syrah I’d choose over this, and at a better price point. — 3 days ago

Mike Evans

9.5

Leather, raspberry, and hints of minerals and dark chocolate, with fine tannin giving it support, some anise comes out with air, great depth and complexity, drinking incredibly well. — 13 days ago

Jay Kline

9.4

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of dinner. The 2012 Cuvée Réservée pours a deep ruby color with a slightly hazy, but mostly transparent core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with fabulous notes of ripe red and black bramble fruit: raspberries, Marionberries, licorice, red flowers, horse blanket, dried herbs, leather, and stony earth. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and luscious. This is a very lovely Pegau that is squarely in its prime and strutting all of its stuff. Drink now through 2032. — 3 days ago

Gilbert Van Hassel

9.6

Two great thanksgiving wines but with a very clear winner and not even difficult to guess. I have zero emotion with the Margaux and love the elegance of the Rayas even in a year that may be a bit less. — 6 days ago

Ron Siegel

9.4

This was surprisingly open & expressive with rich dark fruits, sweet on the palate, savory spice, meat, pepper mineral & violet — 17 days ago

Ron Siegel

9.4

Youthful & mostly primary that you can approach now with its dark cherry, berry fruits, lots of spice, underbrush, meat & violet — 7 days ago

Ellen Clifford

9.2

75% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre —a total stunner she is, drinkable now with a body to go the difference. The nose brings red fruits (plums, cherries, strawberries) and roses and rose petals. The palate is silky-smooth, fresh fruit giving way to tootsie roll and stewed fruit flavors, augmented by earth and sanguine balsamic grooves, a bit of herbal garrigue carrying the day. The finish carries on, persistent and solidly ethereal if we can make that a thing. — 23 days ago

Ron Siegel

9.5

Another great one that was suave, polished, showing a perfumed nose of dark cherry, berry fruits with notes of licorice, spice, crushed rock mineral, graphite, tobacco & violets. — 18 days ago

Conrad Green

9.1

great fruit. Fresh and primary. Needs time but great potential — 16 days ago

with Matt and Paul