Domaine de la Mordoree, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, La Reine Des Bois 2012

One of the blockbusters in the vintage, the inky-colored 2012 Châteauneuf du Pape La Reine des Bois 80% Grenache, completely destemmed and aged 12 months in 80% stainless steel and 20% old barrels offers fantastic richness and depth in its blackberry liqueur, graphite, wood smoke and crushed-rock-like aromas and flavors. An elegant, stylish and polished example of this cuvée, it comes closest in my mind to a lighter-weight 2010. Medium to full-bodied, concentrated and with fine tannin, it will drink well for 10-15 years.