M. Chapoutier, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Barbe Rac 2012

The 2012 Chteauneuf du Pape Barbe Rac is brilliant, and checks in near the top of the vintage. Made from 100% Grenache, it gives up loads of kirsch, sweet black cherries, crushed flowers and spice aromatics. Full-bodied, beautifully structured, with building tannin and a seamless, layered feel, it can be enjoyed anytime over the coming 10-12 years. There are only 850 cases, and as always, elegance and balance are the name of the game here.