2012CharvinCHDP2012 Domaine Charvin, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone Red, France.
Charvin is always one of my favorites and the 2012 is no exception, this is gorgeous stuff, one of the purest and most beautiful Grenache expressions on earth and without question one of the top Chateauneuf’s of the vintage. The Domaine Charvin is 85% Grenache, 5% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre, and 5% Vaccarèse, fermented and raised in cement vats and is crafted from three Lieux-Dits plots in mostly sandy limestone and loamy soils with some loose rocks or Galets, these vines average over 45 years old, no oak is used and the wine is bottled unfined and unfiltered to capture the essence of terroir and keep freshness. Laurent Charvin is certainly a wonderful winemaker and this vibrant 2012 is everything that he aims for, balance, lush character and vivacious personality showing ripe density, spice, sweet fruit and layers of pleasure as well as a mix of complex savory and mineral tones. The nose is bright with acacia flowers, pepper, chalk and kirsch leading to a vivid palate of boysenberry, pomegranate, strawberry preserves, black cherry, just picked plum and tangy currants along with warm stones, minty herbs, anise, lavender/garrique and hints of iron, saline and umami. The finish is detailed and lingering, leaving sweet crushed berries and has a touch of rustic dustiness, this is a fantastic Rhone wine, it totally rocks even now in it’s infancy, if you own this you are a very lucky person indeed, if you love Chateauneuf or want one of the world’s great Grenache driven wines, then you must get this, drink from 2016 to 2022, Charvin, imported by Weygandt Selections, absolutely killed it in 2012, this is a stunner!
($75 Est.) 95 Points, grapelive

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