2012 Domaine Roger Sabon Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Prestige

Vinous Media (VM)

Inky purple. Sexy, intensely perfumed cherry and dark berries on the nose. Smooth and seamless in texture, offering deep blackberry and cherry-cola flavors enlivened by bright acidity and a smoky mineral nuance. Smoothly blends richness and vivacity and finishes with excellent clarity and persistence--and just a hint of tannins.

Wine Spectactor (WS)

Muscular grip holds the edges, while the core of plum, black currant and steeped blackberry fruit waits in reserve, with black tea, pastis and licorice root notes on the finish. Shows solid range and depth. Best from 2015 through 2023. 196 cases imported. –JM

Wine Advocate (WA)

Another step up in quality (but not by much, and it’s a step up in price as well), the 2012 Châteauneuf du Pape Cuvee Prestige is one of the top efforts in this outstanding vintage. Mostly Grenache, with 20% Syrah and 10% Mourvedre and other permitted varieties, it offers classic black raspberry, cassis, licorice and smoked-meat-like aromas and flavors. Full-bodied, concentrated and with a stacked mid-palate and sweet tannin, it builds on the palate and will have 15+ years of overall longevity.