Coming all from the sandy soils of the Cristia lieu-dit, the 2012 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes is a knockout effort that’s up with the top wines in the vintage. Giving up thrilling Grenache-driven notes of licorice soaked blackberries, caramelized meats, chocolate and roasted herbs, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a beautiful texture and superb overall balance and length. In short, it’s a knockout old-vine Grenache cuvée to drink over the coming decade or longer.