Also an impressive 2011, the Chateauneuf du Pape Empire is a blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah that was aged 85% in concrete tank and 15% in a combination of demi-muid and small barrel. Possessing notions of sweet kirsch, red licorice, potpourri and dried flowers, this medium-bodied, supple, elegant effort has a perfumed, seductive and hard to resist profile. Fine tannin frames the finish yet the overall impression here is one of up-front appeal. Drink now-2018. Owned by the Chouvet family since 1989, these wines are consistently very good to outstanding. The 2011s are rock-solid and show the best of the vintage. The 2012s follow suit, with well-made, clean and fresh profiles. While I worry about the level of oak on the 2012 Chateauneuf du Pape David et Goliath, it’s still a good bottle of wine. Importer: Milton Road Trading, LLC, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 948-MRTC, and Vins du Midi Wine Importing, Eugene, OR; tel. (541) 485-0151