Domaine de la Janasse Vieilles Vignes 2012, CDP
It is not easy to snapshot through words for a complex wine like Domaine de la Janasse Vieilles Vignes 2012. Probably this wine could hopefully be understood through tasting another pantheon of greats, such as Jacque Perrins, Vieux Telegraphe and Clos de la Jean. Of course, there is every seriosuness and typicite. Purple color with tight, pink rim; purple flower bouquet(lavender, rose). On the nose, cinnamon-wrapped dried cranberry; minty and black peppery. On the palate, firm and structured tannin and full-bodied, with lingering tastes of cranberry, raspberry, nutmeg, liquorice, fig and blueberry and pomegranate reduction. Given our shortage of words, we can only add that it is poised and balance; floral and savoury, luxurious and yet feminine. Minimum intervention in the field as always, however behind this seeming inactivity, there is constant work and refinement.
Some facts:
Vintage 2012 is one of the best accoring to the owners
From 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, and 10% Mourvèdre;
Raised in one-year-old big barrels and small barrels ( 25% to 40% new, French oak for 12 months)to add to complexity);
Vines are of 60 to 100 yeard-old and on clay-limestone soils that are full of the region's famous large pebbles absorbing heat from the sun during the day and keep vines warm at night, encouraging ripeness and intensity of flavour;
Total production averages 850 cases per year only!
High scores and accolades. For example:
95-98 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Most likely one of the top 2-3 wines produced, the 2012 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes is a rough blend of 80-85% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre (which was harvested October 10) and the balance Syrah, that hit 15.4% natural alcohol. Seeing the same elevage as the 2011, it sports an inky purple color as well as spectacular array of black and blue fruits, violets, liquid flowers and underbrush to go with an energetic, seamless and full-bodied profile on the palate. Lighter weight than the 2007 and 2010, it possesses notable freshness, purity and elegance. It should benefit from short-term cellaring and thrill for upward of two decades. Drink 2016-2032. (JD) (10/2013)
