A trusted importer alerted us to an opportunity to access a back-vintage 2012 Charbonnière, Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge “Cuvée Hautes Brusquières” directly from the property, following a tasting at Wine Paris back in February. We secured as much as possible of this special cuvée after learning that the 2012 release is the favorite vintage of owner and winemaker Véronique Maret.

Domaine de la Charbonnière is a beloved property that consistently garners mid-90-point reviews from major U.S. publications, with eleven 94+ point reviews from Wine Advocate for this bottling alone. Rhône reviewer Jeb Dunnuck’s nine-year-old Advocate review remains relevant today (Review below).  While most Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines lose their charm after five years, Charbonnière’s traditional style ensures they age gracefully.

Fortunately for us, the wine has just arrived. We couldn’t wait to sample a bottle—pour it, let it sit for 20 minutes in the glass, and enjoy the show! The 2012 doesn’t come off as a blowsy, high-octane effort where the fruit fades after all these years. Instead, it offers layers of elegance and that unmistakable textbook garrigue perfume, accented by dried strawberry, cassis, plum, green olive, white pepper, worked leather, and balsamic. Boo-ya!

This is a perfectly domaine-cellared bottle in impeccable condition, delivered straight to you. Provenance reigns supreme here. Rhône collectors may find a 10+ year-old “Cuvée Hautes Brusquières” at cellar auctions starting at $50.00, plus a 15%-20% buyer’s premium.

94 Points, Wine Advocate

 (This 9-year-old review still holds relevance.)

• The 2012s show beautifully, and while I’ve had these wines numerous times, this was the best showing to date. The 2012 Chateauneuf du Pape les Hautes Brusquières Cuvee Spéciale is full-bodied, textured and downright sexy, with tons of cassis, black raspberry, garrigue and licorice aromas and flavors. I love its purity of fruit, and it’s impeccably balanced. Drink it anytime over the coming decade.- Jeb Dunnuck 10/16