Tasting Notes
Robert Parker 93
The 2012 Châteauneuf du Pape Les Hespérides is an even split of Mourvedre and Grenache that doesn’t pull any punches in its floral, plum, blackberry, meaty, iron and crushed-rock-scented bouquet. Medium to full-bodied, plump and layered, with fabulous mid-palate depth and ripe tannin, it’s approachable today thanks to a wealth of fruit, but it should have over a decade of longevity as well. Proprietor Eric Bonnet has done well in both 2012 and 2013. While his Châteauneuf du Papes are the stars of the show, he makes a bevy of high-quality Côtes du Rhônes that are worth your attention and money.
Anticipated maturity: 2015-2027