Bois Boursan, Chateauneuf Du Pape Felix Vintage:2012 chocolate-covered cherries and black licorice

chocolate-covered cherries and black licorice with nuances of unsmoked cigars

Long and vibrant

(Even in torrid July 2009 – which happens to have coincided with my own previous and memorable visit – he reports that they were scarcely utilized

Mid-deep garnet

I found the new and ambitious 2015 La Parcelle 8 very ripe

Bois Boursan, Chateauneuf Du Pape Felix Vintage:2012 chocolate-covered cherries and black licoriceLess aromatic than the classic cuvee, yet deeper, richer and more concentrated, the 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuve des Flix is also tannic and structured, with killer notes of singed Provencal herbs, saddle leather, chocolaty dark fruits and licorice. Tasting like the essence of Provence, drink this thick, unctuous beauty over the coming 10 15 years.