Châteauneuf du Pape Générations Gaston-Philippe 2012

The 2012 Cuvée des Générations Gaston-Philippe is now a mature example of the estate's flagship red, drinking beautifully in its middle window. It's an almost equal blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre from the estate's oldest vines, aged in new French oak, and from a fine Châteauneuf vintage that gave both ripeness and balance. With bottle age the wine has turned polished and supple.

The nose leads with rich cherry and kirsch, warm spice and softening oak. On the palate it's velvety and rounded, the tannins now soft, with a generous cherry-and-kirsch core and the higher-alcohol warmth typical of southern-Rhône Grenache carried in good balance. The finish is long and mellow. This is a wine in a lovely place — no rush, but ready and rewarding now.

A mature, ready-to-drink Châteauneuf with prestige-cuvée pedigree — ideal for immediate on-trade drinking or a wine dinner where you want a red that's already open.

Country/Region: France, Rhône (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)

Grape Variety: ~Grenache / Syrah / Mourvèdre in roughly equal parts

Bottle Size: 750ml

Ratings:  Jeb Dunnuck 94+ | Jancis Robinson 15/20 | Robert Parker 92

Best serve at 16 – 18°C

Food pairing: Peking duck; char kway teow with lup cheong; braised lamb biryani.