Xavier Vignon, Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2012 'Anonyme' (Audacieux range)

Drinking Dates: 2015 to 2030

Cépagement: Xavier declines to give this information, saying it is impossible because of complantation. He does say that all 13 permitted varieties are to be found in this wine.

ABV: 14.5%

Critic review:

'The top wine from the portfolio, the 2012 Châteauneuf du Pape Cuvée Anonyme offers thrilling purity and focus in its lively dark fruits, roasted meats and underbrush-scented bouquet. Full-bodied, ripe and textured, with fantastic polish and sweetness to its tannin, it has a supple, forward feel, yet will easily evolve for 10-15 years. This is another impressive lineup from oenolgist Xavier Vignon, who works with the likes of Raymond Usseglio, Le Nerthe, Marcoux and Grand Veneur, to name a few. These are all negociant wines, but they obviously have access to some serious vineyards, and the winemaking is impeccable. Looking at these latest releases, his 2013s buck the vintage stereotype with their ripe, textured profiles, and his 2012s are certainly up with some of the top wines of the vintage as well. In addition, prices remain more than reasonable here. If you haven’t yet discovered these wines, now is a great time. As a side note, I’m halfway through a case of his 2007 Châteauneuf du Pape, with every wine showing brilliantly. These can drink nicely in their youth, yet age beautifully as well.' 95/100 (Jeb Dunnock, Wine Advocate)