La Janasse Chaupin Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2012

Wineadvocate

The 2012 Châteauneuf du Pape Cuvee Chaupin, which I was able to taste (and drink) from multiple bottles, is a beautiful Grenache that comes from the cooler, northeastern edge of the appellation. Coming almost all from the Chapouin lieu-dit (it gets a small bit from La Janasse), it gives up the classic notes of black berries, spring flowers, violets, and licorice that I always seem to find in this cuvee. Building nicely on the palate, it is medium to full-bodied, beautifully textured, has tons of sweet fruit and solid, if not firm, tannin that come out on the finish. It will be better in another couple of years and have 15+ years of overall longevity.

Dunnuck

The 2012 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Chaupin is similar to the base cuvée yet has slightly more elegance and complexity, as well as structure. Coming from a cooler terroir in the northern part of the appellation and made from 100% Grenache, its ruby/purple color is followed by perfumed notes of spring flowers, violets, and licorice, and it has a beautiful core of sweet Grenache fruit. With medium to full-bodied richness, terrific purity and a great finish, it too is perfect for drinking over the coming decade or more. - JD 02/2018