NV Chateauneuf du Pape La Reserve X XII XV

A super rich and complex style with abundant red, blue and purple fruit aromas framed in fresh herbs, gently spicy and woody notes. The palate has intensity and focus, delivers a ripe, rich and succulent impression and holds long. Delicious Châteauneuf. Drink or hold.

A non-vintage blend of Xavier’s favorite vintage, the NV Châteauneuf du Pape X XII XV is a massive, thick, unctuous beauty that’s almost overflowing with notes of dark fruits, blackberries, truffle, chocolate and crushed rock. You almost need a fork to drink this baby, but man, what a wine! It stays lively and fresh, with building tannin, a stacked mid-palate and a big finish. It will take 5-7 years for the baby fat to fall away, and it will have two decades of longevity.

While I reviewed this NV Châteauneuf du Pape La Reserve VII IX X (a blend from the 2007, 2009 and 2010 vintages) last year, I was able to taste it again this go around, and it still blew me away. Fabulously full-bodied and decadent, with loads of lavender, incense, black raspberry and cured-meat nuances, it’s still youthful and vibrant, with notable freshness and purity. Enjoy this brilliant wine through 2028.