Chateau la Nerthe, Chateauneuf-du-Pape (Rhône Valley, France) 2012

The 2012 vintage got off to a worrisome start, with winter freezes and strong mistral winds doing some damage in the vineyards, followed by a cool, damp spring, and then a dry and very hot summer, especially in August.  But for all its challenges the finished wine casts a spell with its complex aromas and exemplary red and black fruit flavors.  An energetic and vivacious wine, it also has a long, satisfying finish.