In contrast, the 2014 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve des Célestins is a significant step up and has ample density and depth, as well as medium to full-bodied richness; the wine has lots of sweet kirsch and cherry fruits, garrigue and peppery aromas and flavors. In addition, the tannin is sweet and polished, and it has more concentration, depth and richness than most in the vintage.

While I doubt there will be a 2013 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve des Celestins in the vintage (the same can be said about 2014), the la Crau old vines parcel that make up the cuvée were a big step up from the juice that makes up the Marie Beurrier cuvée. Offering plenty of herbs, roasted meats, licorice and pepper, it has solid ripeness, medium to full-bodied richness and a solid texture. It will be interesting to see how this all comes together.

According to Marcel Bonneau on this visit, all of the 2012 wine will be bottled as Reserve des Celestins. Tasted from barrel, the 2012 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve des Celestins flirts with that fine line between deep, chocolaty richness and raisiny over-ripeness. This is full-bodied and powerful but silky at the same time. If it's bottled soon, it should be amazing.