Two 2012 Chateauneufs, one excellent, the other outstanding.

[JimHow]

I recently pulled a couple Chateauneuf du Papes from the cellar.
The 2012 Beaucastel was big, rustic, backward, it hurt so good. 93 points.
I really, really enjoyed the 2012 Pierre Usseglio Cuvee de mon Aieul, amazing fruit, ripe, racy, stunning, it blew me away. 96 points.

[Nicklasss]

I'm not a Chateauneuf guy, but I must admit to have a sweet spot for Beaucastel and it's high level of mourvèdre.

A few years back, I also had an ok 2001 Usseglio mon Aïeul.

Chateauneuf seems to be a bit like Côte Rôtie: enjoyable young or with age.

Nic

[JimHow]

The Beaucastel clearly needs more time but for my palate that Usseglio was splendid.

[AKR]

I had the 2004 Mon Aieuol a couple of years ago. I thought it was a little strange, almost like licorice candy.

It was served blind, and a bit of a surprise when revealed.

Beaucastel is so consistently good.

[DavidG]

Mon Aïeul often comes across as a cocktail wine to me. I like it, but a glass, maybe two and I’m done.
Beaucasetl was the first CduP I fell in love with. Still in love, but I drink them a lot older.

[tiesface]

I have some of the 2012 Mon Aïeul. Great to hear. It was open for business I'm assuming?

[JimHow]

Loved it!

[jckba]

I generally enjoy the Mon Aieul bottling and will now be on the lookout for 2012, but, hopefully I’ll be able to find it on some closeout offer as Rhôneheads flock to the new latest and greatest vintages of 2015 and 2016 while retail stores look to clear room.

[JimHow]

Yes, and they don't give it away. The 2012 and 2015 are both in stock at MacArthur's, both sell for $89.