2012 Domaine de Marcoux Ch̢teauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes

Vivid ruby. Heady, expansive raspberry and boysenberry scents show superb clarity, with notes of incense and star anise emerging with air. Palate-staining red and dark berry flavors deepen and become sweeter with air while maintaining vibrancy. A smoky mineral quality adds definition and lift to the finish, which features silky tannins and an exotic touch of blood orange. This flamboyant wine checks in at 16% alcohol but I'd never have guessed it. (JR)