Domaine De La Mordoree, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, La Reine Des Bois, 2012

Domaine de la Mordorée’s La Reine des Bois is one of the estate’s flagship Châteauneuf-du-Pape cuvées, drawn from old vines and made with the concentration and polish that have long defined this Rhône producer. The 2012 vintage has moved into a lovely stage of maturity, keeping the warmth and generosity of the southern Rhône while gaining savoury complexity in bottle. Grenache sits at the heart of the wine, supported by traditional varieties that bring depth, spice and structure. Expect ripe black cherry, plum and fig alongside garrigue, liquorice, pepper, leather and a subtle earthy note beginning to emerge with age. Full-bodied and layered, but now softened around the edges, it offers both richness and classic Châteauneuf character. A confident match for slow-cooked lamb, game or anything with herbs and Mediterranean depth.