jeb Dunnuck’s Guide to the Best of 2014

Best of 2014 Current Releases

The Best of Languedoc & Roussillon

2011 Chateau Puech-Haut Saint Drézéry Quercus $60.00 Rating: 97

Lastly, one of the highlight tastings I did during my stint in the Languedoc earlier this year was at Puech Haut, which is located in the eastern/middle portion of the appellation, near the village of Saint Drézéry. While all of their cuvees were superb, the 2011 Quercus (100% Grenache) stood out for its incredible aromatics and blockbuster texture. It will stand side by side to the some of the greatest southern Rhônes out there with no problem. These are all made with the help of consultant Philippe Cambie, and while most top Châteauneuf du Papes are selling north of 100 bucks these days, these still represents value.

www.puech-haut.com

The Best of Châteauneuf du Pape

2012 Clos Saint Jean Châteauneuf du Pape Sanctus Sanctorum $625 Rating: 99

From a tiny plot of ancient Grenache vines located in pebbly soils of the la Crau lieu-dit, the Maurel Brothers of Vincent and Pascal, with the help of Philippe Cambie, produce one of the greatest Châteauneuf du Papes out there. Unfortunately, it’s made in tiny quantities (and bottled only in magnum).

www.closstjean.fr

2012 Les Bosquet des Papes Châteauneuf du Pape Gloire de Mon Grand-Père $50 Rating: 97

As I said in Issue 215, I don’t think any estate has made more qualitative gains in the past 3-4 years than Les Bosquet des Papes. Made by Nicolas Boiron, with the help of Philippe Cambie, all of this estate’s 2012s are superb, and come close to what was achieved in 2010. The Châteauneuf du Pape Gloire de Mon Grand-Père comes all from Grenache vines planted in sandy soils and was aged in a combination of concrete tank and older barrels before being bottled. It’s a thrilling 2012 that checks in near the top of the vintage.

www.bosquetdespapes.com

My Three Greatest Wine Drinking Experiences of 2014

2007 Clos Saint Jean Châteauneuf du Pape Sanctus Sanctorum $750 Rating: 100

I was lucky enough to have this wine numerous time this year, and it’s always been an eyes roll back in the head experience. This is Grenache at its finest!