Starting with the white and an absolutely knockout effort that’s both rich and fresh, the 2012 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc has gorgeous notes of golden fruits, melon, citrus blossom and edgy minerality all soaring from the glass. Vibrant, pure and lively, with medium-bodied richness, perfect balance and clean, integrated acidity, it’s a classy, versatile white to drink over the coming decade or so (although the safe bet is to drink in the first 2-3 years). Drink now-2015. Run by the Favier family, this relatively large estate (100 acres spread throughout the appellation) continues to produce a bevy of outstanding wines. While there was no Vieilles Vignes cuvee released in 2011, the 2012 is up there with the creme de la creme of the vintage. Importers: David Bowler Wine (212) 807-1680; Elite Estates, Braintree, MA; tel. (781) 348-8000 and Wine Adventures, West Des Moines, IA; tel. (515) 222-0866