Mixed Case – Bordeaux 2012

Tasting Notes

This exceptional PRE-ORDER was offered late in 2021. The offer was such a success, we decided to top-up the order, certain some who missed the original offer will jump at the chance. So here goes…

Bordeaux – 2012 Vintage – 6 bottle case with 2 bottles of each wine
– $329.70 ($54.95 avg per bottle)

The 2012 vintage was rated 90 points by Wine Spectator which noted the season favoured right-bank Merlot based wines (of which we have 2 in this offering). All wines offered are majority Merlot based which succeeded better in this vintage than Cabernet based wines. WS notes that the wines should be in prime drinking range now.

The three wines we are offering are produced by small artisanal producers from St Estephe, St Emilion and Pomerol. The case is composed of 2 bottles of each of the 3 wines.

2012 Chateau La Fleur de Jaugue St Emilion Grand Cru :
This small estate in St Emilion (only 4.5 hectares) was taken over in 1993 by Mr. Georges Bigaud who takes care of his vines as if it were his personal garden. This is a blend of 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and the average vine age is 50 years. Vines are green harvested to ensure ideal fruit concentration and vineyards are hand picked, parcel by parcel.  Aged 18 months in new and one-year oak barrels. The result is a complex and aromatic wine, savoury and earthy with layers of lush, rich fruit – particularly plums, blackberry, black cherry, and cedar. 1,700 cases produced.

2012 Chateau Bonalgue Pomerol :
“This over-achieving estate is one of the most consistent performers in Pomerol. Always a well-made, fleshy, succulent, hedonistic wine” Robert Parker

The 2012 is composed of 95% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc. Grapes are handled carefully from start to finish. Manual harvest, followed by meticulous table sorting where each bunch is inspected, ensures the best grapes the vintage has to offer. In terms of winemaking, manual pump overs and punching of the cap are performed to attain ideal extraction.  The wine is then aged 18 months in fine-grained French oak barrels (50% new, 50% one wine). The result is intense aromas of black cherries, fresh strawberries and red plum with cedar notes. Medium-body with refined tannins and crisp acidity. Its personality: fully ripe grapes, aromatic nose followed by a complex and silky palate, this velvety Merlot is striking. Enjoy with classic meat dishes such as veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck, roast chicken, roasted, braised, and grilled dishes. 3,000 cases produced.

2012 Chateau Merville St Estephe :
50 % Merlot, 25 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 22 % Cabernet Franc, 3 % Petit Verdot. The vinyards are situated on the highest point of the appellation, in the district of St Estèphe. Some of their parcels are next to the prestigious Ch. Haut-Marbuzet and Tour de Pez. Grapes are vinified for 21 days in traditional cement vats, and the matured for 18 months in one-year old oak barrels. A rich and supple wine with oodles of blueberry fruit and soft, slightly woody tannins that will open up and turn into supple tannins with decanting. Grilled and roasted meats are a delight with this wine. 12,000 cases produced.