La Revue du Vin de France 14-15 / 20 the5/31/2012 Il apparaît un peu ferme, avec des tanins pas tout à fait intégrés. L'ensemble, qui comporte pour la première fois une petite proportion de cabernet franc, dévoile des notes de fruits noirs et de poivre. L'élevage arrondira la finale anguleuse.
Le Point 15,5-16 / 20 byJacques Dupontthe5/17/2012 Nez expressif, note fumée, fruits rouges, cerise confite, tendre, velouté, tanins poudrés, plutôt gourmand, séveux, tanins de qualité. O= 2018 G= 12 ans
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 86-89 / 100 byIan D'Agatathe5/12/2012 Good deep red-ruby. Raspberry, licorice and an enticing floral quality on the nose. Lush, smooth and sweet, with lovely violet lift giving energy to the dark berry, sweet pipe tobacco and milk chocolate flavors. This broad, rather generous wine finishes with ripe tannins and very good length. (A second bottle was gamey and earthy; my projected range reflects the first sample I tried.)
Decanter.com 16,5 / 20 the4/30/2012 Attractive fragrance of summer berries, clarity and vigour plus elegance, balance and potential. Drink 2015-2025.
Wine Advocate 85-87 / 100 byRobert Parkerthe4/30/2012 I had some sample variation when tasting this wine, but at its best, it is a medium-bodied, straightforward Medoc displaying classic herbal and black currant notes as well as light but noticeable tannin in the short finish.
TAST 15,5-16 / 20 by Bettane & Desseauvethe4/30/2012 Extraction plus poussée, avec une pointe de lourdeur en fin de bouche mais belle texture et certainement beaucoup de potentiel au vieillissement.
Wine Advocate 88-90 / 100 byNeal Martinthe4/27/2012 Tasted three times, it was difficult to obtain the aromatic profile on the nose with blackberry and wild hedgerow. The palate has a succulent entry with furry tannins. Fine acidity, nicely balanced and rather foursquare on the dry, tobacco finish. Rigid and upright. Tasted April 2012.
Jancis Robinson 15,5 / 20 byJulia Harding MWthe4/11/2012 Drink 2016-2024 Deep dark crimson. Sweet, fresh and perfumed red fruit on the nose. Fresh but a bit disappointing on the palate. Plays the fresh fruit card well but perhaps rather slight and dry overall. (JH)
Wine Spectator 84-87 / 100 byJames Molesworththe4/10/2012 Open knit, with bing cherry and mulled strawberry notes and a slightly airy finish. A bit too soft and light in the end.—J.M.
Wine Enthusiast 90-92 / 100 byRoger Vossthe4/3/2012 Big and firm tannins are palpable from the start, with a ripe and fruity core underneath. It has concentration along with the typical juicy character of the vintage. —R.V