Clos Lunelles - Castillon-Côtes de Bordeaux 2012

Vinous

89 / 100

byAntonio Gallonithe1/31/2016

Clos Lunelles is Gérard and Chantal Perse's Côtes de Castillon. Dark, round and fleshy, the 2012 boasts gorgeous depth. Plum, blackberry jam, crème de cassis and mint are all knit together nicely. The tannins could use a touch more polish, but otherwise, this is a fine effort.

Wine Advocate

90 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/30/2015

From the Castillon outpost of Gérard and Chantal Perse, this blend of 80% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon is usually the leading wine of Castillon. Rich, concentrated, full-bodied and very much in the progressive style of Perse wines, the 2012 Clos les Lunelles is inky ruby/purple and offers crushed rock minerality, blackcurrants and blackberry fruit, full-bodied opulence and remarkable density and richness. The tannins are present, but sweet and well-integrated. This is a beauty that should drink well for at least a decade or more. A major sleeper of the vintage.

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

86-89 / 100

byIan D'Agatathe6/30/2013

Full medium ruby. Good aromatic lift to the aromas of blackcurrant, tobacco, herbs and mocha. Savory and lively in the mouth, with blackcurrant and mocha flavors lifted by sweet spices and flowers. The persistent finish features fine-grained tannins and harmonious acidity. Please note that this wine's name has been changed to the more simple Clos Lunelles; previously it was called Clos Les Lunelles.

Wine Advocate

86-88 / 100

byNeal Martinthe5/6/2013

The 2012 Clos Lunelles was picked between 6th and 14th October and it should be a blend of 80% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. It was cropped at 31hl/ha. It has a very opulent, candied bouquet with crème de cassis, orange zest and vanilla – modern in style, but nicely defined. The palate is medium-bodied with firm, taut tannins on the entry. It has a firm grip, but it needs to develop more flesh to keep the finish from tripping over into astringency. Tasted April 2013.

Wine Advocate

91-93 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/26/2013

The 2012 boasts a dense purple color along with a gorgeous bouquet of camphor, black raspberries, kirsch, licorice and graphite. On the palate, some of the crushed chalk from the limestone soils makes an appearance. This gorgeously proportioned, full-bodied Cotes de Castillon is one of the two or three finest wines of the appellation as well as an outstanding sleeper of the vintage. It should drink well for 10+ years. The reference point for how good the wines from this satellite appellation east of St.-Emilion can be, the 2012 Clos Lunelles comes from the limestone plateau of Ste.-Colombe. Made from 80% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, it may turn out to be as strong as the estate’s 2010.Drink: 2013 - 2023

The Wine Cellar Insider

89-91 / 100

byJeff Levethe4/26/2013

Ruby in color with intense stone, oak and spicy black cherries and anise, the wine is medium-bodied with elegant, soft textures and a spicy, long and fresh finish. 89-91 Pts

My Bettane + Desseauve

16 / 20

the4/25/2013

Puissance, intensité, tannin ferme, grande générosité. Persistant.

Decanter.com

16,25 / 20

the4/22/2013

A Gérard Perse (Pavie) wine. Full and powerful in style. Good fruit weight. Mineral and blackcurrant notes. Firm, dry finish. 16.25/20pts ( 87/100pts)Drink: 2017 - 2025Taster: James Lawther MW

Jancis Robinson

16,5 / 20

byJancis Robinsonthe4/17/2013

Drink 2017-202280% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Deep inky core and purple rim. Seductive black perfumed fruit, violets, damson and cassis. Rich and juicy and full of fruit but still fresh. Oak is just about eaten up by the fruit, with just a slight char on the finish. (JH)

Jamessuckling.com

88-89 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe4/4/2013

A solid core of fruit with a terracota, iron and fruit character. Full body, with a lovely density and a clean finish. Very refined. 80% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon.