Giscours - Margaux 2012

Jancis Robinson

16

byJancis Robinsonthe9/26/2018

Ruby. Sweet and friendly even if without enormous density. No excess of ripeness. Just slightly thin. Drink 2018-2026

Decanter.com

92

byJane Ansonthe2/24/2018

This is not as concentrated as some vintages, but is an enjoyable Giscours with plenty going for it over the medium term. Smoky black fruit aromas lead to good weight on the attack and through the mid-palate, suggesting careful and well-controlled extraction of ripe fruits. This takes its time to open and is relatively subdued, but has an enjoyable depth and spiciness. The acidity is juicy rather than tight.

Wine Advocate

89

byNeal Martinthe7/29/2016

Tasted at the Château Giscours vertical and a few months later again at the property, the 2012 Château Giscours is a blend of 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc picked between September 27 and October 17. It has a rather conservative nose with raspberry, fresh strawberry, tobacco and light licorice scents. The palate is medium-bodied with supple black fruit, but with slightly aggressive acidity. Like the 2013, though to a lesser extent, it needs to show a little more concentration and finesse on the finish; but otherwise, enjoy this over the next decade or so. Tasted March 2016.

Vinous

92

byAntonio Gallonithe7/1/2015

The 2012 Giscours offers up a profile of savory herbs, smoke, tobacco, licorice, dried rose petal, all backed up by beams of tannin that will ensure the 2012 will drink well for another decade plus. The Giscours is a bit wild and unrestrained, as it so often is, but the 2012 is very nicely balanced throughout, with lovely persistence and plenty of harmony.

Wine Enthusiast

90

byRoger Vossthe5/1/2015

Wine Advocate

90

byRobert Parkerthe4/30/2015

The plump, rich and densely purple-colored 2012 Giscours, has turned out very well in this vintage, offering loads of fruit. A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, it has a moderate finish, and is medium to full-bodied, with excellent licorice and crème de cassis notes, and a broad, round, juicy mouthfeel. This is a wine that can be drunk young or cellared for 12-15 years.

Jamessuckling.com

92

byJames Sucklingthe2/15/2015

Some red cherries and plums with cedar and clove notes on the nose. This is a full-bodied red with soft tannins, lovely acidity and a long, floral finish. Structured Giscours. Drink from 2018.

Wine Spectator

90

byJames Molesworththe2/10/2015

This has a noticeable pepper and charcoal backdrop, but the core of black tea, crushed plum and warm currant confiture holds sway overall, while refined tannins carry the finish. Should fill out a bit more with cellaring. Best from 2017 through 2022. 23,330 cases made. –JM

Jancis Robinson

16

byJancis Robinsonthe12/11/2014

Not very expressive at first but smells riper than many - though there is still a light dustiness. Firm grip on the palate, dark and savoury and the tannins firm, dry but ripe. Good harmony without masses of fruit flavour. (JH)13.5% Drink 2020-2030

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

86-89

byIan D'Agatathe6/30/2013

Full dark ruby.  Dried redcurrant, red plum and coffee on the nose; turned increasingly herbal with air.  Juicy and intense, with decent acidity giving a penetrating character to the musky flavors of dark plum, blackcurrant and cedar.  Finishes with youthfully chewy tannins and decent cut and length, but a building dusty, oaky quality and a strong note of underbrush tempered my enthusiasm.

Le Point

16

byJacques Dupontthe5/16/2013

Fruits noirs, gelée de mûre, bouche onctueuse, tanins souples en milieu de bouche, frais, fin, assez élégant, rond, finale relevée. O= 2017 G= 14 ans.

Wine Advocate

86-88

byNeal Martinthe5/3/2013

Tasted from a barrel sample at en primeur. The Giscours is a blend of 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc picked 27 September until 18 October, with optical sorting machine used for the first time (though used three times at de Tertre.) I tasted this wine in two occasions. Despite patiently waiting, the fruit remains frustratingly out of sight and there are simple undergrowth and earthy notes that lacks the intensity of its peers. The palate is medium-bodied with pleasant, supple entry. It is nicely balanced but it lacks body and depth. I think 2012 is just one of those vintages that did not favour Giscours. Tasted April 2013.

Wine Spectator

90-93

byJames Molesworththe4/30/2013

A polished, silky style, with cashmere tannins that let the supple plum and boysenberry fruit glide along. Suave black tea chimes in on the finish. Appears easygoing at first, but there’s ample stuffing here. Solid. —J.M.

matthewjukes.com

16.5

byMatthew Jukesthe4/30/2013

Wine Advocate

88-90

byRobert Parkerthe4/30/2013

This deep, dark ruby-colored effort reveals developed and forward notes of licorice, roasted herbs, sweet black currants, incense and a touch of smoky barbecue/oaky characteristics. The tannins are soft and the wine is round, medium-bodied, plush and charming. While it is not the richest or most concentrated 2012, it is well-balanced and seductive. Enjoy it over the next decade or more.

The Wine Cellar Insider

90-92

byJeff Levethe4/26/2013

Blending 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc. Dark ruby in color, licorice, flowers, cocoa, cherry and cassis notes open to soft, refined, medium-bodied dark cherry- and cassis-filled wine with good freshness, supple textures and a red berry-dominated finish. 90-92 Pts

Decanter.com

17

bySteven Spurrierthe4/22/2013

Finely extracted cassis fruit, elegance and lift of Cabernet dominant, fine florality, purity and length. 17/20pts ( 90/100pts)Drink: 2016 - 2026

Jean-Marc QUARIN

16

byJean-Marc Quarinthe4/22/2013

Couleur sombre, d’intensité bonne et vive. Nez fin, fruité, de type mûr. Jolie entrée en bouche savoureuse et le vin se développe plutôt plein, très fruité. Charnu, parfumé, avec du goût, il s’achève sur une finale un brin ferme et une longueur normale.

Jancis Robinson

17

byJancis Robinsonthe4/19/2013

Drink 2020-2035Dark crimson. Hint of wood shavings on the nose. Well-melded fruit and great balance on the palate. Nothing forced, with real zest and great balance. Something a little meat flavoured about this – a welcome change from all the obvious sweetness.

Jamessuckling.com

91-92

byJames Sucklingthe4/4/2013

Plenty of delicious fruit in this wine with strawberry and raspberry. Full body, with creamy tannins and a fresh and clean finish. Gorgeous. Fine. 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, and 4% Cabernet Franc.