Petit Village - Pomerol 2012

Château Petit-Village is situated high on the magnificent Pomerol plateau, at the heart of the appellation, with a terroir consisting of wonderful gravel and clay soils. Its vineyard of 10.5 hectares in a single plot is shaped like an equilateral triangle. Its soil consists of deep gravel mixed with light sandy clays over a subsoil of ‘crasse de fer’ (iron pan), the characteristic of the wines of Pomerol.

Grape varieties are planted according to the soil. Each plot has its own personality and is planted with the corresponding vines. Merlot dominates on the estate (75%): it makes up the flesh of the wine and endows it with its velvety feel, roundness and generosity. Hen here are Cabernet Franc (18%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (7%), which give structure, complexity, freshness and aromatic intensity to the final blend.

Vinous

byAntonio Gallonithe1/31/2016

The 2012 Petit-Village is juicy, exuberant and forward, with striking palate presence, silky tannins and terrific overall balance. Sweet floral and spice notes add nuance on the gracious finish. Readers should expect a decidedly feminine, sensual Pomerol with considerable early and mid-term appeal. There is plenty to like here. The Petit-Village could very well be a sleeper of the vintage. In 2012 the blend is 80% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine spent 20 months in barrel, 80% new. Julien Lavenu is the consulting winemaker.

Wine Advocate

byRobert Parkerthe4/30/2015

Dense ruby/plum/purple, with notes of blackcurrants, black cherries, licorice and a touch of caramel, this wine shows some oak and background earth. It is medium-bodied, with excellent concentration and tastes noticeably improved over recent vintages. It is not terribly complex, but certainly satisfying, plump and well-endowed. Drink it over the next decade

Jamessuckling.com

byJames Sucklingthe2/15/2015

Aromas of dark fruits and flowers follow through to a full body, fine tannins and a fresh, clean finish. Very fine and pretty. One of the best PVs in years. Better in 2018.

Wine Spectator

byJames Molesworththe2/10/2015

This is nicely rendered, with dark plum, blackberry and black cherry fruit laced with mulled spice, roasted cedar and black tea notes. Everything melds pleasantly through the plush yet refined finish. Approachable now, but no rush. Drink now through 2022. 2,083 cases made. –JM

Jancis Robinson

byJancis Robinsonthe12/11/2014

Dark crimson. Scented, meaty, definitively right bank but relatively refreshing. Much juicier and more mineral than most Pomerols. And also a bit lighter. Hint of pencil shavings. I still wonder what would have happened if Gérard Perse had bought this property…Drink 2017-2025

timatkin.com

byTim Atkin MWthe6/30/2013

Is this the best modern vintage of Petit Village? It’s certainly a step up from 2011. Winemaker Jean-René Matignon says the quality of the Merlot was exceptional this year and it shows in the wine: sweet, sumptuous and ripe with hints of coffee and spice and a backbone of acidity and freshness from the Cabernet. Drink: 2020-35.

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

89-91

byIan D'Agatathe6/29/2013

(a blend of 80% merlot, 14% cabernet franc and 6% cabernet sauvignon; aging in 80% new oak): Fully saturated, opaque inky-purple. Aromatic coffee and tobacco nuances complicate pure blackberry and cassis on the nose. Then big and supple, with a peppery bite to the mineral and black fruit flavors. Finishes fresh and vibrant for such a rich wine but with a slightly tough quality on the rising finish.

Le Point

byJacques Dupontthe5/16/2013

Nez réducteur, bouche souple, ronde, assez juteuse, finale plus douce que sur certains millésimes. O= 2017 G= 10 ans