2012 BDX En Primeur

This event served to confirm that tasting En Primeur is notoriously difficult, for pro's and amateurs alike. I tried to keep my judgement and scoring on the conservative side. Wines are rated on a 5 point scale.

My overall impression is that 2012 is a very decent vintage, with good fruit characteristics and perfume. The wines displayed the more classical Bordeaux profile, whilst far from green or underripe. Moderate tannins and acidity should allow early drinking.

• 2012 Château Clos Haut-Peyraguey

  France, Bordeaux, Sauternais, Sauternes

  Pure botrytis on the nose, herbs. Good depth. 4+

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• 2012 Château Sénéjac

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Haut-Médoc

  Fresh, good nose, cedar and lead pencil. Not the longest of finishes. 3+

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• 2012 Château Marquis de Terme

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Margaux

  Very perfumed, tell-tale Margaux. Tannic. Feels incredibly young. 4/ 4+

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• 2012 Château Pape Clément

  France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan

  Very ripe, prunes. Heavy extract, fleshy. Difficult to judge--- overdone? Or will settle. 3+ / 4 / 4+

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• 2012 Château Talbot

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien

  Meaty stuff. Good fruit. And already a very good finish. Probably the best red of the flight. 4+

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• 2012 Château La Haye

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Estèphe

  Good perfume, good body. Just slightly let down by a rough finish. 3+ / 4

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• 2012 Château Sociando-Mallet

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Haut-Médoc

  Very primary, forest fruit. Slightly lacking in acidity. 3+

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• 2012 Château Lascombes

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Margaux

  This is almost Beaujolais-like, primary fruits and hints of fermentation. Difficult to judge. 3+/ 4/ 4+

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• 2012 Château Clauzet

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Estèphe

  A bit rustic but not bad. Very St. Estephe. 3+

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• 2012 Château Serilhan

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Estèphe

  Smoky, dark, tannic. So-so at this stage. Needs plenty of time. 3+

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• 2012 Château Grand Corbin-Despagne

  France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru

  Oaky, fleshy. Beef blood. Maybe early drinker. 3+/ 4

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