2012 Futo 5500

Community Tasting Notes (14) Avg Score: 95.5 points

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  6/2/2021 - msuwine wrote: 94 Points

  This rich and meaty Cabernet needs another few years to unfold, since right now it is plenty powerful and polished - but it needs time to open up and show all it has to offer (which I think is a lot). As one might expect, the Stag's Leap is more peppery and dense than the 2012 Oakville, a wine I adored when I opened it a few months ago.
  
  Dark red in color; full in body; aromas of boysenberry, fresh embers, mocha, and peppercorn. Flavors of grilled blueberry, espresso bean, pencil lead, and thyme, with a dense and coiled finish. Blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Merlot. 14.5% alcohol. I think there is something special here, but it needs more time. 94+ at the moment, with upside in 2023 or later.

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  7/9/2020 - dfresh wrote: 94 Points

  Rich, pleasant bouquet. Makes you want to jump in the glass, it's so inviting. Ultra fine, dry, dusty tannins on mouthfeel. Savory notes dominate on flavor palate, mixed with some modest crushed blueberry and bramble. A slight note of vanilla and a tad of soy. Wine is ultra balanced but not very generous expression of fruit notes; wouldn't use the word rich as a descriptor but would definitely suggest boldness. Curious if it is in its drinking window or does it possibly need some more time? Medium to long finish.

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  6/8/2019 - sirpat00 Likes this wine: 97 Points

  Initially a tad closed (after 1h in the decanter) quite unlike my last encounter not too long ago. Lots of typical ripe cassis fruit and red berries, drops of baking powder and vanilla as well as a pencil shavings type of minerality. Great precision and delineation. A very juicy palate with incredible finesse and elegance despite a full body. Also multi-layered with a whole palette of aromas resonating back and forth. Once more, this one squeezed a tear drop out of my eyes at one point. But to my great disappointment couldn't quite match my first experience (score of 99) with the nose not quite a match for the fantastic palate. Was it the altitude (1,750m)? Bottle variation? A tougher line-up (incl. Cheval Blanc 1998 and Caymus 1997)? I'm left with no other option than to open another bottle before long…

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  6/8/2019 - Cailles wrote: 96 Points

  My first encounter with a Futo. Despite extended decanting the nose was completely muted but luckily, the wine showed its abilities on the palate. Nicely complex, seductive and, as a highlight, packed in a weightless structure only the best wines have. 98+ points for the palate, overall a 96+ wine.
  
  TN: Muted nose with some dark fruit and some nice stinky notes shining a bit through. Fully open on the palate with lots of cassis, blackberries, dark and red cherries, mint, eucalyptus, lots of spices, earthy notes, minerality. Everything is there. Nicely complex, good intensity and precision. Almost perfect structure with silky tannins and a perfect acidity giving the wine a sense of weightlessness. Very good length.
  
  Decanting: Decanted for 3+ hours which seems not enough (given the muted nose). I would go for 6-8 hours.

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  9/8/2018 - sirpat00 Likes this wine: 99 Points

  Decanted for 1h which seemed enough but wiith hindsight make sure to do 2h or more. Holy crap where to start? Intense ripe dark fruits of cassis and blueberries but sprinkled with brighter spots as well. Cedar, vanilla, peppery spices, milk chocolate and herbs.
  
  Full body with a lot of power yet weightless appearance on the palate - initially at least. Still firm tannins but super integrated and top balance which keeps you from realizing the still very high level of acidity. Clearly dark fruit and oaky here with a long finish.
  
  After 1h or so in the glass also a whiff of menthol and definitely more fresh herbs (maybe sage?), sweet savoury and licorice. The sensory experience is incredible boasting multidimensional elegance which - I kid you not - gave me goosebumps and made my eyes water briefly out of joy! Futo clearly works with less extraction than many of the local brethren.
  
  I initially went for 97 and had written in my notes that the only thing keeping me from awarding a higher score was the lack of the special kick or wow effect - but that did happen.
  
  To sum up: A nose that flirts hard, ver hard with perfection but still young and tannins could be even more velvety and still a bit wild with acidity. I have no doubt in 5 years time the 100 is doable! Right, 1 bottle left in the cellar - best to walk around with my hands tied behind my back in the meantime.

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