Country:
France
Region:
Pauillac
Size:
750ml
Description:
In 2012, after an especially difficult Spring and beginning of Summer, the weather conditions were very favorable for the plants from mid-July.Indeed, the Winter was very cold and dry, with an important deficit of rainfall. When the temperatures became warmer, the budburst began but was long and heterogen. The phenological shift also delayed the flowering, which was very disrupted by rainfall. At the berry set, there was sagging of the merlot and the yields were rather low. Generally, Spring was very wet with a heavy pressure of mildew. Prophylaxis and the balance of the vines played an important role in the control of fungal diseases.
The rains stopped in mid-July for more than 2 months, which is extremely rare. From this date, more favorable temperatures allowed to catch up but the high temperatures of August and especially the lack of water locally slowed the ripening of the young vines that do not have a sufficiently developed root system.
Finally, in late September rainfall led to the development of the skin and accelerated the maturation. We started the harvest on October 1st to end on October 10th, 2012. The distribution of the harvest on the foot (low yields) and the good condition of the vineyard, combining with a very precise work of sorting, were capital to optimize the quality of the vintage. Quickly, the merlot showed a remarkable flesh that we haven’t tasted for a long time. As the cabernet sauvignon, they did not disappoint us and were faithful to our land of Médoc. They are soft and rich of elegance. We will have powerful wines, tender and digestible. 2012 is a very good vintage and many successes are waiting for us ahead.
The nose is complex with notes of cassis, smoky and a hint of cedar. The mouth is also fruity with a slightly spicy touch and show an admirable roundness. An expressive, voluptuous wine with fine, freshness, and a beautiful aromatic persistence. This 2012 vintage is a pretty nice classic of Château Haut-Bages Libéral.