Tertre Rôteboeuf 2012

The 2012 Tertre-Roteboeuf is without question one of the wines of the vintage. Remarkably vivid for such a big, super-ripe wine, the 2012 boasts superb nuance and delineation from start to finish. Dense, powerful and explosive, the 2012 is a real head-turner, but it is also going to need at least a few years to shed some baby fat. Still, the 2012 is impressive, even today. With time in the glass the aromas open up and tannins soften a touch, both indications of what is in store for those who can wait. The October 10 harvest was very much in line with the norm here. Tertre-Rôteboeuf is 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. The 2012 spent 18 months in 100% new French oak barrels. Drink 2018-2032.

Picked on 9th October and a blend of 20% Cabernet Franc and 80% Merlot, Francois Mitjavile's 2012 has a wonderfully pixelated bouquet with pellucid dark cherries, fresh raspberry and minerals. It is not as intense as either the 2009 or 2010, but then again, why should it be. It has the kind of bouquet that creeps up on you. The texture of the tannins scream "Burgundy!" on the entry, but there is a seam of graphite threaded through the dark berry fruit that brings you back to Bordeaux. It is not a powerful, extravagant or even a "gourmand" Tertre-Rôteboeuf, but it exudes poise, harmony and that oft-forgotten word...drinkability. Tasted April 2013.

Deep crimson, red fruited and (relatively) burgundian, hint of earthy mushroom. Sweet fruited, rich and deep, luxuriant, almost exotic by Bordeaux standards. Finely structured but melts in the mouth while retaining energy. Very long indeed. (JH)

The mix of hedgerow berries has a smoky slightly ethereal charm yet the palate is rich, deep profound with lots of ripe fruit. Black fruits intermingle with red sweetness then freshness lots of complexity. Although the back palate has a fresh feel the finish has a lovely depth of ripe fruit. 2018-35.