January 28,2015

2012 Bordeaux

With 2009 and 2010 vintages embedded in our minds as reference points, 2012 is a vintage that makes you think about what should Bordeaux wine taste like.

In 2012 the uneven ripeness of mainly the Cabernet Sauvignon posed a great challenge or a great expense for those that could spend the money to manage the berries vine by vine and still do an intense sorting. There is no doubt that some regions were more blessed than others and some regions were cursed.

The 2012 Whites of Bordeaux

The white wines of Pessac-Léognan were delicious. This 2012 vintage of white blends of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon had freshness and good acidity but were slightly lacking in overall structure. This is a vintage to drink sooner than later.

2012 Barsac and Sauternes

Wines from Barsac and Sauterne may be in the bottle but they left out some of the botrytis in the wines. They are still enjoyable sweet wines.

Conclusion

Overall there was not a consistent quality level. A bottle from one Chateau in Margaux is not going to be representative of that region.There is freshness, ripeness, under ripeness, integrated tannins, dry tannins and etc. Some of the classified wines tasted like a well made Haut Medoc. There is value to be found in this vintage.
A vintage year to taste before you buy.