Chateau Rocheyron 2012

DECANTER: "Described by winemaker Peter Sisseck as a 'challenging vintage', this has developed nicely and is drinking well now. On the nose there are obvious signs of maturation, with leafy, spicy characters, combined with cassis notes on the palate. Tannins are still quite in evidence, suggesting there is plenty of life left in this elegant, classic style. The overall effect is of restraint and balance, with understated characters and potential to develop for several years."

WINE SPECTATOR: "Very ripe, with lush, velvety layers of plum sauce, melted licorice, warm fruitcake and blackberry reduction. Polished toast lines the core and carries the finish, with the fruit gliding through, while a flash of chalk adds cuts and length. Shows impressive depth for the vintage, with good cut for balance. Best from 2017 through 2027. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 884 cases made."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "The 2012 Château Rocheyron is a blend of 20% Cabernet Franc and 80% Merlot, with 13.3% alcohol. Peter Sisseck commented that this vintage benefitted from improvements made in the vineyard, and that is evidenced by the nose, much more complex than the 2011 with ebullient red cherry, wild strawberry, minerals and crushed rose petals. The palate is well balanced with fine tannin, not as forward or as savory as the 2011, better structure with a pinch of white pepper and sea salt on the finish. You start to see the character of the vineyard come through with this vintage. Excellent. Tasted March 2017."

WEINWISSER: "90 % Merlot, 10 % Cabernet Franc. 13´000 Flaschen. Sattes Purpur-Granat, dicht in der Mitte, lila Schimmer aussen. Delikates Bouquet, rotes Cassis, Himbeeren, mit süssen Holznoten und Kokos unterlegt. Delikater Gaumen, sehr burgundisch, lang und dabei viel Finessen zeigend, endet rotbeerig mit einem Touch Grenadine. Momentan eher beruhigend, also kein Wein der blufft, sondern als Delikatesse seinen Weg suchen wird." - A.Kunz.

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Medium bodied, with a core of fresh, spicy, earthy black raspberries and dark chocolate covered cherries, this plush, polished will drink well young."