Chateau Beausejour Duffau-Lagarrosse 2012

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "This is undeniably one of the great terroirs in all of Bordeaux, with a beautiful southerly exposure sitting on pure limestone. The 2012 (14.3% alcohol) displays chalky, dusty minerality, black raspberry and blueberry fruit, medium to full body, delicate, well-integrated tannins, and a lush, medium to full-bodied mouthfeel. It is not going to make anyone forget the prodigious 2009 and 2010, but the 2012 exhibits its high-class nobility from this fabulous terroir. Drink it over the next 20 years. Yields were tiny – 23 hectoliters per hectare – and the final blend 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc."

WEINWISSER: "87 % Merlot, 13 % Cabernet Franc. Sattes Purpur-Granat, dicht in der Mitte, lila Schimmer aus sen. Traumhaftes, parfümiertes Bouquet, Damassine-Pflaumen, Rosenpfeffer, Waldhimbeeren, sehr vielschichtig. Sublimer Gaumen, konzen triert und trotzdem elegant bleibend, extrem nachhaltig, fast schon ein Elixier, im Finale fein pfeffrig und dezent kernig (= ein Punkt Abzug). Trotzdem ein bemerkenswerter, fast ganz grosser Duffau-Lagarosse. Kann also noch zulegen."

WINE SPECTATOR: "Quite ripe, with unctuous plum sauce and warmed fig fruit. A solid graphite spine gives this definition and drive, while smoldering tobacco and anise notes fill in the finish. The gorgeous echo of boysenberry at the very end bodes well for the cellar. Best from 2017 through 2030. 1,375 cases made."