4 | Wine | Page 734

"One of the stars of the vintage, it boasts a dense purple color as well as a big, sweet bouquet of red and black currants, graphite, subtle flowers and well-integrated, toasty oak. Impressively built rich and medium to full-bodied without losing the quintessential elegance and finesse for which this famous estate is renowned, the 2012 Domaine de Chevalier is filled with purity, equilibrium and balance. The tannins are sweet enough that this wine should be accessible when released, and will last for 15-20 years." -Robert Parker

" It possesses supple tannins (unusual for this property) as well as a super opaque purple color, and an unctuousness and thickness that are normal for Clos de Sarpe (I have often accused this estate of making wines for those with 19th century tastes). It is undeniably rich and massively extracted, but not the least bit bitter or astringent. The tannins are surprisingly civilized and supple by the standards of Monsieur Beyney. This is a unique, original style of St.-Emilion that may not be for everybody, but it is of very high quality as well as exceptionally long-lived. It should last for 20-25 years." -Robert Parker

"Clinet is another star of the vintage. A powerful, full-bodied, muscular Pomerol, it reveals a dense purple color in addition to lots of opulence, a layered, full-bodied richness (somewhat atypical for the vintage), beautiful density and plenty of mocha, black cherry, truffle and graphite notes." -Robert Parker

"The inky/purple-colored 2012 offers up scents of white chocolate, creme de cassis, acacia flowers, crushed rocks and forest floor. This dense, full-bodied wine is still somewhat monolithic, but it is loaded with concentration and power as well as a long finish. While not totally formed, all the component parts are present." -Robert Parker