2012 Ch Clos Cantenac Grand Cru, St Emilion

Made from 100% Merlot this wine shows a deep dense purple black colour, vibrant but not opaque, with a hugely appealing zesty lively nose and a fine aromatic range of rich, ripe red fruits with hints of blackberries and cassis, enhanced by spicy notes of cinnamon and pepper.

The elegance and finesse is further supported by a lush fresh red berries, pencil shavings, fragrance, almonds, mocha, truffles and subtle soft grilled new oak notes. On the palate it displays lovely sweet and succulent crunchy bright red fruits and black cherries that spread right across the mouth with an impressive intensity of character and a subtle espresso and kirsch-like kick.

It is still tightly coiled, but shows good weight and a fine structure that is nicely balanced by the uplifting purity and freshness of the fruit, the juicy acidity and slight chalky texture, followed by fine velvety refined tannins and an amazingly long and seductive finish. Drink 2015 to 2024.