2012 Paveil de Luze
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Tasting notes
80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot. 30% new oak for 12 months. Remarkably similar colour to the 2016. Dark garnet. This has lost its tannins already but is perfectly well mannered even if slightly dull. Correct with a light dustiness. Round and easy to like. In fact, you could drink it without food, even. (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
A powerful, authoritative wine, the 2012 Paveil de Luze is shaping up to be one of the under-the-radar gems of the year. Earthy and smoky notes add nuance, but it is the wine's explosive, deep personality that stands out most. Expressive floral, savory and ferrous notes meld into the expressive finish. Although the 2012 is more power than finesse, it offers exceptional balance and tons of personality. The blend is 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot. This is an impressive effort from Paveil de Luze, a Margaux property that could probably be a classified growth. Simon Blanchard is the consulting winemaker.
The president of the society of cru bourgeois (Alliance des Crus Bourgeois du Médoc), Baron De Luze, has produced another beautiful wine from his lovely estate. His 2012 Margaux exhibits supple texture, a medium to full-bodied mouthfeel, loads of blackcurrants, a hint of forest floor and floral notes. This is a silky textured, medium-bodied, yet lovely, concentrated wine that is endearing, complex, and typical of this terroir, which is probably under-rated and could easily qualify as a classified growth. Drink it over the next 7-10 years. A sleeper.
Blackcurrant, medium body, a little floral element. Rather simplistic on the finish. (RH)