2012 Château Faurie-de-Souchard

A powdered chalk minerality is present in this dense ruby/purple-colored wine. Slightly more virile and masculine than some of its peers, but very pure and well-endowed, with some moderate tannins in the finish, this is a very good to excellent 2012 that could represent significant improvement for this estate if it continues to evolve. Drink it over the next 10-15 years.

70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Bright deep cherry red. Matched by fine ripe red cherry fruit on the nose. Cedary Cabernet aroma but some very ripe fruit notes too. Fine fluid fruit within tight, fine-grained tannins. Appetising and energetic, with the fruit shining through. Nicely dry tannins with the ripe fruit coming back on the finish. The score is as much for pleasure as for longevity. (JH)