Region | |
---|---|
Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > Haut Médoc |
Colour | Red |
Type | Still |
One of the better values in classified growth Bordeaux over many recent vintages has been La Tour Carnet, which proprietor Bernard Magrez has resurrected to a very high class performance. However, the 2012 La Tour Carnet did not impress me nearly as much as earlier vintages. This deep ruby/purple-hued effort reveals a certain austerity and astringent tannin despite the high Merlot content (about 66% with the rest mostly Cabernet Sauvignon). It is an earthy, angular, medium-bodied, slightly astringent effort. Certainly elevage in the cellars will soften this cuvee somewhat, but for now, it looks like it needs several years of cellaring. It should keep for 12-15 years.
Very dark purplish with a strong blue note. Dense, interesting nose. The fruit and tannins seem relatively ripe here. Complex, complete, while without quite the savour and sap of a top growth but very well done. Far from opulent, mind you!