2012 Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé AOC, Bordeaux, France

Firm and quite deep, with a hint of tobacco and some cedar, also a light animal smell of ripe, partly preserved black berries and some cherries with earthy notes, mint, flint and a touch of cumin. Ripe, juicy, quite compact fruit, partly preserved, still rather youthful, while predominantly mature tannins, slightly chocolaty and nutty, spicy oak, persistent on the palate, very good substance, fairly warm, but also cooling mineral elements and elegant acid bite, some depth, very good, firm and juicy finish, which brings freshness despite the relatively high alcohol.

Best to drink: 2019-2028+. What our ratings mean