Château Soutard, St-Émilion, Grand Cru Classé, Bordeaux, France, 2012

Pure and fresh. Toasted note. Oak char on the palate. Firm, long finish. Good but can improve further.

The wine shows nuanced, refined and floral (peony) aromatics, and the palate reflects a more successfully ripe vintage than in 2011, with vivacity, spice, superior balance and an autumnal aspect, conjuring girolle mushrooms. The first vintage to include grapes (including 2% Malbec) from Château Cadet Piola in the blend. And the first vintage with consultant Thomas Duclos working with Michel Rolland. While you cannot escape a certain rusticity to the tannins, especially on the finish (botrytis pressure led to a hurried harvest, from 6-12 October), this is fun to drink: on its own or with mushroom risotto. Medium finish.