Chateau Giscours 2012

WINE ENTHUSIAST: "93–95. Barrel sample. This firm, dry wine is solidly rich and full in the mouth. With fine acidity and black currant fruit that show through the tannins, it is a wine with considerable potential."

JAMES SUCKLING: "A bright and fruity wine with a hot stone and currant character. Medium to full body, silky tannins and a fresh finish. Citrus undertone. Drink or hold."

ANTONIO GALLONI: "The 2012 Giscours offers up a profile of savory herbs, smoke, tobacco, licorice, dried rose petal, all backed up by beams of tannin that will ensure the 2012 will drink well for another decade plus. The Giscours is a bit wild and unrestrained, as it so often is, but the 2012 is very nicely balanced throughout, with lovely persistence and plenty of harmony."

DECANTER: "This is not as concentrated as some vintages, but is an enjoyable Giscours with plenty going for it over the medium term. Smoky black fruit aromas lead to good weight on the attack and through the mid-palate, suggesting careful and well-controlled extraction of ripe fruits. This takes its time to open and is relatively subdued, but has an enjoyable depth and spiciness. The acidity is juicy rather than tight. Drinking Window 2021 - 2040"

WEINWISSER: "Aufhellendes Granat mit mittlerer Dichte, feiner Rand. Dichtes Bouquet, fein würzige Mitte mit Pfefferkörnern, hellem Tabak und einem Hauch Eisenkraut, aussen Maulbeeren. Im Gaumen fein, elegant, schon fast milde Adstringenz zeigend, angenehmes Finale mit leicht süsslichem Beerenton. Es fehlt halt dann doch etwas an Konzentration und Druck für den nächsten Punkt."

WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Truffle, fresh herbs, blackberries and black cherry scents create the perfume. A few years in the cellar will help add more layers of complexity and softness to this charming wine."

FALSTAFF: "Dunkles Rubingranat, violette Reflexe, zarte Randaufhellung, zartes Nougat, feine Kirschenfrucht unterlegt, tabakige Nuancen, dezente nussige Aromen. Mittlere Körper, dezente Fruchtsüße, am Gaumen harmonisch, seidige Tannine, bleibt gut haften, schokoladiger Nachhall, angenehmer, zugänglicher Essensbegleiter."

WINESPECTATOR: "This has a noticeable pepper and charcoal backdrop, but the core of black tea, crushed plum and warm currant confiture holds sway overall, while refined tannins carry the finish. Should fill out a bit more with cellaring."