France, Bordeaux, St Emiliion
Grapes: 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc
Ageing: new 500-liter barrels
James Suckling
(JS=92) A firm and flavorful wine with chocolate, toasted oak, coffee and berry character. Full body, chewy tannins and a savory finish. A little bitter on the finish but this will come out nicely. Better in 2016. (RP=90) The more expensive cuvée, the 2012 La Fleur Morange, is the more serious of the siblings. Broodingly dark ruby/purple, with more cassis, black raspberry, earth and spice, it is medium to full-bodied, ripe, pure, nicely textured and long. This is consistently a top effort and ideal for drinking early on or cellaring for 10-12 years. It is a blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc from 80-year-old vines cropped at a lowly 25 hectoliters per hectare (14.5% alcohol).