The 2012 Les Asteries, composed of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc planted in limestone soils, is one of the top wines in Malthus’s 2012 portfolio. It possesses a deep ruby/purple color along with copious aromas of crushed rocks, spring flowers, blue and black fruits and a hint of licorice. The wine is medium to full-bodied, surprisingly rich, ripe and full-throttle. Readers who love minerality in addition to copious quantities of ripe fruit and power will love this effort from a challenging vintage. It should keep for 10-11 years. This micro-production (around 450-500 cases) estate is owned by Englishman Jonathan Malthus.