The 2012 Le Carre was made from 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc (under 300 cases produced). It exhibits a dense purple color, soft tannins, a sweet, full-bodied mouthfeel, and lots of fruit, glycerin and intensity. This beauty should be drinkable upon release and last for 10-15 years. Jonathan Malthus has achieved tremendous success over recent years and in 2012, one of the keys for him was not only triage, but keeping yields to a very low 4 grape bunches per vine.

Another beauty from Jonathan Maltus, this opaque purple-colored blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc from vineyards near Clos Fourtet and the property formerly known as Cure Bon, possesses a thick purple color as well as a big, sweet bouquet of blackberries, charcoal, crushed chalk and new oak. Intense and full-bodied with elevated, but sweet, well-integrated tannins, this big wine should drink nicely for two decades or more.

Generous volume of dark, savoury fruit. It has a certain complexity. Sweet and dense with a firmly structured finish. Drink 2018-2026. (16.5 points)