2012 Villemaurine

Tasted blind. Lively crimson. Green edges and yet some sweet fruit in the middle. Notably youthful. There is structure here. I think it will settle down eventually. Very St-Émilion. (JR)

One of the under the radar gems of the vintage, the 2012 Villemaurine is striking from the outset. A dark, sumptuous Saint-Emilion, the 2012 possesses gorgeous richness to match its sensual personality. Black cherry, smoke, plum and spices are some of the many notes that emerge from this beautifully layered, inviting wine. The 2012 is 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc. Hubert de Bouard is the consulting winemaker.

Twenty years ago, this used to be one of my candidates for the worst wine from a top terroir in St.-Emilion. Things have changed incredibly since the acquisition of this property by Justin Onclin. The terroir is fabulously situated just adjacent to the walls of this medieval village, and the wine has gone from strength-to-strength. The 2012 has a dense purple color, a rocky and chalky minerality, medium to full body, and is long, rich and intense, elegant yet noble. Consumers have to be pleased that this long-time underachiever has finally raised its game under the new ownership. This is a property to seek out in St.-Emilion. Drink this 2012 over the next 15-20 years.