As previously reported, it seems the Bordeaux 2012 Vintage is blossoming into a classic for Pomerol and it is also looking very good for the rest of the Right Bank. With this knowledge we are delighted to bring you our allocation two of our most popular properties.
Cousins Alexandre and Nicolas Thienpont own Vieux Chateau Certan and Larcis Ducasse respectively. We have been following their wines for many years now. Rarely do they disappoint. We anticipate a high customer demand for both so would urge you to place your orders without delay.

- Vieux Chateau Certan, Pomerol        Case x 6   £520 / €625 Alexandre Thienpont has been at the helm here for many years, steering his exceptional vines to produce one of the top performers of the 2009 and 2010 vintages. The vineyard occupies a privileged site and is blessed with a legacy of low yielding old vines. This year’s assemblage is 87% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon. Complex, powerful and dense, yet pure, ultraripe fruit and a long tannic finish augur well for its future development.

“A top success, the 2012 Vieux Chateau Certan is composed of 87% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon. Deep mulberry, plum and black cherry fruit notes intermixed with touches of graphite and subtle smoke lead to a medium-bodied wine with beautiful intensity, well-integrated oak, a velvety opulence and a long, impressively pure finish. A strong effort, it should drink well for 15 or more years. Alexander Thienpont continues to turn out brilliant wines from this property situated on the high Plateau of Pomerol. The harvest took place between October 1 and 11, producing 33 hectoliters per hectare. The 2012 achieved 13.5% alcohol, a pH of 3.8 and an index of polyphenols as high as the 2010, which was somewhat surprising. It is not nearly as powerful or rich as the 2010 or the 2009. All the old vine parcels of Merlot made it into the final blend.” Score: 92-94 Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (206), April 2013

- Chateau Larcis Ducasse, Grand Cru St Emilion        Case x 12    £390 / €460 Nicolas Thienpont and consultant Stéphane Derenoncourt of neighbouring Pavie Macquin took over the reins here in 2002 and the transformation has been stratospheric. The 2012 bears their usual hallmarks of low  yielding ultraripe fruit, intensity and purity.  The 2012  is made from 83% Merlot and 17% Cabernet Sauvignon.

“The 2012 exhibits notes of licorice, truffles, lead pencil shavings, barbecued meats, blackberries, black raspberries and a hint of espresso roast. Sweet new oak notes are apparent in the back of the wine, but its abundant fruit, full-bodied mouthfeel, and multidimensional texture as well as length, make for an impressive showing. This wine will need 3-4 years of cellaring and should keep for 20 years or more. Bravo! If you haven't yet jumped on the Larcis Ducasse bandwagon, it's time to do so. Even if the 2012 is not as potentially prodigious as the 2005 and 2010, it is a remarkable effort. Yields were kept to 23 hectoliters per hectare by the brilliant team of Nicolas Thienpont, Stephane Derenoncourt, David Suire and Julien Lavenu. The final blend of 83% Merlot and 17% Cabernet Franc has produced a powerhouse with 14.5% natural alcohol. This team's goal is undoubtedly to elevate Larcis Ducasse to the status of Ausone, Cheval Blanc, Pavie and Angelus. They are well on their way.” Score: 93-95 Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (206), April 2013

Le Pin 2012        Case x 2 bottles     £1750 / €2065 Le Pin’s release is always awaited with eager anticipation. Although we have not yet tasted the wine, by all accounts Jacques Thienpont has once again come up trumps.  This is their second vintage in the brand new winery and as usual it is 100% Merlot made from yields this year of 30 hl/ha. Given the tiny amount produced we consider ourselves lucky to receive an allocation and don’t imagine it will hang around for very long! However by purchasing these 2 bottle wooden cases we feel we are able to open up the opportunity of owning one of the world’s top wines to more than the privileged few.

"Jacques Thienpont prefers his 2012 to his 2011, but I found the wine difficult to taste from barrel this year, partly because the oak seemed a little aggressive. For all that, it's still a very good Le Pin, with the perfume and refinement that distinguishes this cult wine. Focused and sweet with red berry and coffee notes and a hint of greenness. Drink: 2020-35." Score: 94 Tim Atkin MW, timatkin.com, April 2013

"The 2012 Le Pin exhibits a surprisingly opaque purple color, moderately high tannin, deep mocha and jammy berry characteristics, unexpected headiness, an alcoholic blast and lots of glycerin and fruit. This beauty should come into its own in 4-5 years, and last for 15 or more. This 100% Merlot cuvee is a fresher, lighter-styled effort than this estate's blockbuster 2009 and 2010, but it is surprisingly intense with plenty of weight, clout and class. Yields were a tiny 30 hectoliters per hectare (due to poor flowering and excessive drought), and the wine was produced from fruit harvested between October 2 and 5." Score: 93-95 Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (206), April 2013