“Enjoyable depth and spiciness”
Wine Region: Bordeaux - France
Grape: 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc.
Tasting notes: Intense aromas of ripe black fruits and smoky notes. Well-balanced structure with depth and hints of spices. Juicy and open, persistent finish.
Expert Ratings:
Wine Spectator 95 / 100 : “This firm, dry wine is solidly rich and full in the mouth. With fine acidity and black currant fruit that show through the tannins, it is a wine with considerable potential.” - Roger Voss
James Suckling 92 / 100 : “Some red cherries and plums with cedar and clove notes on the nose. This is a full-bodied red with soft tannins, lovely acidity and a long, floral finish. Structured Giscours. Drink from 2018.” - James Suckling
Decanter 92 / 100 : “This is not as concentrated as some vintages, but is an enjoyable Giscours with plenty going for it over the medium term. Smoky black fruit aromas lead to good weight on the attack and through the mid-palate, suggesting careful and well-controlled extraction of ripe fruits. This takes its time to open and is relatively subdued, but has an enjoyable depth and spiciness. The acidity is juicy rather than tight. Drinking Window 2021-2040” - Julie Albin
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 90 / 100 “The plump, rich and densely purple-colored 2012 Giscours, has turned out very well in this vintage, offering loads of fruit. A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, it has a moderate finish, and is medium to full-bodied, with excellent licorice and crème de cassis notes, and a broad, round, juicy mouthfeel. This is a wine that can be drunk young or cellar for 12-15 years.” - Robert Parker
About the Winery: Château Giscours is one of the largest Margaux properties and is now producing wine worthy of its 3ème Cru Classé status. It is located in the commune of Labarde and has over 80 hectares of vineyards.
Giscours was in a dire state when it was acquired by Nicholas Tari in 1952. He invested heavily and the quality of the wine improved beyond recognition. In 1995 he sold the property to Dutch businessman Eric Albada Jelgersma.
Giscours's wine is typically a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc. The grapes are fermented in temperature-controlled tanks and the wine is then aged in small oak barrels (30-40% new) for 18 months.
Giscours produces richly aromatic wines that are surprisingly powerful on the palate, displaying ripe, black fruit with hints of cedar and new oak.
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