Le Petit Cheval 2012

Couleur sombre, intense et belle. Nez fruité, frais, et subtil. Bouche grasse dès l'attaque, aromatique, fondante, puissante et très fruitée, évoluant sur une bonne corpulence, vers une finale tannique mais noble et parfumée. C'est très bon et un superbe succès pour ce second vin. Assemblage unique de 75 % de cabernet franc et 25 % de merlot.

Tasted blind at the Southwold Bordeaux tasting. The 2012 Le Petit Cheval has a low-key nose that might be lost in the crowd of its more ostentatious peers, but it is well-defined with beautifully integrated oak, briary and graphite aromas developing with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp tannin, a keen line of acidity and an almost Left Bank finish that deserves a round of applause. Under blind conditions, I was not the only one to give this one of my most positive comments against the "big boys." Not to be underestimated. Tasted January 2016. - Neal Martin.

Ripe and fleshy, but restrained and stylish overall, with layers of warm raspberry coulis, blackberry preserves and plum sauce melding beautifully with the smoldering tobacco, anise and loam details. The loam edge keeps the elements grounded through the finish. - James Molesworth.

A refined and firm red with dried cherries, spices and coffee beans. Full to medium body,fine tannins and a delicious finish. Better after 2017.