2012 Saumur Champigny
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Tasting notes
Aromas of cherries, pepper, dark wild berries, smoke and leather preface the 2012 Saumur Champigny Le Clos, a medium-bodied, elegant and tense wine with a velvety and round mid-palate that concludes into a long, peppery and delicate finish marked by calcareous dry extracts. This is an outstanding bottle of Clos Rougeard.
Critic scores
Average Score
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
James Lawther MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
Some evolution in the colour. Perfectly within its drinking window. Juicy but simpler and with less density of fruit. Some chalky notes and plenty of freshness. Dainty and caressing. (JL)
Argilo-calcaire soil, on the plateau calcaire. Ripens last because of the soil. 60-year-old vines. New barrels. A little darker than the Poyeux. There's a hint of oak spice here but it is very subtle and beautifully melded with the fresh fruit of the variety. This shows a little more of the leafy character of Caberenet Franc than the Poyeux, more graphite, exceptionally silky and alive. Less developed character on the nose. Seems cooler and fresher and a little less intense. Utterly elegant. Mouth-watering finish. (JH)
About the producer
Clos Rougeard is one of the Loire Valley’s most famous producers. Based in Saumur-Champigny, it produces fine Cabernet Franc in tiny volumes – wines that are almost impossible to source.