2012 Justin Justification
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Tasting notes
Glass-staining ruby. Complex, seductively perfumed aromas of cherry, cassis, pipe tobacco and potpourri, along with a smoky topnote. Juicy, spicy and penetrating, showing very good clarity to its dark berry, bitter cherry and floral pastille flavors. The intense, clinging, smoke-tinged finish shows a hint of floral pastilles and suave, slow-building tannins.
Critic scores
Average Score
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
Josh Raynolds
More reviews and scores
A blend of 58% Cabernet Franc and 42% Merlot, the 2012 Justification was aged 19 months in 47% new French oak. It's an impressive, full-bodied, nicely structured Bordeaux blend that gives up plenty of cassis, lead pencil, black raspberry and toasted spice on the nose. Already approachable, it nevertheless has the tannic structure to evolve nicely for a decade.
58% Cabernet Franc, 42% Merlot. Super smooth, velvety tannin. Impressively svelte, though the fruit is quite simple at the moment. There's enough concentration to merit ageing. (RH)