2012 Chimney Rock Elevage
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
Radiant and expressive, with no hard edges, the Merlot-based 2012 Elevage is an excellent choice for drinking over the next decade or so. There is wonderful immediacy to the plummy red fruit. Hints of rose petal, cinnamon and French oak are laced into the generous, inviting finish.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The well-known Proprietary Red Blend, the 2012 Elevage (57% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Petit Verdot) exhibits an opaque ruby/purple color along with a beautiful bouquet of blue fruits, blackcurrants, spice box, flowers and a hint of mocha. More concentrated than either the Cabernet Franc or basic Cabernet Sauvignon, it possesses attractive elegance, medium to full body and a long finish. Still young and promising, it should be even better in 3-4 years and last for 12-15 years.
The 2012 Red Blend Elevage is built on a core of serious intensity. Dark red and black fruit, smoke, licorice, menthol and grilled herbs blossom in an intense, voluptuous wine backed up by serious tannin. I can't wait to see how the 2012 develops over the coming years.
The 2012 Elevage is dark, dense and super-expressive. A blast of dark cherry, spice, leather, chocolate, incense and dried flowers gives the 2012 its supple, immediate personality. The 2012 has aged well, but signs of aromatic maturity are creeping in.