Harvest date: october 2, 2012
Grape blend: Merlot 77% / Cabernet Sauvignon 23%
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Appareance: This wine is a lovely raspberry-red colour with ruby-red highlights. It is deep-coloured, yet limpid, with elegant legs running down the inside of the glass.
Nose: It is intense and clean on the nose, with expressive red-berry fruit aromas as well as hints of musk and spices. Following agitation, its spicy, musky character becomes more noticeable. It offers fleeting hints of leather and moss, with light spicy, peppery nuances. The fruit is not very forward in this young wine, but will develop after a few years’ ageing.

Mouth: The initial impression on the palate is soft and rich, with an attractive freshness that persists throughout the tasting. The follow-through is beautifully round, with nice, soft tannins, and good volume… The leather and mossy overtones continue on the palate and the aftertaste features elegant spicy and green peppercorn aromas.

2012 red Château Couhins-Lurton is a truly well-balanced, luscious wine that I suggest you enjoy now, even if it will grace the finest cellars for many years. Best served at 18℃ with cheeses (Cantal, goat’s cheese, Lou Perac sheep’s cheese, etc.) and green salad. It will make a magnificent accompaniment to steak with a red wine reduction sauce and braised seasonal vegetables. (Bastien PLAS, Trainee Sommellier at the Lycée Hôtelier in Talence)