For the 2012 Fetit Clinet growing season, we made two green harvests. The first took place when the grapes began to change color and we did a second green harvest later in the season to remove any unripe berries.
The alcohol levels are lower than 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011. We are around slightly more than 13% with our 2012 Clinet.
At their best, 1982 Bordeaux combines sensuous, elegant tannins, richness, concentration, opulent, sensuous and occasional decadent textures with the ability to age and evolve into something special. Clearly 1982 Bordeaux deserves its fame. However, when compared to Bordeaux made today, 1982 Bordeaux falls short in one department, consistency.
It’s the date at which the harvest starts that is the most important. Then we must harvest as fast as possible and with luck, in the best possible conditions. The date at which the harvest ends is never anticipated at the beginning of the harvest. It is always confirmed just a few days before it’s there..
Historically, 2012 Domaine de Chevalier is a very late vintage for us. In fact this is the latest harvest start for the Merlot in the history of the chateau!
The wines included on this list of the top 10 best wines tasted in 2012, combine quality with the unique memory of the tasting. It’s easy to pick the best wines. But the bottles that offer a memory of a moment that remains etched in your mind, are the truly special wines.
Due to the lateness of the harvest, because we had to wait, it was difficult to find work for our workers in the vineyard that were waiting to start picking.