Lanessan 2012

This 2012 Château Lanessan wine is a visual and olfactory delight. Its vibrant blend of colours, including bright, dark, and ruby hues, is a feast for the eyes. The fascinating array of dry extract notes, with aromas of rose, violets, and lavender, and a fresh hint of orange peel, blackcurrant, and fruit pastilles, creates a symphony of summer fruits in full bloom that is sure to captivate your senses.

The wine reflects its aromatic profile on the palate, presenting herbal and spicy dimensions alongside well-balanced red and dark fruit flavours. It has a classic firm structure, is medium-bodied, and showcases mild alcohol 13.5%. The tannins are well integrated by now, and the wine's 'simple' complexity has evolved beautifully. The balanced tension on the palate adds charm, making it a delightful drink that maintains its intensity.

This mid-weight Bordeaux has peaked, offering an exceptional experience for those who fully appreciate its unique qualities. Its short-medium length finish makes it a versatile choice, perfect for both casual drinkers and wine enthusiasts. We would rate this well-balanced and authentic Haut-Médoc at 91 points (DD91)for its incredible ease of drinking, making it a wine that can cater to various preferences and occasions.

The 2012 Château Lanessan, in particular, offers excellent value for its quality, making it a smart choice for any wine lover. The vintage was particularly challenging due to variable weather conditions, yet Lanessan succeeded in producing a classically styled Médoc red wine that is ready to enjoy now. Its style may remind some of Château Gruaud Larose and Château Lynch-Bages. The average age of the vines at Lanessan is 30 years, with a plantation density of 10,000 vines per hectare.

Château Lanessan is a respected Cru Bourgeois property in the Haut-Médoc region of Bordeaux. It describes itself as a Grand Cru Hors Classé, a designation from a previous owner's decision not to submit samples for the 1855 Classification. As a result, its traditional ranking as a 4ème Cru Classé was never ratified. Nonetheless, the chateau is known for producing wines of Cru Classé quality at Cru Bourgeois prices, showcasing exceptional quality and value.

The vinification process occurs in traditional concrete vats, with malolactic fermentation occurring in the tank. The wine is aged for about 12 months in a combination of 33% new French barrels, 33% one-year-old French oak barrels, and 33% two-year-old French oak barrels. The blend comprises 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot, and 5% Cabernet Franc.

Expert scores for all off-vintage or even some of the best vintages tend to be lower, generally in the 86-92 points range. However, Lanessan wines only add to their appeal, as they allow you to enjoy a wine of this quality at an affordable price, making them an excellent deal for any wine lover.