TN: 2012 Clos Marsalette

[JimHow]

The last time I drank this wine, I believe, was the 2005 vintage. At the time, I thought it was a meticulously crafted wine. But I was concerned that it was too homogenized, too internationalized, too modernized. Have things changed in the intervening seven years? First of all, I've said it several times now and I'll say it again: 2012 is a very good vintage. It is a precocious, early maturing, medium bodied vintage, but the wines are refined, precise, "pure," with just the right amount of structure, tannins, and acidity. They will be lovely for 10-15 years. Now, on to the 2012 Clos Marsalette: Very lovely now. A seductive Pessac nose. Everything is technically correct. Drink it now and over the next decade. Nice smokey character. Very easy to drink. Too easy? Not sure how much it has gotten past the homogenization of a decade ago. Nonetheless, at $25, this is a nice expression of modern Pessac. It crosses the 90 point threshold for me.

[robertgoulet]

Very good wine, just had it the other day....and I prefer it to 2010

Also just popped a 2nd label 2012 Le Petit Haut Lafitte....had good structure, firm tannin on the finish...takes 10-15min. to open up...nice pessac expression...stones and lght smoke detected
Though I feel Clos Marsalette is better qpr .

[JimHow]

You get the impression, Bobby G, that the wine maker is just exponentially committed to improving quality from year to year. So the 2012 is gonna be better than the 2010. And the 2015 is gonna be better than the 2012… Etc.

[robertgoulet]

Don't get me wrong 2010 is a great wine, but marred by too much toasty oak....or that's what it tasted like to me

[AKR]

I think they are making reds and whites there. I know I've got a red of some vintage, but have yet to try it.

[robertgoulet]

Yes whites also

[Jeff Leve]

None of you guys have heard of Google?

You can always use the site I frequent a lot as well... http://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/bor ... salette-2/

[Nicklasss]

I had some 2009 Clos Marsalette and while good, definitely on the modern side. Not over the top, but definitely lush, smoky, velvety fruit. A polished style.

When you think Clos Marsalette is a great Pessac, just open a 1990 Chateau Haut Bailly to compare... You may change your mind.

Nic

[JimHow]

Agreed. It is polished. Too polished.
Still, a technically correct wine.
Just lacks personality.

[robertgoulet]

2012 CM lacks that extra gear but it's a nice drink