Château Cartier 2012
Run by Alain Moueix
Technical Director Laurent Nougaro
Vintage weather conditions
The spring was cold and rainy. The vines were late to get going, and there were difficult conditions for flowering. July was exceptionally cool, but the second half of the month was dry. Warm weather set in during August, with a period of searing heat from 15 September was summery and autumn did not appear until the last few days of the month.
Harvest area*
17,59 hectares
Harvest terroir*
clay-limestone soil on the slopes and clay-silt at the foot of the slopes
Grapes harvested*
100% Merlot
Harvest dates
2 to 10 October
Winemaking
Cultivation methods
Estate certified organic since 2006 and biodynamic since 2008 – member of Biodyvin.
Maturation
75% barrels and 25% in vats
Yield
34,7 hectolitres / ha
Production
22.932 bottles
* For this Vintage.
Tasting notes
A beautiful garnet colour with touches of carmine. A complex nose of mineral, toast and mild tobacco aromas combined with a touch of spice, white pepper and olive, before the return of the fruit (cherries in brandy). On the palate, the wine is well rounded in the attack without a hint of roughness. The tannins are soft and smooth. The aromas return beautifully in the finish, enhanced by liquorice notes. A lively wine with beautiful tension and wonderful harmony.