The wine’s saturated purple colour immediately gives away the warmer vintage, as does its alcohol level of 14%. Upon opening, I was surprised by the fresh red currant aroma, a smell I more usually associate with young Rhône reds or new world reds from warmer climates. With around 20 minutes in the glass a more classic left bank Bordeaux aroma emerged with notes of earth, clove, blackcurrant and a touch of pencil shavings. The palate is a bit mixed: near monolithic tannins overshadow some quite good length and fruit, leaving an impression of stalks and wood, that I suspect understates the overall quality of the wine which is quite good. That said, by day 3, the wine was mostly shot. 86 points (very good)
Abv: 14%
Price: $40
Vendors: try Prince Wine Store
Website: Chateau Caronne Ste Gemme
Tasted: July 2012
