Critics reviews
Robert M. Parker, Jr. - 29/02/2012
About this WINE
Ch. Croix Mouton
Merlot
The most widely planted grape in Bordeaux and a grape that has been on a relentless expansion drive throughout the world in the last decade. Merlot is adaptable to most soils and is relatively simple to cultivate. It is a vigorous naturally high yielding grape that requires savage pruning - over-cropped Merlot-based wines are dilute and bland. It is also vital to pick at optimum ripeness as Merlot can quickly lose its varietal characteristics if harvested overripe.
In St.Emilion and Pomerol it withstands the moist clay rich soils far better than Cabernet grapes, and at it best produces opulently rich, plummy clarets with succulent fruitcake-like nuances. Le Pin, Pétrus and Clinet are examples of hedonistically rich Merlot wines at their very best. It also plays a key supporting role in filling out the middle palate of the Cabernet-dominated wines of the Médoc and Graves.
Merlot is now grown in virtually all wine growing countries and is particularly successful in California, Chile and Northern Italy.
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Description
A big-time sleeper in this vintage, this dense purple wine from Jean-Philippe Janoueix over-delivers for its humble pedigree. A blend of 86% Merlot and the rest mostly Cabernet Franc, it is a surprisingly big wine (over 14% alcohol) with notes of smoky barbecue, kirsch, blackberries, coffee and cassis. Luscious tannins, low acidity and a textured, multi-dimensional mouthfeel make for an impressive Bordeaux Superieur. Drink it over the next 3-5 years.
Robert M. Parker, Jr. - 29/02/2012
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