Chateau La Fleur Haut Carras Pauillac 2012
It’s late summer evening along the Gironde, and the air is filled with the scent of ripening grapes and distant sea breezes. The initial aromas are reminiscent of an antique study, filled with the rich scents of worn leather and aged mahogany. As the wine unfolds on your palate, it tells a tale of craftsmanship and the unique influence of Pauillac's gravelly soils. The flavors evolve from dark berries to deeper notes of graphite and spice, reflecting the wine’s connection to its origins.
Our Score: 83
Summary
Flavors: Dark berries, graphite, spice, leather, plum
Pair With: Ideal with beef Wellington or aged cheeses like Comté and Stilton. The wine’s robust structure complements the richness of these dishes, enhancing their flavors while providing a balanced counterpoint.
Drink Window: Best consumed 2017-2025. This wine is at its peak now but will continue to offer complexity and depth for a few more years.
Tasting Notes
Appearance:
Color: Deep garnet with a ruby hue
Clarity: Clear and brilliant
Aroma:
Nose: Aromas of blackcurrant, plum, leather, cigar box, and a touch of cedar.
Palate:
Flavor Profile: A bold entry with flavors of blackcurrant and plum up front, which transitions to complex layers of graphite, leather, and subtle spice on the midpalate and a long finish of cedar and dark fruits.
Body: Full-bodied
Acidity: Medium
Tannins: Firm and structured
Value for Money: Moderate. While not exceptional, it offers a taste of Pauillac at a more accessible price point than some of its more famous neighbors.
Similar Wines: Other wines from Pauillac, Bordeaux blends with a strong Cabernet Sauvignon component. Specifically Chateau Batailley Pauillac, Chateau Grand-Puy-Lacoste Pauillac.
Serving Temperature: 60-65°F (16-18°C)
Decanting: Decanting for 1-2 hours is recommended to soften the tannins and allow the aromas to fully develop.
Fun Fact: Iruai Winery donates a portion of its proceeds to support local indigenous communities, particularly the Shasta Indian Nation.
Technical Details
Winery: Chateau La Fleur Haut Carras. Known for producing classic Pauillac wines with a focus on traditional methods and expression of terroir.
Vintage: 2012. Characterized by a challenging growing season with a wet spring and a warm, dry summer, leading to wines with good concentration and structure.
Varietal(s): Predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, with Merlot and Cabernet Franc.
Region: Pauillac, Bordeaux, France.
ABV (Alcohol By Volume): 13.5%
Price Range: $40-$50
Quality Price Ratio (QPR) Score (A+ ~ F): B-
Winery Location Details: The vineyards are situated on the gravelly soils of Pauillac, which provide excellent drainage and reflect the sun’s heat, contributing to the ripeness and concentration of the grapes. The region is known for its temperate climate and proximity to the Gironde estuary, which moderates temperatures and protects the vines from extreme weather.
Production: Hand-harvested, traditional vinification with aging in French oak barrels for 12-18 months.Other Ratings:
Wine Spectator: 89
Wine Enthusiast: 87
James Suckling: 88
Robert Parker: 86
Deep Dive
Chateau La Fleur Haut Carras has been a staple of Pauillac winemaking for over a century, maintaining a commitment to traditional methods.
The estate's vineyards are planted with vines averaging 35 years old, ensuring deep root systems and complex fruit profiles.
The gravelly soils of Pauillac are particularly well-suited to Cabernet Sauvignon, which forms the backbone of this wine, providing structure and longevity.
Chateau La Fleur Haut Carras employs sustainable viticulture practices, focusing on maintaining the health of the soil and vines to produce high-quality fruit.