Château La Cabanne, Pomerol, Bordeaux, 2012

Riper than usual. Good fruit expression and firm but fine tannins. Definite improvement here.

Softer fruit structure than the 2009 or 2010, this has woodsmoke and truffle-laced strawberries. Enjoyable, not quite the same grip as many in the line-up, perhaps because this is the only one that is 100% Merlot (I only looked at the technical specs after tasting). First year with Thomas Duclos as consultant. 55% new oak.