Château Balestard La Tonnelle 2012

89–91. Barrel sample. This is a rich, full and juicy wine. It's packed with ripe Merlot that lends a warm, strawberry-fruit character. There is great density on the palate and a touch of bitterness at the end.

Oak, licorice, caramel with round and soft black raspberries and chocolate-covered cherries. 90-92 Pts

Dark fruity and bright, rather full, with inky fruit, rather high ripeness, good freshness and some new oak. Fine balance and length, rather modern style, warm finish, attractive.

Deep purple-garnet colour, dense at the core, with a violet sheen at the rim. Concentrated bouquet with subtle candy-like notes, followed by ripe cherries and coffee. On the palate it is pleasant, though showing plenty of concentration here too; the tannins are slightly furry, but otherwise it has good potential.

Deep purple-garnet, dense at the core, with a purplish rim. Concentrated bouquet with subtle candy-like touches, followed by ripe cherries and coffee. On the palate it is pleasant, while also showing plenty of concentration; the tannins are slightly furry, but overall it has good potential.

Perfumed, sweet, velvety bouquet: blackberries, strawberries, mint, caramel, mocha. Sweet, opulent, broad palate with sweet fruit, powerful aromatics, plenty of tannin, and a long, fragrant finish. 17/20 2018 - 2034

A dense, tannic wine, a little firm, with good length, well concentrated and with slightly rustic tannins. It will need a bit of time to come into its own.

Dark colour with normal intensity. Fruity, aromatic nose. Pleasant, fragrant palate, medium-bodied, with tasty, well-integrated tannins. Medium finish.