Wine Advisor
Soutard 2012
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
Tasted blind at the Southwold Bordeaux tasting. The 2012 Soutard has more vigor on the nose compared to 2012 Fonplégade and 2012 Larmande, black cherries and raspberry preserve, nicely integrated oak here. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, well-judged acidity, oaky in style at the moment, but there is sufficient fruit to support that—meaning that the finish has commendable harmony and sustain in the mouth. I agree with Robert Parker—this is a fine Saint Emilion from Soutard. Tasted January 2016.
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
Although it is made in a pinched, narrow style, there is some weight to this cuvee as well as the abundant tannin this terroir provides. However, the 2012 Soutard does not live up to the impressive quality of the 2009 or 2010, but then, few 2012s do. A dense ruby/plum/purple color is followed by earthy, crushed rock, floral and berry scents in this medium-bodied, angular/austere effort. The tannins are elevated in the finish. It will be more interesting to taste this wine after bottling.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
The Soutard is a blend of 63% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Franc, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Malbec and in this year it absorbed Cadet Piola (from whence the Malbec came!) The nose is quite reticent at first, much more classic in style compared to its peers, with light brine notes emerging. The palate is medium-bodied and somehow seems a little safe and conservative. Hopefully it will gain more vigour and passion by the time of bottling. Tasted April 2013.
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
Performing much better from bottle than in barrel two years ago, Soutard’s 2012 is probably one of the strongest wines they’ve made in many a decade. A blend of 63% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Franc, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Malbec, the Soutard terroir’s tendency for rough, astringent tannins has been tamed brilliantly by their current team. The result is a medium to full-bodied wine that is opaque ruby/purple in color, with loads of plum, black and red currants, earth, spice, and a layered mouthfeel. This wine represents the complete package – lots of ripe fruit, moderate tannin, and a long, pure aftertaste. Drink it over the next 15 or more years.
About the Producer
Chateau Soutard is located in the Saint-Emilion appellation on the right bank of Bordeaux, France, and is one of the Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classe. The vineyards of Château Soutar are located in the hinterland of the limestone plateau of Saint-Emilion and cover 30 hectares of limestone, clay and sandy soils. The vineyard is planted with 63% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Franc, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Malbec, with an average vine age of 30 years and a planting density of 8,000 vines per hectare. Château Soutar continues the traditional viticultural techniques, respecting the natural terroir of the vineyards and not interfering too much with the vines. For example, the vines are pruned in advance, thus simplifying the Green Harvest process and avoiding additional stress on the vines. Once the grapes have ripened, they are hand-picked by the workers and taken to the chiller, where they are transported to the cellar the following day. In the cellar, the grapes are vibrated and de-stemmed to select the best quality grapes for the wine. The grapes are then placed in small containers and transported by rail to stainless steel tanks and oak barrels for a cold maceration of about 5 days and an alcoholic fermentation of about 10 days. Malolactic fermentation takes place partly in stainless steel tanks and the rest in oak barrels. The finished fermentation is aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, of which 60% are new. Finally, the wine is carefully blended by an oenological consultant to produce a wine with complex and attractive flavours. Typically, 70% of the wine is blended into the main label and the other 30% into the secondary label. The Chateau Soutard, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classe, France is the main wine of the estate. With aromas of black fruit, firm tannins and a rounded palate, this wine has been favoured by a host of wine critics and reviewers. For example, the 2018 vintage was awarded 93-95 points by the Robert Parker Team.
