A candidate for the wine of the vintage, the 2012 La Violette has a very floral, blueberry and raspberry nose, inky purple color, exceptional texture, full-bodied richness and stunning purity, symmetry and palate presence. This is, possibly, the wine of the year. Unfortunately, there is so little of it available and it is virtually impossible to find. The vineyard is only 4.4 acres, the yields tiny, and usually the final blend includes at least 80% Merlot. Drink it over the next 20 years.

Classic dark raspberry and kirsch liqueur notes intertwined with a touch of spring flowers are a hallmark of this fabulous jewel of a terroir. This dark ruby-hued, medium-bodied, soft, elegant, pure, rich 2012 from proprietress Catherine Pere-Verge is undeniably a star of the vintage. Drink it over the next 10-15 years. At press time, I learned that Madame Pere-Verge had passed away after a long bottle with cancer. She was a very strong and dynamic woman I shall miss.

Pure Merlot, picked over three days from 6th October and micro-vinified in Saury barrels for seven days, the La Violette (the late Catherine Pere-Verge’s “baby”) has a typically opulent bouquet of candied orange peel, kirsch and fresh figs that are well defined. The palate is medium-bodied with supple rounded tannins. There is very good volume here, lovely smooth velvety tannins with succulent red cherries, wild strawberry, white pepper and minerals towards the long sumptuous finish. One of the hedonists...but still a very well made La Violette. Tasted April 2013.

A solid core of fruit with blackberry, dark chocolate and spices. Full body, with fine tannins and a long finish. Pretty length to this.

Good full ruby. Cool aromas of fresh blackcurrant, cherry liqueur and crushed stone. Sweet on entry, then focused and penetrating in the middle, with savory, mineral-driven soil tones dominating primary black fruit flavors of noteworthy purity. Finishes structured and long, but with a trace of dilution.

Bright and juicy, featuring a core of linzer torte and red currant fruit, with notes of bergamot and anise adding lift on the finish. Offers a lightly sinewy feel surrounded by solid flesh. —J.M.