Dark red cherries, plums, smoke, licorice and menthol are all woven together beautifully in the 2012 Corton Clos du Roi. The firm tannins and brilliant, chiseled minerality suggest the 2012 will drink beautifully for many years, once all the elements have come together a little more fully. In 2012 the Clos du Roi is quite dark and eccentric, but it also holds considerable promise once the imposing tannins soften and release the layers of fruit that are waiting to fully emerge.

Tasted blind at the annual "Burgfest" tasting in Beaune. The 2012 Corton Grand Cru Clos du Roi from Domaine Camille-Giroud has quite a strong fishy accent on the nose. It is nicely defined with plenty of small black fruit tinged with oyster shell and seaweed. The palate is medium-bodied with supple ripe tannin, well judged acidity and a cohesive, hoisin-tinged finish that just cuts away just a smidgen too quickly. Otherwise this is a Clos du Roi that is well crafted and full of personality.