Aromas of cherries, pepper, dark wild berries, smoke and leather preface the 2012 Saumur Champigny Le Clos, a medium-bodied, elegant and tense wine with a velvety and round mid-palate that concludes into a long, peppery and delicate finish marked by calcareous dry extracts. This is an outstanding bottle of Clos Rougeard.

Barrels one-to-two years old. Lightish ruby. Fragrant with complex mix of red fruits, a light meaty note and a touch of undergrowth. So winning and still showing the Cabernet Franc leafy/graphite note in the background. Gorgeous on the palate – so fresh and juicy and yet complex in all those lovely gentle flavours and great length. Silky and refined.(JH)

Some evolution in the colour. Perfectly within its drinking window. Juicy but simpler and with less density of fruit. Some chalky notes and plenty of freshness. Dainty and caressing. (JL)