Clos Puy Arnaud 2012

Bettane & Desseauve

About the domain :

Thierry Valette has always had a taste for wine; his great-grandfather owned Châteaux Pavie and Troplong-Mondot, two of Saint-Émilion's most prestigious crus classés. In 2000, he took over this 13-hectare estate in Belvès-de-Castillon (20 km east of Libourne), opting for the demands of biodynamic viticulture. Asteriated limestone predominates at Puy Arnaud. In the late 19th century, the 15 hectares of Le Clos were classified as Saint-Émilion Premier Cru! These soils bring a great deal of finesse, freshness and minerality to the grapes, enabling the bouquet to rival that of the "grands terroirs" (floral, spicy, truffle) as it gradually takes shape. The range asserts itself by its regularity and coherence: the cuvée pervenche, for medium aging, should be drunk within 5 years for its jovial fruit. Les-ormeaux releases a delicate juice, coupled with exemplary fruitiness in its gourmet balance. Velvety in texture, predominantly Merlot, this great wine shows great refinement in its tannic length, with well-expressed fruit and a stylish finish of great freshness. This is certainly one of the most accomplished cuvées on the Right Bank. On a blind tasting, this cru will surprise many, as it can compete with other more prestigious wines. It's one of the most original wines in Bordeaux!

Decanter

About the wine:

Creamy, with a lovely texture and ripe fruit. A blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc. As with many vintages of this cuvée, there's a subtle, elegant edge to the finish. It carries you away without you realizing it. Certified organic ECOCERT and biodynamic

Guide des Vins Gault & Millau

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the wine:

Thierry Valette, a renowned winemaker, has created this wine. A blend of Merlot and Cabernet from a biodynamic vineyard. The revelation of the vintage, this wine has a dense ruby/purple color, notes of black cherry and cassis, chalky minerality, good substance, excellent concentration, depth and length. Purity, overall balance and silky tannins suggest that this wine can be enjoyed young or cellared for up to ten years.

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the wine:

The 2012 Clos Puy Arnaud displays great volume and very well-controlled fruit ripeness.

About the domain :

Thierry Valette has owned this Castillon estate since 2000. Carefully crafted, the wine has established itself from the outset as one of the appellation's most interesting crus, with a deep, eminently racy style. The vineyard, now cultivated biodynamically, confirms all hopes. In addition to the first wine, Thierry Valette offers two thirst-quenching cuvées (Bistrot and Rouge) that reconcile us with fast-drinking Bordeaux. It's worth noting the coherence of the range and the determination to make both wines for immediate pleasure and vintages of great depth.

Wine Spectator

About the wine:

The 2012 is of the highest quality. It has a fresh, bright, unadorned style, with notes of plum, blackberry and violet. We're carried forward to an iron-tinged finish.

Jancis Robinson

James Suckling