The wine exhibits Pauillac’s classic note of creme de cassis intermixed with vanillin, espresso and white chocolate. Medium to full-bodied and rich, with 13% natural alcohol, this 10,000-case cuvee should drink well for 15-20 years. Perhaps the key here was that the Cabernet Sauvignon was picked relatively late, between October 10 and 14. That appears to have given the wine an extra level of intensity and richness.Given the fact that this property, purchased in 2009 by real estate entrepreneur Jacky Lorenzetti, for decades has been a candidate for the most disappointing classified growth of Pauillac, the 2012 Pedesclaux is a revelation. Certainly the finest Pedesclaux I have ever tasted, it was made from stunningly low yields of 22 hectoliters per hectare, and the final blend was 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc. Finally, the 2012 reveals the potential of this vineyard which sits on the high Pauillac plateau adjacent to Pontet Canet and Mouton Rothschild.

The 2012 Pedesclaux has more complexity on the nose compared to the 2011 with blackberry, briary, sous-bois and pencil-box aromas, more Pauillac than the last three vintages. The palate is well balanced with a pointed entry, a little angular in style and perhaps needing more flesh and substance to develop on the finish. I like the tension here, though it needs more personality and more nuance to develop in bottle. Tasted March 2016.

This shows much more clarity than the 2011. Aromas of currants, lead pencil and flowers. Blueberries, too. Full body, ultra-fine tannins and beautiful fruit. This is a wine that shows finesse and structure for the vintage. Very polished and well made. Try in 2018.

This has a brambly feel, with a cassis bush note running throughout. The core of succulent plum, blackberry and raspberry fruit is bright and defined. Shows lots of racy grip through the finish, complemented by buried minerality. An excellent effort and a real surprise; this has blossomed following the élevage. Best from 2018 through 2025. 10,416 cases made.