A step back from the 2013, the 2012 Claret (54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc, 10% Merlot and the rest Syrah, Malbec and Petit Verdot) is still outstanding, with lots of chocolaty dark fruits, bitter herbs, wood smoke and tobacco notes all emerging from the glass. Full-bodied, bright, focused and with notable acidity, it’s slightly extracted, but opens up nicely with time in the glass and will benefit from a year or two in the cellar. It should drink nicely through 2027. Note, this is the last vintage where the blend will include Syrah.