| Brand | Chateau Franc Patarabet |
| Appellation | Saint Emilion, Bordeaux, France |
| Varietal | Merlot |
| Vintage | 2012 |
| Body | Medium |
| Taste | Dark cherry, plum compote, and subtle licorice |
| Alcohol | 12.5-13.5% |
Product details
Nestled on the clay‑limestone slopes of Saint‑Émilion’s Côte de Pavie, Château Franc Patarabet has been stewarded by the same family since its founding in 1845, laid down by a blacksmith of the village who passed the property through six generations. The estate spans roughly 4 hectares, planting approximately 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon on vines averaging 25 years old. For the Cuvée Léopold 2012, the winery blends tradition with modern precision—harvesting mechanically, fermenting in barrels and stainless‑steel vats, and aging in French oak with 15% new barrels and about 35% once‑used casks, while the remainder matures in tanks, yielding roughly 19,000 bottles annually. This blend and regimen reflect both the terroir’s finesse and the family’s long‑standing respect for nature and sustainable viticulture.
The 2012 Cuvée Léopold presents a deep, sustained dress with modest evolution, and a full, jam‑laden nose of dark cherry, plum compote, and subtle licorice, all married to tobacco and dark chocolate undertones—typical of a mature Saint‑Émilion blend that combines juicy Merlot fruit with structured, savory complexity. This vintage pairs exquisitely with rich, slow‑roasted lamb, venison with red‑wine jus, or mushroom‑infused risotto. It also stands up beautifully to aged hard cheeses, beef ribeye, or a savory pâté, highlighting the wine’s texture and layered spice.
