Picked on 9th October and a blend of 20% Cabernet Franc and 80% Merlot, Francois Mitjavile's 2012 has a wonderfully pixelated bouquet with pellucid dark cherries, fresh raspberry and minerals. It is not as intense as either the 2009 or 2010, but then again, why should it be. It has the kind of bouquet that creeps up on you. The texture of the tannins scream “Burgundy!” on the entry, but there is a seam of graphite threaded through the dark berry fruit that brings you back to Bordeaux. It is not a powerful, extravagant or even a “gourmand” Tertre-Roteboeuf, but it exudes poise, harmony and that oft-forgotten word...drinkability. Tasted April 2013.