Unlike 2011, the Grenache largely dominates the assemblage, despite of the low yields... Although more concentrated, the cuvée remains balanced,with an appealing drinkability.
The vintage

Indeed, all along the year, 2012 did not spare the Vignerons : even the savviest got confused, almost losing their points of references, while dealing with its tricks ! Heterogeneity in the vineyard would bear, right from the start, the mark of damage caused by winter frost. Sadly enough, very old Grenache and Syrah vines did not survive this frost. Loss of a precious heritage, impact on the yields of the upcoming harvest, Vignerons were already under pressure…
Conversely, the months of July and August were extremely hot, speeding up the maturing process, as a first step, but worsening water stress, in a second. Rarest reaction, the Vignerons came to bless the rains that fell beginning of September, as they profitably revived the phenolic ripening of the grapes. In the end, deciding the right moment to pick up grapes caused the serious Vignerons a real headache ! To the extent that the harvesting of the different cépages, in the different parcelles, followed a more than widely unusual order…
And now, for one more uncommon observation : opting for a later harvest was not necessarily the winning choice, in 2012 : the exception that
proves the rule !
Now, at this stage, as the Wines are nearing the end of the fermenting process,
they already impose their real potential : they are very, very, good… Thus, they lead us to admit that, from contrasts, Harmony can arise...

Terroir

Gard.

Type of soil

Round pebbles.

Ageing

In stainless steel tank.

Serving

14°C

Alcohol content

14%

Bottling

Without fining and filtration.

Cépages

Syrah : 60 %
Grenache : 40 %

Moving to the reds, the 2012 Cotes du Rhone Villages Les Becs Fins is a big, textured and admirably fruited effort that gives up notions of plum, blackberry, violets and spice in a full-bodied, delicious style. It should be a crowd-pleaser on release and drink nicely for 5-6 years.

Wine Advocate , 87-89/100 , 2013-12-01

A forward style, offering licorice and plum sauce flavors, kept honest by a hint of graphite. Drink now

Wine Spectator , 87/100

Mid purple. Very seductive sweet nose with real quality and artisan edges. I like the slightly chalky finish. Great drive in this wine. Long.

Jancis Robinson , 16,5/20 , 2013-11-04