Notes: Hachette: 2** (Outstanding Wine) + Editor’s Choice, Decanter 4**** (Highly Recommended) and ranked among the 100 best wines of 2011
“The least one can say is that the transition from Luc Touchais to his son Lionel has been a success. For his first vintage, Lionel—a trained oenologist—has pulled off a masterstroke. Draped in a crimson velvet robe, this bottle captivates with its bouquet of vibrant aromas: dried fruits, toasted almonds, blackberry jam, and red berries. On the palate, it is triumphant: rich, velvety, long-lasting, and supported by a lovely tannic structure, it reveals a balance that borders on perfection. Already very harmonious, it will be just as so in four or five years. This wine is an undisputed favorite and deserves a dish of distinction: a salmis of wood pigeon to stay true to the Médoc spirit.” (Hachette Wine Guide 2012)
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Eye
A pretty dark dress with purplish highlights
Nose
The nose reveals notes of dark fruit, cedar, spices, leather, and bouquet garni.
Palate
With lovely dark fruit notes, grainy tannins, elegant and flavorful acidity, and a full range of flavors.
Serve
served in a carafe at 17°–18°
Open
and pour it into a carafe 2 hours beforehand
Drink from
2012
Apogee
2013
Drink before
2019
Production
65,000 bottles
Food and Wine Pairings
Une viande rouge grillée ou en sauce, de l'agneau rôti, un perdreau rôti, un magret de canard aux cerises, un plateau de fromages affinés...<br/>
Bettane & Desseauve
Rated Estate (2021 Guide) Selected (An estate or winery that impressed us with one or more of its wines, though we are unable to offer a general assessment of the style of its entire lineup)
Guide Hachette des vins
Rated estate (2020 guide) Award-winning wines (This producer's wines regularly receive awards from the guide)
About the estate:
A noble estate in the 14th century, this 20-hectare vineyard is dominated by an elegant Carthusian monastery built by Victor Louis in the late 18th century. It was purchased in 1964 by the Touchais family, who came from the Anjou wine region. Luc Touchais began replanting the vineyards in 1973 and passed the estate on to his son Lionel in 2005; Lionel is an oenologist with extensive experience at various wineries abroad.
Wine Enthusiast
Rated Estate (2020 Guide) Recommended (Wine producer recommended by Wine Enthusiast)
Jancis Robinson
Rated "Recommended"
James Suckling
Rated "Recommended"
Customer Rating
3.5/5
based on 80 reviews
Review by Mr. FRANCK S. Published on March 29, 2016
A really good wine that I've been drinking lately. Everyone agrees—both friends and family think it's really, really good.
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Review by Mr. THIERRY V. Published on March 26, 2015
Excellent wines—this isn't my first Balac.
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Review by Mr. FREDERIC B. Published on November 14, 2014
red berries and a long finish, though it remains average
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Review by Mr. ERIC G. Published on August 19, 2014
Is this a Médoc? Let's wait and see... The years go by, the bottles empty, but the pleasure is still a long time coming. It's not bad, but you can find just as good a wine at a grocery store, so...
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Review by Mr. CAMILLE D. Published on March 16, 2014
Drunk in 2012 and 2014. It deserved those two extra years of aging, which allowed the wine to fully open up. Excellent!
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Review by Mr. GERALD P. Posted on January 2, 2014
A Haut-Médoc that’s easy to drink, although, to my taste, it lacks a bit of the power typical of this appellation.
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Review by Mr. SARKIS D. Published on October 8, 2013
Aromatic bouquet. Fruity and well-structured. Good length. A sweet and sensual wine.
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Review by Ms. KATIA B. Published on April 24, 2013
I'm wrong about that, too. This wine deserves a 5 out of 5. It's only when you drink more of it that you realize it: rich, refined, and complex.
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Review by Mr. LAURENT P. Published on October 19, 2012
full-bodied - good potential - pairs perfectly with a rib steak with Roquefort sauce.
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Review by Mr. PATRICK G. Published on January 4, 2025
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