A small 15-acre estate planted with 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, the 2012 Commanderie is a charming, soft, essentially one-dimensional and superficial wine. It does offer attractive strawberry and cherry fruit intermixed with hints of tobacco leaf and dried herbs. Drink this light to medium-bodied St.-Estephe over the next 5-6 years.

Composed of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc from the estate’s 15 acres (much of it consisting of gravel and sandy soils of the Cheval Blanc sector of St.-Emilion), this is a light to medium-bodied, slightly herbaceous, but richly fruity, well-made, round and front end-loaded 2011. Enjoy it over the next 5-7 years.

Good depth of fruit and good earthy Saint-Estèphe.