2012 Chateau Hosanna Pomerol 750 ml

“Skyscraper-like texture and fabulous purity … Close to Perfection” — Robert Parker

When we returned from Bordeaux in April 2015, we, like so many other importers and négociants, tried to get our arms around an irregular 2014 vintage. Still, the biggest news on the Place de Bordeaux had nothing to do with the en primeur tasting. The buzz was all about the guy who never even made the trip!

Two months before, in a letter that sent shivers down the spines of the Bordelais, Robert Parker announced that, for the first time in over 30 years, he wouldn’t be attending the spring barrel-tasting. But lest any of us think that “The King” was about to step down from his throne, the creator of the 100-point rating system announced that he had re-tasted the 2012s, and would soon be publishing his second vintage report.

Particularly on Bordeaux’s Right Bank, and even more specifically in Pomerol, that report ignited an unprecedented sales bonanza. Parker “upgraded” dozens of 2012s, but most surprisingly, when the dust settled, one tiny château owned by Christian Moueix had stolen The Wine Advocate’s spotlight.

The staggering 2012 Château Hosanna — from a tiny 4.5-hectare Pomerol estate just south of Château Lafleur, west of Château Pétrus, and north of Vieux Château Certan — outpointed ALL of its neighbors with a 97-point rave review, making Hosanna Robert Parker’s top-rated Pomerol of the vintage.

Of this purple-black blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, Parker wrote: “a multidimensional mouthfeel, skyscraper-like texture and fabulous purity of blue, red and black fruits, this is a tour de force… Drink it over the next 15-20 years.” Given total production of just 1,500 cases, it was no surprise that just a few days after that review hit the web, the asking price climbed as the law of supply and demand took hold. But as is often the case with the well-heeled Moueix, the proprietor declined to sell the entirety of his production — instead opting to hold back a few hundred cases for a second release.

Ten cases have been earmarked for WineAccess of a 2012 Château Hosanna that outpointed Château Petrus, despite being offered for less than one-twelfth the price! $180/bottle — direct from the château. Shipping included on 2.