Chateau Giscours is a large wine estate in the Margaux appellation of Bordeaux. it was rated as a third growth in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification.

Giscours has a long, rich history which can be traced back to the 14th century. The real beginning came in 1552 when Pierre de Lhomme, a wealthy Bordeaux draper, bought a nobleman’s house called “Guyscoutz”. He proceeded to turn it into a vast estate and planted the first vines.

It was in the 19th century that the estate gained much of its finery and reputation, with transformation of the chateau into a neoclassical palace, the modernization of production facilities, and the construction of large buildings. In 1995, the property was acquired by Dutch businessman Eric Albada Jelgersma.

The Giscours vineyard has 102 hectares, planted with 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot on gravel and sand. A 63-hectare plot, adjacent to Giscours but outside the Margaux boundary, is bottled as Le Haut Medoc de Giscours.

The first label of Chateau Giscours has great finesse and elegance. The aging potential of this great wine is between 8 and 20 years or even more for the most exceptional vintages.

The 2012 Giscours is a Bordeaux blend from the Margaux sub-region of Bordeaux, France. This red wine, produced by Giscours, features a moderate alcohol content of 13.5% and is sealed with a cork closure.

This wine has garnered consistent praise from various reviewers, showcasing its balanced and complex profile. Decanter awarded it a score of 92, noting that while it may not be as concentrated as other vintages, it remains enjoyable with “smoky black fruit aromas” and “good weight on the attack and through the mid-palate.” The review highlights its “juicy” acidity and “enjoyable depth and spiciness” (Decanter, 11/24/2018).

James Suckling also rated the 2012 Giscours 92 points, describing it as “bright and fruity” with a “hot stone and currant character.” He mentions its “silky tannins” and “fresh finish,” suggesting it is suitable for both drinking now and holding for the future (James Suckling, 11/17/2015).

Jeff Leve from The Wine Cellar Insider gave it a 91, pointing out its aromatic profile consisting of “truffle, fresh herbs, blackberries, and black cherry scents.” He believes that a few more years in the cellar will enhance its complexity and softness (Jeff Leve, 5/11/2015).

Vinous’ Antonio Galloni, who also rated it 92, praised its complexity and balance, mentioning its “savory herbs, smoke, tobacco, licorice, dried rose petal” and the tannins that promise longevity. Galloni noted that the wine is “a bit wild and unrestrained” but maintains “lovely persistence” (Vinous, 1/1/2016).

Wine Enthusiast rated a barrel sample of the wine between 93-95 points, describing it as “firm, dry” and “solidly rich” with “fine acidity and black currant fruit.” The review emphasized its considerable potential (Wine Enthusiast, 4/1/2013).

Wine Spectator gave it a score of 90, highlighting its “pepper and charcoal backdrop” with a core of “black tea, crushed plum, and warm currant confiture.” They noted that refined tannins carry the finish and suggested that it would benefit from cellaring (Wine Spectator, 3/31/2015).

The Wine Independent also rated it 90, describing it as “medium to deep garnet colored” with “expressive scents of baked plums, Morello cherries, and redcurrant jelly.” They praised its “elegant and refreshing” palate with “lively red fruits” and a “soft-textured, perfumed finish” (The Wine Independent, 2/16/2023).

Jane Anson awarded it 93 points, calling it “another success in a run of good vintages at Giscours since 2010.” She noted its “gourmet, unfussy and easy to approach quality” with “fennel and cocoa bean notes” and a promise of good aging potential (Jane Anson, 2/7/2024).

Overall, the 2012 Giscours is a well-regarded wine with a range of complex flavors and aromas, suitable for both immediate enjoyment and extended cellaring.