2012 Capiaux Pinot Noir Chimera
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
The 2012 Pinot Noir Chimera displays attractive rhubarb, pomegranate, and Asian plum sauce notes intertwined with a hint of spice. With a straightforward, monolithic character, this savory Pinot Noir is satisfying in a less intellectual, more hedonistic style. Drink it over the next 3-4 years.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
(15% new oak; at 1,800 cases, this wine represents more than half of Capiaux's total pinot production in 2012): Bright dark red. Aromas of strawberry, loam, licorice and orange peel. Ripe and varietally accurate, with supple flavors of black cherry, dark raspberry and spices. Just a bit jammy but has enough energy and spiciness to maintain its balance. Capiaux uses a lot of 350-liter barrels. Very good reasonably priced pinot.
The 2012 Pinot Noir Chimera is the most subtle and layered of Sean Capiaux's three 2012 Pinots. Sweet tobacco, anise, herbs, red cherries, mint and licorice meld together as the 2012 opens up in the glass. This elegant, polished Pinot should drink well for at least another handful of years.