Château des Charmes Equuleus Paul Bosc Estate Vineyard 2012

Simon Chen rated this wine as 92/100 with the following review:

One of the best bordeaux blends from the Niagara region that I had. Black fruits, green, eucalyptus aromas on the nose but on the palate it's full of fruits and rich. Mid palate has soft tannin and structure and finishes a gentle lingering. Very balanced and structured.

Matt Steeves rated this wine as 92/100 with the following review:

Chateau des Charmes Equuleus is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc, and 25% Merlot from the St. David's Bench sub-appellation of the Niagara Peninsula. This flagship red wine is a deep ruby colour with an opaque core, the 2012 vintage was one of Niagara's best and warmest in recent history which contributed to this big and fully ripe wine that shows the great varietal characteristics of this popular wine region. Only produced in exceptional vintages, the 2012 shows dark plum, black cherry, mocha, graphite, leather, sous bois, and sweet spice on the nose. The palate is rich and concentrated with an elegant texture that sees the fine tannins sprinkled throughout and playing a supporting role without stealing any attention from the complex aromatic and flavour profiles. This award winning wine is a terrific example of the fine red wines Ontario is producing. Enjoy 2017-2027 and pair with roast beef and root vegetables.or firm aged cheeses. Tasted May 2017. 92 points. Matt Steeves - www.quercusvino.ca

Rebecca Meir-Liebman rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

Named for winemaker Paul Bosc’s other passion, Egyptian Arabian horses – equuleus is Latin for little horse – this is one of the better Meritage-style wines made in Canada. With the temperate climate of Southern Ontario, there simply aren’t many red wines that achieve as much ripe dark fruit notes, cassis, bacon and chocolate flavours as Equuleus does. This wine is made only in excellent vintages. These are the vintages the winemaker calls “Equuleus Vintage”, and one such year was 2012. It was hot, dry and extremely sunny, which allowed the fruit to fully ripen and is considered one of Niagara's best vintages. A blend of 50% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon from 32-year-old vines and aged one year in French Tronçais and Allier oak barrels, the flavours are rich and complex. This wine has great structure and tannins which allow the wine to age for at least 15 - 20 years; this wine will benefit from time in the bottle. If you love full-bodied, rich and meaty wines you'll definitely be pleased with this one! Pair with braised lamb shank or roasted lamb shoulder with rich lamb jus.

Cherie Cole rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

The story behind Equuleus vintages is unique. It is only produced when each of the 3 varietals (50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc and 25% Merlot), have reached a minimum of 23.5 degrees Brix. The aromas consist of dark chocolate, ripe cherry, damp earth and cassis. The tannins are chewy with flavours of black cherry dipped in dark chocolate with a long, chocolate & cassis finish. Enjoy now or keep a bottle to open in another 5+ years.

Greg Hughes rated this wine as 89/100 with the following review:

This wine is normally a bruiser - a bordelais blend based around Cab Sauv. This is the Bosc family's top wine. The 2010s are still drinking well. Expect similar longevity from the 2012, but more supple and fruit forward. The oak is less domineering in the 2012 too. They've refined the style for sure.
Aromas of vanilla, cassis, leaves, cassis, coca and cardamom. There's a rusticity to the tannins. Melted dark chocolate and plums build out on the palate. A few more years would do this wine a lot of good. Then pair it with some elk burgers or bison.

Jennifer Havers rated this wine as 91/100 with the following review:

A beautiful blend of Bordeaux varietals made only in the best years. This one is 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 25% each of Cabernet Franc and Merlot. This wine has lovely dark berry, plum, and cassis on the nose with an undertone of oak. The body is quite full but smooth with subtle tannin and balanced acidity. Finish is quite long. This is a lovely wine, would benefit from a but of decanting and can also be enjoyed for a few years (5-10) to come. Enjoy with a nice rare steak.