Vinous (95-97)

Rose petals, violets, anise and sweet red cherries lift from the glass in Dugat-Py's 2012 Mazis-Chambertin. The contours are refined, silky and polished throughout. This is a fabulous showing from a wine that is vibrant, crystalline and utterly breathtaking. Although the Mazis is quite floral and intensely aromatic, it also has plenty of depth and mid-palate pliancy.

Immerse yourself in the regality of the Bizot Echezeaux Grand Cru 2012; a premium red that encapsulates the rich viticulture history of the Echezeaux Grand Cru vineyard in Burgundy, France. Renowned vintner Jean-Yves Bizot, a stickler for tradition, employs biodynamic methods ensuring respectful cultivation of the vineyard's characterful old vines. The purity of the grape is paramount; interventions are minimal and no pesticides touch the sanctity of the vines.

The Bizot Echezeaux Grand Cru 2012 offers a harmonious blend of robust aromas, deep black fruit notes, laced with a truffle-infused earthy undertone. A vinous masterpiece veiled in regal burgundy hues, it evolves steadily in the glass, making each sip an unfolding narrative. The finale is a crescendo of integrated tannins, leaving a lingering presence on the palate. Decant with reverence and this sublime wine becomes a profound conversation, making a powerful statement in any fine wine collection.

The Bizot Echezeaux Grand Cru 2012 is the epitome of a master-class in Burgundy winemaking. Presented by the esteemed Domaine Jean-Yves Bizot, a producer revered for its devotion to organic practices and biodynamic viticulture in Vosne-Romanée. This exquisite vintage emanates from east-facing vineyards perched atop rich limestone soils, which imbue the wine with an incomparable mineral complexity.

This Pinot Noir effortlessly marries power with elegance, boasting an opulent, velvety palate. Matured in seasoned oak barrels, it exhibits sumptuous notes of blackberry, plum, and a hint of earthy truffle, all underscored by a tantalisingly long finish. It's a complex yet harmonious assembly of layered flavours and delicate tannins. An indisputable testament to the calibre of the Echezeaux Grand Cru slope.

Embodying the vibrancy of Burgundy terroir with quiet confidence, the Bizot Echezeaux Grand Cru 2012 is an exceptional wine perfect for serious collectors or those seeking the finest expressions of Pinot Noir.

Vinous (93)

Medium red, a bit pale at the rim. Soil-inflected aromas of red fruits, potpourri spices, minerals, flowers and truffle. Plush, rich and fine-grained, showing terrific volume and breadth and a restrained sweetness to the flavors of red fruits, smoke and earth. This seamless, stylish wine boasts strong soil tones and an inviting, very smooth finish. A beauty--and perhaps deceptively accessible today.

Wine Advocate (94)

A luxury cuvée from this tiny, 15-acre vineyard in the heart of Léognan owned by the Garcin family, the final blend on the 2012 Garcin is 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc and the rest Merlot. A big, full-throttle, full-bodied, impressive Pessac-Leognan, with notes of charcoal fires, burning embers, blueberry and blackberry fruit, this full-bodied, rich, supple wine is very impressive, beautifully textured and quite pure and long. This is a star of the vintage and certainly one of the best Pessac-Léognans. Drink it over the next 10-15 years.

Wine Advocate (94)

A dense ruby/purple color is followed by notes of black raspberries, blueberries, crushed rocks and spring flowers. This medium to full-bodied, well-endowed, authoritative Canon reveals some serious tannin in the finish, so 4-5 years of cellaring will be needed after bottling. It should last 15-20 years.

Indulge in the bold elegance of Canon Chaigneau 2012, an exquisite Bordeaux Supérieur hailing from the renowned Lalande de Pomerol region in France. Crafted by Nathalie and Lionel Chaigneau, this vintage is a testament to their meticulous commitment to quality, derived entirely from 35-year-old Merlot vines. Canon Chaigneau 2012 exhibits an enticing deep ruby hue, with delightfully balanced notes of ripe black fruit, woody undertones, and a whisper of vanilla.

Meticulously aged in French oak barrels, enriching the wine's complexity and offering a seductively smooth finish, Canon Chaigneau 2012 is a true vinous expression of its terroir. Celebrated by fine wine connoisseurs globally, this elegant wine is perfect for immediate enjoyment or further maturing up to a decade. A perfect addition to any discerning wine collection, Canon Chaigneau 2012 brings to life the artistry and sophistication that is characteristic of the world-class viticulture of Bordeaux.

James Suckling (92)

This red shows some cassis, blueberries and floral notes on the nose. Some tar, too. Medium to full body, juicy tannins and a fruity finish. Enticing wine. Drink now or hold.

Immerse yourself in the sensory delight that is the Castagnier Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Les Amoureuses 2012. This illustrious wine, crafted in the heart of France's Burgundy region, boasts rich layers of complexity. Hailing from the esteemed Domaine Jacques-Frédéric Mugnier, it tells a tale of dedication to terroir and traditional winemaking methods. The harvest of Pinot Noir grapes is meticulously orchestrated to preserve the dense flavour and velvety mouthfeel.

The Castagnier Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Les Amoureuses 2012 embodies subtlety, finesse, and elegance. Its enchanting nose unveils notes of ripe berries and vibrant floral essences, underpinned by a distinctive mineral streak. On the palate, one can anticipate a sublime sequence of luscious fruit and silky tannins. A masterstroke of winemaking wizardry, this luxurious red provides a long and compelling finish. Ideal as a cellaring wine, its potential for ageing is remarkable, promising continued evolution and an enhanced drinking experience.

Vinous (90-93)

(Tremblay took over these 15-year-old vines in 2009; not destined for the U.S. market): Dark red. Sappy nose combines minerals, flowers and earth; I would have picked it blind as Vosne-Romanee. Then juicy and spicy on the palate, offering black raspberry and brown spice flavors lifted by minerals. Nice density without weight here, and very bright on the long, juicy finish. Sexy juice.

Vinous (93-95)

The 2012 Vosne-Romanée Les Rouge du Dessus is arguably the hidden jewel in Cecile Tremblay's lineup. Layers of deeply spiced dark fruit jump from the glass in a wine of extraordinary purity. The brush strokes are broad in a wine with massive tannins and equally rich fruit. All the 2012 needs is time. Today it is embryonic, but dazzling all the same. The 2012 was vinified with 70% whole clusters.

The CG Paris Chiroubles Vieilles Vignes 2012 is a distinguished vintage, hailing from the famed vineyards of Chiroubles in the Beaujolais region of France. Produced by iconic winemaker, CG Paris, this wine is a jewel of the vineyard's distinguished heritage. This exceptional wine opens with a bouquet of red berries accented with a distinct, mineral undertone - an ode to the granite-rich soil in which it was cultivated.

Matured in French oak casks for 12 months, the wine flaunts a structured, well-rounded body, with tantalising flavours of ripe red cherries and a hint of rustic earthiness, providing a delightful finis. This vintage's velvety tannin structure and vibrant acidity make it a perfect accompaniment to both red meat dishes and strong cheeses. Indulge in the allure of French viticulture with the perfection that is the CG Paris Chiroubles Vieilles Vignes 2012, a testament to centuries of winemaking expertise.

Distinguished in the illustrious Beaujolais region of France, the CG Paris Chiroubles Vieilles Vignes 2012 is an exquisite example of expert winemaking. With the age-old vines planted on steep, granitic slopes, this wine captures the essence of its hallowed terroir. The winemaking approach, under the leviathan of Charles Gaget, adheres strictly to the traditional Beaujolais method, with semi-carbonic maceration yielding an eloquent expression of the Gamay grape.

This vintage is a testament to its remarkable year, showcasing fruit-forward complexity harmonised with vibrant acidity. The nose swoons with scents of black cherry and violets while the lush palate intrigues with vibrant raspberry and earthy undertones. A wine that embodies finesse and elegance, the CG Paris Chiroubles Vieilles Vignes 2012 is a choice worthy of the discerning connoisseur. Clearly, a testament to the exceptional potential of the Cheroubles cru, and a maharishi in the illustrious lineage of CG Paris offerings.

Wine Advocate (93)

One can’t say enough about the amazing job that Alain Vauthier and his daughter have done at this historic property on the decomposed limestone slopes of St.-Emilion. About half of their production goes into the second wine, Chapelle D’Ausone, which gives you an indication of the compulsive perfectionist attitude of the Vauthiers. The 2012 Chapelle D’Ausone has a dense ruby/purple color and is rich, broad and expansive, with notes of plum, blueberry and black raspberry fruit, powdered chalk and flowers. The wine is medium to full-bodied, beautifully pure and long and rich. This is better than many of the vintages of Ausone in the 1940s, 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s, which says a lot about what Vauthier has achieved. Drink it over the next 20-25 years.

Vinous (92)

Vivid ruby. Highly aromatic cherry and red berry scents are complicated by licorice, Indian spices and cola. Deeply concentrated dark fruit flavors show a suave blend of sweet and tangy, with a mineral nuance adding lift. Gains weight and sweetness on the clinging finish, which features a cherry-cola quality and fine-grained tannins that come on late.

Wine Advocate (100)

Another wine that topped out on my scale, the 523-case 2012 Ermitage l'Ermite is as profound an Hermitage as you can find. Coming from the granite soils located around the Chapel on the top of Hermitage hill, it's always the most tight, backward and structured of the releases, even more so than the Pavillon, which always seems to have another layer of sweet fruit to me. The 2012 is deeper and richer than the 2011, yet as with most 2012s, it more approachable and forward than the 2010 (and 2009 in this case). Exhibiting awesome notes of powdered rock, creme de cassis, liquid violets and lite gunpowder, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, awesome mid-palate depth and building, ultra-fine tannin that frame the finish. It's an incredible wine that will won't start to become approachable until a decade after the vintage, and then will keep for three decades.

Wine Advocate (100)

Sharing some similarities to the le Meal (yet its from a very different terroir), with its full-bodied, decadent, heavenly profile that somehow stays pure, poised and elegant, the 2012 Ermitage le Pavillon (767 cases) offers an extraordinary perfume of cassis, raspberries, crushed flowers, powdered rock and smoked earth. Coming all from the granite soils of the les Bessards lieu-dit, which produces some of the most muscular, concentrated wines on the planet, this serious 2012 is more approachable than either the 2009 or 2010, yet certainly is at the same level of quality. Give it 6-7 years in the cellar and enjoy it through 2042.

Wine Advocate (97)

A wine I've been lucky enough to have multiple times recently, the 2012 Ermitage les Greffieux is a full-bodied, deeply fruited, concentrated and blockbuster effort that's stays elegant, polished and balanced. Exhibiting incredible amounts of bloody meat, olive tapenade, campfire and sweet, expansive fruit, it needs 4-5 years in the cellar, and will drink nicely through 2034.

Vinous (92)

(20% new oak): Opaque ruby. Intense, mineral-driven aromas of ripe blackberry, smoked meat and incense. Pliant, supple and sweet, with a distinct smokiness to its dark berry and spicecake flavors. Finishes with slow-building tannins, repeating smokiness and strong floral persistence. A very strong showing for this bottling.

Wine Advocate (96+)

In complete contrast to the sexy, flamboyant les Granits, the tiny production 2012 Saint Joseph le Clos (which comes from a vineyard just a couple kilometers from the les Granits) is firm, tight and structured, with edgy notes of cassis, blackberry, powdered rock and ground herbs. Full-bodied, concentrated and rich, it needs 3-4 years in the cellar, and will have two decades of longevity. This is almost non-existent in the marketplace, but it's worth the effort to track down.

Burghound (95)

Here the nose is similar to the regular cuvée from a compositional standpoint but the fruit is denser, slightly riper and more complex as well. The very concentrated broad-shouldered flavors possess excellent concentration as the copious dry extract both coats the palate and buffers the extremely firm tannic spine on the explosively long but impeccably well-balanced finish. This is distinctly old school in style and will require extended cellaring to arrive at its peak. I would not recommend buying this ultra-serious effort unless you have the express intention of cellaring it over the longer-term.

Vinous (93)

The 2012 Vacqueyras Réserve sports a flamboyant perfume of cherry liquor and strawberry compote mixed with delicate notions of tobacco and dried lavender. Enveloped in silky tannins, this full-bodied beauty is packed with ample concentration and finesse. It seamlessly glides across the palate and concludes with an expansive finish. This utterly seductive 2012 red has reached its plateau of maturity and is ready for business.

Indulge in the exquisite sensation of the Chateau Pommard Clos Marey-Monge Monopole 2012, the unrivalled product of a renowned winery nestled within the Burgundy wine region of France. This high-profile monopole, born from the combined soils of iron-rich clay and deadly limestone, promises a dense, deeply layered Pinot Noir. The grapes, hand-picked at optimal maturation, follow a prudent vinification process ensuring preservation of inherent character and quality.

Considered a stellar vintage, 2012 was marked by challenging climatic conditions, which ultimately led to a smaller but supremely fine yield. The end result is a wine of elegant complexity, exhibited through an array of ripe red fruit, earthy undertones and delicate tannins. On the palate, the Chateau Pommard Clos Marey-Monge Monopole 2012 unfolds with incredible balance, escalating into a lasting, intensely flavoured finish. This is a profound reflection of meticulous winemaking in harmony with respect for terroir - a captivating portrayal of Pommard's Monopole heritage.

Indulge in the exquisite sensation of the Chateau Pommard Clos Marey-Monge Monopole 2012, the unrivalled product of a renowned winery nestled within the Burgundy wine region of France. This high-profile monopole, born from the combined soils of iron-rich clay and deadly limestone, promises a dense, deeply layered Pinot Noir. The grapes, hand-picked at optimal maturation, follow a prudent vinification process ensuring preservation of inherent character and quality.

Considered a stellar vintage, 2012 was marked by challenging climatic conditions, which ultimately led to a smaller but supremely fine yield. The end result is a wine of elegant complexity, exhibited through an array of ripe red fruit, earthy undertones and delicate tannins. On the palate, the Chateau Pommard Clos Marey-Monge Monopole 2012 unfolds with incredible balance, escalating into a lasting, intensely flavoured finish. This is a profound reflection of meticulous winemaking in harmony with respect for terroir - a captivating portrayal of Pommard's Monopole heritage.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (90)

The 2012 Puygueraud is a soft, supple red to drink now and over the next handful of years. Licorice, tobacco, menthol, plums and earthy notes are all laced together nicely in the glass. Medium in body and already quite forward, the 2012 is an excellent choice for drinking over the next handful of years. An intriguing array of sweet and savory notes lingers on the inviting finish. The tannins are a bit gritty, but this is a solid effort nonetheless. The 2012 is 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Malbec.