1 | Wine | Wine Futures, Red Bordeaux Blend | Page 3

"The 2012 boasts a dense purple color along with a gorgeous bouquet of camphor, black raspberries, kirsch, licorice and graphite. On the palate, some of the crushed chalk from the limestone soils makes an appearance. This gorgeously proportioned, full-bodied Cotes de Castillon is one of the two or three finest wines of the appellation as well as an outstanding sleeper of the vintage. It should drink well for 10+ years." -Robert Parker

"Offers a smoky, fleshy feel, with dark plum, charcoal and coffee notes. Features nice grip on the finish, revealing a lingering plum skin feel."

"The 2012 Fonplegade, a major success for the vintage, possesses a dense purple color along with sweet blueberry, black raspberry and crushed chalk-like notes intermixed with a hint of spring flowers. Sweet tannins, a medium to full-bodied mouthfeel, and excellent fruit, texture, opulence and richness suggest it will drink well for 12-15 years." -Robert Parker

"It reveals a dense blue/purple color along with a stunning nose of blueberries, spring flowers, graphite and a touch of toast. Deep, full-bodied, round and rich, it is not far off the quality of the brilliant 2010 and promising 2009. Kudos to new proprietor Christophe Lefevere for resurrecting this once moribund estate. Drink the 2012 over the next 15 years." -Robert Parker

"scents of black currants, white chocolate, berries, cedar and forest floor. Sweet tannin, a round opulence and medium body result in a classic, supple-textured Pauillac that should drink well young and keep for 12-15 years. It is very much in keeping with what most readers would consider the “house style” of Pichon Lalande, despite the fact that they are moving toward more Cabernet Sauvignon and less Petit Verdot in the final blend." -Robert Parker

"Another brilliant effort from proprietress Helene Garcin, the opaque ruby/purple-colored, medium-bodied 2012 Haut-Bergey reveals lots of smoky barbecue, forest floor, black currant and damp earth notes in a surprisingly dense, concentrated, positive, complete style. An outstanding mid-palate and length make for an impressive showing."
-Reviewed by: Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate - 90 to 93 pts

"Showy style, with lots of ganache and dark toast leading the way, backed by ample plum sauce, fig paste and currant confiture notes. Long, charcoal-framed finish has plenty of heft. Not shy in style, this has density and drive."

"Features a bright feel, with bergamot, raspberry and cherry pit notes. Slightly sinewy through the finish, but hints at fine length and good fruit in reserve."
Reviewed by: Wine Spectator - 88 to 91 pts

"Copious aromas of Christmas fruitcake, cedar wood, underbrush, incense, black currants and black cherries emerge from this sexy, medium-bodied, lush, fruit-forward St.-Emilion. It should be enormously appealing to consumers over the next 10-12 years." -Robert Parker

"Features a solid core of anise and plum, with a briary frame and light tobacco shading that should emerge with time. Shows good substance and weight."

"Delivers black tea and singed vanilla aromas, with supple red currant and iron notes. A pleasant backdrop of cedar comes into focus on the sinewy finish."

"Haut-Brion’s second wine, the 2012 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion, is a delicious, seductive, fruity, lighter-styled effort exhibiting plenty of crushed rock, floral and mineral notes intermixed with red and black currants, camphor and forest floor. This pretty, medium-bodied wine can be drunk upon release or cellared for a decade."
Reviewed by: Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate - 88 to 90 pts

"Offers plum, mixed berry and singed vanilla notes against a backdrop of anise and tar. Displays a sinewy edge on the finish, but the stuffing is there for development."