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"The savory tobacco and cassis notes race along, with a charcoal frame. A backdrop of kirsch fill this out, displaying a peppery hint on the lightly dusty finish."

"A softer, less powerful and less prodigiously endowed Pontet Canet, the 2012 exhibits notes of creme de cassis and new barrique vanillin followed by a medium-bodied, elegant wine with sweeter tannin (and less of it) than is found in the great vintages that immediately precede it. The 2012 is certainly outstanding and, in fact, many readers may prefer it to the blockbuster, out-of-this-world, over-sized 2010, 2009 and 2008. Medium-bodied, pure and expressive, this classic Pauillac should only require 5-6 years of cellaring. It should drink well for two decades thereafter." -Robert Parker

"Juicy and round in feel, with a core of fleshy plum and blackberry fruit. A light briary edge frames the core, revealing enticing savory and chalk notes on the finish. Shows a touch more range and floral lift in the end than the d'Armailhac."

"Features a bright, lively, leafy edge, with cassis bush and tobacco framing the slightly tangy core of red currant and black cherry, showing a solid note of iron. Cuts a distinctive profile, displaying sappy intensity through the finish."

"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

"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

"A blockbuster effort for the vintage, the 2012 Saint-Pierre exhibits a dense purple color along with a big, sweet nose of blackberries, coffee, forest floor and camphor. This is a seriously endowed, surprisingly full-bodied effort that is atypically rich and textured for the vintage. Kudos to Saint-Pierre, one of the smallest but finest and most consistent of the St.-Julien chateaux. Give it 3-4 years of cellaring and drink it over the following 15+ years." -Robert Parker

"The dense purple-hued 2012 offers up notes of blueberries, lavender, incense, chocolate and toasty oak. The lovely aromatics are followed by deep, plush, medium to full-bodied, opulent, concentrated fruit flavors. Enjoy this beauty over the next 10-12 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