772 | Wine | New Arrivals, Margaux, 91 to 95

"Offers notes of smoke, roasted herb and cassis bush, with solid plum fruit. Shows grace on the palate, delivering dark, silky fruit and caressing tannins lined with an iron edge."
Reviewed by: Wine Spectator - 90 to 93 pts

"The 2012 Palmer's inky/purple color is more saturated than most Margaux's, and it offers complex notes of blackberries, cassis, licorice, truffle and spring flowers. The wine is dense, rich and full-bodied with a muscular appeal, but the tannins, as high as they are, are sweet and well-integrated. None of the new oak used during the wine-s upbringing is noticeable. Interestingly, this wine showed no evidence of dilution from the October 7-9 rainfall. I suspect it will require 3-4 years of cellaring, and should last for two decades." -Robert Parker

"This quintessentially finesse-styled Margaux exhibits notes of pure black currants, spring flowers, graphite and forest floor. With supple tannins and medium body, this pretty, stylish effort reminds me of the 2001 or perhaps a modern day, improved version of their 1979. The lovely 2012 should be drinkable in 4-5 years and last for two decades."
Reviewed by: Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate - 92 to 94 pts

"Shows a tight nose, but manages to convey pure, fresh notes of red fruit and violet. Almost sleek, with fine-grained tannins carrying the red currant paste and iron accents. The plum skin-tinged finish sings, displaying remarkable integration already. A very impressive showing today."

"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."

"A major sleeper of the vintage, the 2012 is a Labegorce that finally reflects the investments and change of staff and ownership that had held so much promise. A dense ruby/purple hue is followed by abundant notes of black currants, blackberries, licorice, a foresty/underbrush character and a hint of smoke. It also possesses a medium-bodied, silky texture. Drink it over the next 10-12 years."
Reviewed by: Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate - 88 to 90 pts

"Vibrant, with a racy, well-stitched core of damson plum, raspberry and blackberry fruit supported by fruitcake and graphite notes. Displays range and energy. Solid."