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Search Flickinger Wine Inventory
Inventory updated: Sat, Feb 21, 2026 12:48 PM cst
Your search criteria:
Regions: USA Red
Vintages: Between 2012 and 2012
| Producer |
Vint. |
Wine |
Price |
Qty |
Order |
| | USA Red |
| Anakota |
2012 |
Helena Dakota Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon  |
$109 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 96 (10/2015): The 2012s are the most showy and forward of the three vintages, which is not surprising, since the vintage is flamboyant and they are already three years of age. Even as impressive, but showing more truffles, charcoal, graphite and camphor, along with blackberry and cassis, is the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Helena Dakota (1,017 cases). This wine shows even more fruit than its sibling and is bigger, bolder and slightly broader across the palate. All these wine are highly recommended and are brilliant efforts, but will probably need coaxing and patience in the cellar, given their rather bigger-than-life styles and richness.
VM 92 (1/2015): The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Helena Dakota Vineyard has turned out beautifully. Mocha, dark cherries, plums, spices, new leather and tobacco meld together in a large-scaled, voluptuous wine built on intensity, texture and volume. This is one of the more overt Knights Valley Cabernets readers will come across. The vintage has softened some of the contours, which simply adds to the wine's considerable up-front appeal. A sweet, layered finish rounds things out in style. My sense is that the 2012 will be even better once some of the baby fat drops off, but the wine is undeniably delicious today. (Drink between 2017-2027). Antonio Galloni. |
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| Antica Terra |
2012 |
Ceras Pinot Noir |
$150 |
1 |
|
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| WA 94 (3/2015): The 2012 Pinot Noir Ceras is Maggie Harrison's mineral take of Pinot Noir (she actually uses the word "aerial" in her technical sheet). It does indeed offer an ethereal bouquet that is just so succinct: a carapace of dark cherry and blackcurrant fruit interspersed with cold granite, walnut and smoke scents that are beautifully defined. The palate is medium-bodied with filigree tannins, a lot of salinity and superb tension all the way through to the finish. What a wonderful Pinot Noir - the kind of wine I can guarantee you will finish to the final drop. |
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| Arietta |
2012 |
88 Keys Cabernet Sauvignon |
$159 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 96 (5/2017): The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon 88 Keys is one of the finest wines I have tasted from Arietta. The 88 Keys is often dark and plush, but the 2012 has an extra element of aromatic lift that plays off the fruit richness nicely. Raspberry, red cherry, pomegranate and a host of floral/spiced notes give the wine its distinctive lifted, aromatically intense personality. The 2012 handled 32 months in barrel effortlessly. Moreover, the wine shows far better than it did a year previously. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Bedrock Wine Co. |
2012 |
Kamen Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (5/2014): (80% new oak): Inky ruby. Smoky cherry and dark berry aromas, with hints of licorice, tobacco and vanilla in the background. Spicy and focused on entry, then deeper and broader in the middle, offering juicy blueberry and bitter cherry flavors and a touch of succulent herbs. The vanilla note comes back strong on the penetrating finish, which is smooth, smoky and very persistent. Stephen Tanzer. |
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2012 |
Kamen Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon Scuffed Label |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (5/2014): (80% new oak): Inky ruby. Smoky cherry and dark berry aromas, with hints of licorice, tobacco and vanilla in the background. Spicy and focused on entry, then deeper and broader in the middle, offering juicy blueberry and bitter cherry flavors and a touch of succulent herbs. The vanilla note comes back strong on the penetrating finish, which is smooth, smoky and very persistent. Stephen Tanzer. |
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|
2012 |
Kirschenmann Vyd. Zinfandel |
$59 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (6/2014): Vivid ruby-red. Intensely perfumed scents of cherry skin, redcurrant, rhubarb, anise and fresh bay, along with a chalky mineral undertone. Dry, nervy and pure, offering vibrant red fruit and floral pastille flavors and complicating spiciness. Gains weight and power with air and finishes with incisive minerality and excellent persistence. There's something intriguingly nebbiolo-like happening here. This dry-farmed vineyard was planted in 1915. Josh Raynolds. |
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2012 |
Mixed Blacks Weill a Way |
$59 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 91 (2/2014): A plump, juicy red, the 2012 Mixed Blacks Weill a Way Vineyard is also one of the more approachable wines in this range. Dark red and black fruit, savory herbs, licorice and tobacco all jump from the glass in a flashy, layered wine to drink now and over the next few years. This is yet another super-impressive effort from Bedrock. Best of all, the Weill Away offers a bit more near term appeal than some other 2012s. Antonio Galloni. |
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|
2012 |
Papera Ranch Heritage |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (2/2014): The 2012 Papera Ranch Heritage, a Zinfandel-based field blend red, is another drop-dead gorgeous beauty. Dark cherries, plums, tobacco, licorice and new leather all burst from the glass. The style is rich, intense and voluptuous, but all the elements are in the right place. Today, the flavors are really popping. The 2012 is 54% Zinfandel plus an assortment of grapes, including Carignane, Petite Sirah, Valdigue, Cabernet, Trousseau Gris and others from a site planted in 1934. |
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| Belle Pente |
2012 |
Estate Reserve Pinot Noir |
$55 |
1 |
|
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| Bethel Heights |
2012 |
Aeolioan Estate Pinot Noir |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
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| Betz Family Winery |
2012 |
La Cote Patriarche Syrah |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 96 (6/2014): A cuvee that’s not produced in every vintage, the 2012 Cote Patriarche comes all from the Red Willow vineyard and mostly from the oldest Syrah vines planted in Washington. Inky purple in color, with mineral-laced blackberry, cassis, crushed flowers, smoked earth and licorice, this beauty hits the palate with full-bodied richness and depth, a seamless texture and an overriding sense of elegance that carries through the finish. Knockout stuff, it too will have 15+ years of longevity. |
|
|
2012 |
La Cote Patriarche Syrah (1.5 L) |
$140 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 96 (6/2014): A cuvee that’s not produced in every vintage, the 2012 Cote Patriarche comes all from the Red Willow vineyard and mostly from the oldest Syrah vines planted in Washington. Inky purple in color, with mineral-laced blackberry, cassis, crushed flowers, smoked earth and licorice, this beauty hits the palate with full-bodied richness and depth, a seamless texture and an overriding sense of elegance that carries through the finish. Knockout stuff, it too will have 15+ years of longevity. |
|
|
2012 |
La Cote Rousse Syrah |
$59 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (6/2014): More mineral-driven, with savory spices, dried earth and floral notes balanced by a rocking core of fruit, the 2012 Syrah La Cote Rousse is more backwards and reticent than the La Serenne, and will need short-term cellaring to unwind. Possessing full-bodied richness, beautiful concentration, high, yet sweet tannin, and a terrific finish, this awesome Syrah will be at its best from 2017-2027. |
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2012 |
La Cote Rousse Syrah (1.5 L) |
$100 |
1 |
|
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| WA 95 (6/2014): More mineral-driven, with savory spices, dried earth and floral notes balanced by a rocking core of fruit, the 2012 Syrah La Cote Rousse is more backwards and reticent than the La Serenne, and will need short-term cellaring to unwind. Possessing full-bodied richness, beautiful concentration, high, yet sweet tannin, and a terrific finish, this awesome Syrah will be at its best from 2017-2027. |
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2012 |
La Serenne Syrah |
$55 |
1 |
|
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| WA 96 (6/2014): As for the Syrah-driven wines, they do two main cuvees, one focusing on Boushey Vineyard, the La Serenne, and the other on Red Mountain, the La Cote Rousse. The 2012 Syrah La Serenne is a 100% Syrah that was aged in 50% new French oak prior to bottling. I think the greatest vintage of this cuvee to date, it boasts an incredibly inky purple color to go with notions of creme de cassis, damp earth, graphite, smoke and licorice that flow to a full-bodied, voluptuously textured profile on the palate. Despite all of the richness, it stays thrillingly focused and shows the purity and elegance of the site. Enjoy it anytime over the coming 10-15 years. |
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|
2012 |
La Serenne Syrah (1.5 L) |
$109 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 96 (6/2014): As for the Syrah-driven wines, they do two main cuvees, one focusing on Boushey Vineyard, the La Serenne, and the other on Red Mountain, the La Cote Rousse. The 2012 Syrah La Serenne is a 100% Syrah that was aged in 50% new French oak prior to bottling. I think the greatest vintage of this cuvee to date, it boasts an incredibly inky purple color to go with notions of creme de cassis, damp earth, graphite, smoke and licorice that flow to a full-bodied, voluptuously textured profile on the palate. Despite all of the richness, it stays thrillingly focused and shows the purity and elegance of the site. Enjoy it anytime over the coming 10-15 years. |
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|
2012 |
Le Parrain Proprietary Blend |
$119 |
5 |
|
| |
WA 99 (5/2015): A wine that flirts with perfection, the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon le Parrain consists of 9 barrels of Cabernet Sauvignon, all from Red Mountain (Ciel du Cheval, Kiona and Heart of the Hill vineyards), that spent 20 months in 100% new French oak. Only made twice since 1997, it offers an extraordinary bouquet of cassis, lead pencil shavings, liquid violets and crushed rock. This gives way to a full-bodied, layered, elegant, yet massively concentrated wine that never puts of foot wrong, is always perfectly balanced and has incredible purity of fruit. Tasting like a first growth Bordeaux from a great vintage, it will need a decade of cellaring and keep for a quarter of a century. Hats off to the team here for this stunner!
VM 95 (11/2015): (100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Kiona and Ciel du Cheval vineyards on Red Mountain; aged for 20 months in all new French barriques, mostly from Taransaud and Seguin-Moreau): Deep medium ruby. Very pure, alluring aromas of black cherry, cassis, brown spices, menthol, herbs and black olive. Offers a rare combination of seamless mouth feel, serious weight and Outstanding energy, conveying powerful vinosity to the flavors of dark fruits, spices and dark chocolate. Finishes with big but refined tannins, fully buffered by the wine's very high 30 grams/liter dry extract. Incredibly dense, large-scaled, classic Cabernet with Outstanding palate presence and length. This special bottling was only made previously in vintage 2005, when it was Betz's first-ever 100% Cabernet Sauvignon wine. "It's got to be better and different," said Betz. "And we won't bottle this fruit separately if that meant compromising our regular wine." |
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2012 |
Pere de Famille Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$135 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 95+ (6/2015): Containing the highest percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon ever, the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Pere de Famille is a blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot, with is all from Red Mountain, and saw 19 months in new French oak. It's an inky colored, classic Betz Family wine that's loaded with perfectly ripe black fruits, lead pencil shavings, scorched earth and the searing minerality and dusty earth quality that comes only from Red Mountain. Full-bodied, structured and layered, with rockin' purity and focus, give it 7-8 years of bottle age and drink it over the following two decades.
VM 94+ (12/2014): (14.5% alcohol; includes 2.5% each Merlot and petit verdot; aged in 70% new oak): Bright red-ruby. Ineffable wild aromas of blackberry, espresso, licorice, pepper, mint tea and cinnamon, complicated by a whiff of game. Boasts an utterly aristocratic texture and great lift but shows little obvious sweetness in the early going. Great incipient complexity to the suave, fine-grained flavors of red fruits, spices, flowers and minerals. More taut and backward on the end than the Clos de Betz but not at all hard, this seriously structured cabernet displays a slow-building, inexorable finish, with tannins buried in flavor. (I also tasted a sample of Betz’s 2012 Le Parrain (“the godfather”) Cabernet Sauvignon shortly before bottling. Made entirely from clone 8 and aged in very expensive Taransaud Quintessence barrels, this beauty offers knockout perfume of black raspberry, blackberry, violet and minerals; a supple, savory, sharply delineated palate with pungent pepper and violet high notes lifting the dark berry, saline mineral and sexy oak flavors; and extremely suave tannins that spread out to saturate the palate on the superb rising finish. This special bottling, previously made in 2005, offers an uncanny combination of density and weightlessness. I rated it 94-96 but note that it will not be released until the autumn of 2015.) |
|
| Booker Vineyard |
2012 |
Fracture 24 Syrah |
$99 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 96-99 (8/2014): The 2012 Fracture 24 shows similar cassis, vanilla bean and licorice-styled aromas, but has a slightly more savory undercurrent, with smoked meats and wild herbs as well. It too is full-bodied, deeply concentrated and layered, with incredible depth and richness that stays classy and pure. This beauty flirts with perfection and will have a decade or more of longevity.
VM 93 (7/2014): The 2012 Fracture is gorgeous. Silky, layered and impeccable on the palate, the 2012 is a wine of pure textural balance. The flavors are bright, floral and much more lifted than is often the case. Sweet rose petals, mint and cinnamon are some of the many notes that flesh out on the racy, silky finish. The 2012 is nicely layered in the glass, but also fairly laid back by Paso standards. |
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2012 |
Fracture Syrah |
$89 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 96 (8/2014): There are roughly 293 cases of the 2012 Fracture to go around, and it checks in as a blend of 100% Syrah that was aged 18 months in French oak. A big, rich and decadent effort, it’s another spectacular effort from this estate that does everything right. Creme de cassis, chocolate, spice-box, graphite and ground pepper all come together beautifully here, and this beauty has a forward, supple and full-bodied style that’s hard to resist. More elegant and open than past vintages, I’d drink bottles over the coming 4-5 years, but it will evolve for longer. |
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2012 |
Oublie 24 Proprietary Blend Cracked Wax Capsule |
$99 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 93-95 (8/2014): Slightly more savory and rich than the straight Oublie release, the 2012 Oublie 24 gives up more bouquet garni, black fruits and ground herbs to go with a full-bodied, fabulously concentrated feel on the palate. It too has a southern Rhone-like feel and should drink nicely on release and evolve gracefully for 7-8 years.
VM 92-94 (7/2014): Dark red cherry, plum, smoke, mint, tobacco and cedar are some of the many notes that blossom in the 2012 Oublie 24. Pliant, expressive and nuanced, the 2012 is above all else a wine of pure silkiness. There is a lot to like here. Next to the straight Oublie, the 24 is a bit more seamless, vibrant and perfumed. |
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2012 |
Oublie Proprietary Blend |
$85 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 96 (8/2014): There are roughly 293 cases of the 2012 Fracture to go around, and it checks in as a blend of 100% Syrah that was aged 18 months in French oak. A big, rich and decadent effort, it’s another spectacular effort from this estate that does everything right. Creme de cassis, chocolate, spice-box, graphite and ground pepper all come together beautifully here, and this beauty has a forward, supple and full-bodied style that’s hard to resist. More elegant and open than past vintages, I’d drink bottles over the coming 4-5 years, but it will evolve for longer. |
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|
2012 |
Remnant 24 Proprietary Blend |
$75 |
1 |
|
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| WA 94-96 (8/2014): Still in barrel, the 2012 Remnant 24 (identical blend to the regular release) will see 24 months in oak before bottling. It’s also worth noting that since there was no My Favorite Neighbor produced in 2012, this cuvee received all of the grapes that would normally go into that cuvee. While billed as a catch-all blend, it tastes like anyone else’s top wine and offers loads of sweet black fruits, damp underbrush, chocolate and roasted herbs to go with a full-bodied, rich, layered and downright sexy profile. There’s no shortage of tannin here either, so a year of cellaring is recommended. It will have 10-15 years of longevity, but bottles wouldn’t last that long at my house. |
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2012 |
Ripper Grenache |
$79 |
1 |
|
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WA 96 (8/2014): The 2012 The Ripper (always 100% Grenache), which checks in at 13.6% alcohol, is a fabulous effort that was brought up all in neutral 500-liter French oak barrels. Loaded with notions of kirsch, dried flowers, rose petal and underbrush, it’s about as seamless and elegant as this cuvee gets, yet it’s still no lightweight and has full-bodied richness and depth. Showing plenty of fine tannin on the finish, it is hard to resist now, but should have a solid 10-12 year drink window.
VM 94 (7/2014): A dark, voluptuous wine, the 2012 Ripper bursts from the glass with dark red and black stone fruits, spices, new leather and menthol flesh out in the glass. In 2012, the Ripper is much darker and riper than normal, with less varietal character than has been the case of late. In 2012, Eric Jensen managed the canopies to get as much hang time as possible, which resulted in extended hang time and a harvest that was about three weeks later than normal. Personally, I have enjoyed Booker's Ripper most when the Grenache characteristics are emphasized to a greater degree. The 2012 was done entirely in neutral 500 liter barrels. |
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2012 |
Ripper Grenache |
$79.20 |
1 |
|
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WA 96 (8/2014): The 2012 The Ripper (always 100% Grenache), which checks in at 13.6% alcohol, is a fabulous effort that was brought up all in neutral 500-liter French oak barrels. Loaded with notions of kirsch, dried flowers, rose petal and underbrush, it’s about as seamless and elegant as this cuvee gets, yet it’s still no lightweight and has full-bodied richness and depth. Showing plenty of fine tannin on the finish, it is hard to resist now, but should have a solid 10-12 year drink window.
VM 94 (7/2014): A dark, voluptuous wine, the 2012 Ripper bursts from the glass with dark red and black stone fruits, spices, new leather and menthol flesh out in the glass. In 2012, the Ripper is much darker and riper than normal, with less varietal character than has been the case of late. In 2012, Eric Jensen managed the canopies to get as much hang time as possible, which resulted in extended hang time and a harvest that was about three weeks later than normal. Personally, I have enjoyed Booker's Ripper most when the Grenache characteristics are emphasized to a greater degree. The 2012 was done entirely in neutral 500 liter barrels. |
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2012 |
RLF Proprietary Blend |
$55 |
1 |
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| WA 94 (8/2014): A new cuvee for me, the 2012 RLF (which is named after Eric’s father-in-law, Randy Lee Fannin, who died in a tragic incident in 2011) is a blend of 71% Grenache and 29% Syrah that was aged in a combination of used and new barrels. Tasting like a high-quality Chateauneuf du Pape, it offers perfumed black raspberry, framboise, crushed flowers, lavender and herbs de Provence aromas and flavors. This flows to full-bodied, silky and sexy wine that has impeccable balance, a rounded, supple texture and a great finish. It’s hard to resist now, and I see no reason to delay gratification either. |
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2012 |
Vertigo 24 Proprietary Blend |
$75 |
1 |
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WA 95-97 (8/2014): Still in barrel, the 2012 Vertigo 24 release shows a similar level of purity to go with killer aromatics (black raspberry, bouquet garni and licorice), full-bodied richness and a layered, decadent style on the palate. It has a tad more richness and depth than the straight bottling, and is an incredible red.
VM 91-93 (7/2014): The 2012 Vertigo 24 has a little more tannic spine than the straight Vertigo. Dark red stone fruits, spices, mint and new leather are all very much alive. Although quite supple and expressive, the 2012 also has plenty of drive and energy. Antonio Galloni. |
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2012 |
Vertigo Proprietary Blend |
$65 |
1 |
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| WA 95 (8/2014): The 2012 Vertigo is a blend of 57% Syrah, 32% Mourvedre and 11% Grenache that spent 18 months in French oak. It has fabulous purity to go with notions of sweet red and black berries, crushed flowers, licorice and rose petal on the nose. This flows to a medium to full-bodied, supple and seamless red that has no hard edges, building richness, and a graceful, lightly textured feel that never seems heavy or cumbersome. It will thrill for upward of a decade. |
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| J. Bookwalter |
2012 |
Chapter 5 Red Wine |
$75 |
2 |
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2012 |
Conflict Conner-Lee Vyd. Red Wine |
$25 |
2 |
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| WA 91 (6/2015): In the same ballpark quality-wise as the Protagonist release, with probably a longer drink window, the 2012 Conner Lee Vineyard Conflict is made from 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot and 5% Syrah. Finishing malo in barrel and aged 20 months in 70% new French oak, it has classic plum, black raspberry, chocolate, lead pencil and spice-laced aromatics. This give way to a full-bodied, nicely concentrated, gorgeously pure 2012 that still has oak to integrate, yet will have over a decade of longevity. |
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| Chateau Boswell |
2012 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$69 |
2 |
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| Cadence |
2012 |
Bel Canto Red Mtn. Cara Mia Vyd. Proprietary Blend |
$59 |
2 |
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| |
| WA 95 (6/2015): I think the most approachable in the lineup, the 2012 Bel Canto has a complex, perfumed style in its dried flowers, dried spices, vanilla and black cherry and black raspberry-like fruit profile. A blend of 84% Cabernet Franc, 8% Merlot and 8% Petit Verdot that spent 20 months in 50% new French oak, it’s full-bodied, concentrated and structured on the palate, yet has perfect balance and a great texture. Few in the US are doing Cabernet Franc better this, and I suspect it will hold nicely for 15-20 years. |
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2012 |
Camerata Cara Mia Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
5 |
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| WA 95 (6/2015): Sensational stuff, the 2012 Camerata (91% Cabernet Sauvignon and 9% Cabernet Franc) is big, burly effort that offers classic Red Mountain structure and depth. Giving up lots of black cherry, crushed rocks, dried violets and graphite, it is savory, powerful and concentrated on the palate. It needs 4-5 years of cellaring and will hold for two decades after that. |
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2012 |
Camerata Cara Mia Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$110 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (6/2015): Sensational stuff, the 2012 Camerata (91% Cabernet Sauvignon and 9% Cabernet Franc) is big, burly effort that offers classic Red Mountain structure and depth. Giving up lots of black cherry, crushed rocks, dried violets and graphite, it is savory, powerful and concentrated on the palate. It needs 4-5 years of cellaring and will hold for two decades after that. |
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2012 |
Tapteil Vyd. Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$80 |
1 |
|
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| VM 93+ (11/2015): Bright ruby-red. Red berries, cocoa powder and licorice on the nose. Tightly wound and youthfully imploded, conveying an impression of density without weight. Dark fruit and mineral flavors show terrific lift but are extremely backward in the early going. "Drink this with a big steak or hold it for four years," suggests Ben Smith, adding that the 1999 Tapteil is great right now. Finishes with a firm tannic spine and outstanding subtle length and lift. This wine was aged in 40% new oak and was racked a total of just three times. Incidentally, I also got an early look at the 2013 Tapteil, and that impressively intense wine may need even longer aging than the '12, due in part to its higher percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon. (Drink between 2019-2029) Stephen Tanzer. |
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| Cakebread Cellars |
2012 |
Benchland Select Cabernet Sauvignon |
$89 |
1 |
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| |
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2012 |
Dancing Bear Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon |
$175 |
2 |
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| |
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| Caldwell |
2012 |
Rocket Science Red Wine |
$50 |
2 |
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| |
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| Carlisle |
2012 |
James Berry Vineyard Syrah |
$50 |
1 |
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| |
| VM 94 (6/2014): (20% whole clusters, 27% new oak and 15.9% alcohol): Inky purple. Sexy aromas of cassis, cherry compote, roasted coffee and incense. Supple, pliant and deep in black and blue fruit and floral pastille flavors. Becomes spicier and more energetic with air and picks up a smoky nuance that lingers on the long, sweet, intensely spicy finish. I was shocked to see that alcohol number as the wine doesn't betray it at all. Stephen Tanzer. |
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| Carter Cellars |
2012 |
The O.G. Beckstoffer To Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$225 |
1 |
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WA 94 (10/2014): The sensational 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard The O.G. boasts classic notes of crème de cassis, licorice, incense and a whiff of new oak. Full-bodied with ripe tannin, adequate acidity and beautiful exuberance and personality, it should be drunk over the next 10-15 years.
VM 93 (12/2014): The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard The O.G. is the most delicate, layered and silky of Mark Carter's three Cabernets from Andy Beckstoffer's To-Kalon vineyard. Floral, lifted and precise, the O.G. captures the essence of Clone 337 in its silky fruit and open, caressing personality. All the elements are very nicely balanced. Antonio Galloni. |
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2012 |
Three Kings Beckstoffer To Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$199 |
1 |
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| VM 92 (12/2014): Super-ripe dark fruit, menthol, smoke, spices and leather are all laced together in the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon The Three Kings. Rich, succulent and perfumed to the core, the 2012 possesses gorgeous depth, persistence and voluptuousness. The Three Kings is pure Clone 7 Cabernet Sauvignon, so not surprisingly this is an ample, broad-shouldered wine. Antonio Galloni. |
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| Caymus |
2012 |
40th Anniversary Cabernet Sauvignon |
$155 |
1 |
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WA 96 (10/2014): They appear to be immune to some of winedom’s less than intelligent trends and fads that we see from time to time, and the result is a spectacular 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon 40th Anniversary offering. Its dense purple/black color is followed by copious quantities of crème de cassis and blackberry fruit, silky tannins, a voluptuous texture and stunning purity as well as length. This full-bodied effort is a fabulous example of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon as well as a tribute to this amazing family. It is so good now, why wait? However, I’m sure that like most vintages of Caymus, it will last for 20-25 years. Amazing!
VM 85 (12/2014): The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon 40th Anniversary from Caymus hits the palate with a rush of dark cherry, plum, Coke, chocolate, brandy, spices and sweet new oak. There is good texture, viscosity and immediacy to the fruit at first, but the sickly sweet new oak and vanillin become overpowering soon after, totally covering the fruit and attenuating the mid-palate and finish. Thankfully, the finish is short. Even by today's standards in Napa Valley, this is a decidedly sweet style of Cabernet Sauvignon quite unlike pretty much anything else I tasted this year. Antonio Galloni. |
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2012 |
40th Anniversary Cabernet Sauvignon (1.0 L) one-liter bottle |
$180 |
1 |
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| |
WA 96 (10/2014): They appear to be immune to some of winedom’s less than intelligent trends and fads that we see from time to time, and the result is a spectacular 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon 40th Anniversary offering. Its dense purple/black color is followed by copious quantities of crème de cassis and blackberry fruit, silky tannins, a voluptuous texture and stunning purity as well as length. This full-bodied effort is a fabulous example of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon as well as a tribute to this amazing family. It is so good now, why wait? However, I’m sure that like most vintages of Caymus, it will last for 20-25 years. Amazing!
VM 85 (12/2014): The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon 40th Anniversary from Caymus hits the palate with a rush of dark cherry, plum, Coke, chocolate, brandy, spices and sweet new oak. There is good texture, viscosity and immediacy to the fruit at first, but the sickly sweet new oak and vanillin become overpowering soon after, totally covering the fruit and attenuating the mid-palate and finish. Thankfully, the finish is short. Even by today's standards in Napa Valley, this is a decidedly sweet style of Cabernet Sauvignon quite unlike pretty much anything else I tasted this year. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2012 |
40th Anniversary Cabernet Sauvignon (1.0 L) Lightly Scuffed Label |
$249 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 96 (10/2014): They appear to be immune to some of winedom’s less than intelligent trends and fads that we see from time to time, and the result is a spectacular 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon 40th Anniversary offering. Its dense purple/black color is followed by copious quantities of crème de cassis and blackberry fruit, silky tannins, a voluptuous texture and stunning purity as well as length. This full-bodied effort is a fabulous example of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon as well as a tribute to this amazing family. It is so good now, why wait? However, I’m sure that like most vintages of Caymus, it will last for 20-25 years. Amazing!
VM 85 (12/2014): The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon 40th Anniversary from Caymus hits the palate with a rush of dark cherry, plum, Coke, chocolate, brandy, spices and sweet new oak. There is good texture, viscosity and immediacy to the fruit at first, but the sickly sweet new oak and vanillin become overpowering soon after, totally covering the fruit and attenuating the mid-palate and finish. Thankfully, the finish is short. Even by today's standards in Napa Valley, this is a decidedly sweet style of Cabernet Sauvignon quite unlike pretty much anything else I tasted this year. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2012 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (1.0 L) Signs of Old Seepage; Torn Label |
$135 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 96 (10/2014): They appear to be immune to some of winedom’s less than intelligent trends and fads that we see from time to time, and the result is a spectacular 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon 40th Anniversary offering. Its dense purple/black color is followed by copious quantities of crème de cassis and blackberry fruit, silky tannins, a voluptuous texture and stunning purity as well as length. This full-bodied effort is a fabulous example of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon as well as a tribute to this amazing family. It is so good now, why wait? However, I’m sure that like most vintages of Caymus, it will last for 20-25 years. Amazing!
VM 85 (10/2014): The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon 40th Anniversary from Caymus hits the palate with a rush of dark cherry, plum, Coke, chocolate, brandy, spices and sweet new oak. There is good texture, viscosity and immediacy to the fruit at first, but the sickly sweet new oak and vanillin become overpowering soon after, totally covering the fruit and attenuating the mid-palate and finish. Thankfully, the finish is short. Even by today's standards in Napa Valley, this is a decidedly sweet style of Cabernet Sauvignon quite unlike pretty much anything else I tasted this year. (Drink between 2014-2020). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Ceritas |
2012 |
Peter Martin Ray Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 90 (2/2016): The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Peter Martin Ray Vineyard has developed into a very attractive, mid-weight wine. Grilled herbs, mint, licorice, dark red cherry and leather grace the palate in a feminine, gracious Cabernet Sauvignon with gorgeous Santa Cruz Mountains personality as well as distinct Pinot-leaning inflections. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Chappellet |
2012 |
Pritchard Hill Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$575 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 99+ (10/2014): The dense purple-colored 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill Estate (one of Napa’s fashionable go-to terroirs) exhibits a striking bouquet of spring flowers, blueberries, raspberries and blackcurrants. This is a compelling wine with profound depth and flavor, a full-bodied mouthfeel, and a velvety integration of tannin, acidity and wood. Pushing perfection in Cabernet Sauvignon, this multidimensional, skyscraper-like offering has all the intensity one expects, but it never comes across as heavy. This gives it an ethereal character that is nearly impossible to articulate, but genius is often hard to explain. It is clearly a major superstar of a great vintage.
VM 94+ (12/2014): The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill is rich and explosive, with tons of concentration, depth and structure. Dark blue and black fruit, mocha, smoke, menthol, licorice and spices all burst from the glass as this huge, tannic Cabernet Sauvignon shows off its pure class. Readers will have to be patient with the 2012, a wine that will blow the roof off the house with its unbridled power. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Chapter 24 |
2012 |
The Last Chapter Pinot Noir |
$79 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 94 (7/2014): Vivid ruby-red. Heady, exotically perfumed aromas of dark berry liqueur, cherry-cola, Asian spices and potpourri. Densely packed yet lithe, offering palate-staining red and dark berry and spicecake flavors that gains sweetness and vivacity with air. Distinctly fresh and supple on the gently tannic, incisive finish, which leaves notes of allspice and candied flowers behind. Josh Raynolds.
WA 90 (3/2015): The 2012 Last Chapter comes from two sedimentary and two volcanic sites that are selected by Louis-Michel Liger-Belair conducting a blind tasting of different parcels. Matured in 75% new oak, the wood is neatly carried by the well-defined dark cherry, briary and sous-bois bouquet that feels very natural. The palate is medium-bodied and here, unlike the aromatics, the wood comes through quite strongly and layers mocha notes across the black plum and raspberry fruit, slightly obfuscating the nuances underneath. This is a delicious Pinot Noir, but I actually have a preference for the "The Fire" '12 in this vintage. |
|
| Checkerboard |
2012 |
Aurora Vyd. Proprietary Blend |
$275 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Clark-Claudon |
2012 |
Eternity Cabernet Sauvignon |
$109 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2012 |
Eternity Cabernet Sauvignon |
$139 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Constant |
2012 |
Diamond Mountain Vyd. Merlot |
$60 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (12/2014): Wild flowers, licorice, savory herbs, dried rose petals and cherries are some of the many notes that emerge from the 2012 Merlot, a wine that impresses for its character and personality. A wine more of place than anything else, Constant's Merlot remains compelling. Readers should expect a nuanced, savory mountain Merlot built on complexity and an understated sense of power. (Drink between 2017-2032). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Continuum |
2012 |
Proprietary Blend |
$195 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 96 (12/2014): Ripe, silky tannins wrap around the palate in the 2012 Continuum. Bright red cherry, plum, spice, menthol and hard candy meld together effortlessly in the glass. The 2012 captures the polished, refined side of the vintage. This is perhaps the most refined wine I have ever tasted from Continuum. The flavors are bright and focused, while the new oak has been decidedly toned down, both of which allow the personality of these breathtaking hillsides sites to shine. The 2012 is the first Continuum to be made entirely with estate grown fruit.
VM 93-96 (5/2014): (I tasted what Tim Mondavi described as close to the final blend): Bright, dark ruby-red. Urgent crushed blueberry and cassis aromas are complemented by licorice and wild herbs on the brooding nose and palate ("a noble baby," says Mondavi). Extremely young but already utterly seamless, delivering an uncanny combination of density and finesse. Compellingly lush and pure, with serious underlying power currently masked by sweet fruit. Really wonderfully managed tannins here. Promises to be the best vintage yet from this superb estate. |
|
| Robert Craig |
2012 |
Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon |
$89 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (10/2014): The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain comes from an elevation of nearly 2,300 feet and tiny yields of 1.8 tons of fruit per acre. From red, rocky volcanic soils, it is a spicy, rich wine with dark mountain fruits, a hint of graphite and white chocolate (or is it mocha?). This is full-bodied, magical stuff that should drink well for at least ten years. |
|
|
2012 |
Spring Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon |
$65 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (10/2014): Another mountain wine, the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Spring Mountain, comes from a vineyard at 2,000-feet elevation in rock-imbued volcanic soils. Deep ruby/purple, it has glorious notes of blueberry and black raspberry, a touch of graphite and spring flowers. The wine is a full-bodied, opulent and impressively made classic Spring Mountain Cabernet that should continue to drink well for 10-12 years. |
|
| Dana Estates |
2012 |
Hershey Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$695 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 98 (10/2014): The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Hershey Vineyard comes from an 1,800-foot elevation and is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon harvested October 19-22. This is a sensational superstar from Howell Mountain with an inky purple color, notes of mocha, mulberry, crème de cassis, graphite and spring flowers. It is dense, full-bodied, opulent and concentrated with sweet but moderate tannin. This is a stunner that should drink well for another 25 or so years.
VM 95-98 (12/2014): Graphite, smoke, dark spices, gravel and blue/purplish fruit emerge from the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Hershey Vineyard, Dana's Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon. The flavors are wonderfully vibrant and alive in the glass. A host of spice, menthol, pine and crushed rocks add nuance on the powerful, driving finish. The 2012 Hershey is shaping up to be gorgeous. Tasted from barrel in October 2014, it appears to have a very bright future. This is the first year the See Clone has entered the blend.
VM 93-96 (5/2014): Bright ruby. Tight nose hints at cassis, blueberry, licorice, minerals and menthol. Densely packed and youthfully medicinal, with brooding flavors of black and blue fruits and crushed stone. This classic Howell Mountain cabernet went into a shell in my glass. Finishes with huge, chewy tannins that are well supported by the wine's Outstanding depth. Holds out great potential. |
|
| DeLille Cellars |
2012 |
Chaleur Estate Proprietary Blend |
$69 |
6 |
|
| |
WA 95+ (6/2015): The 2012 Chaleur Estate is truly terrific, with classic Cabernet notes of blackcurrants, lead pencil shavings, tobacco, chocolate and damp earth. Almost Bordeaux-like in its structure and focus on the palate, it has nicely integrated acidity, beautiful concentration and plenty of tannic grip that comes through on the finish. While not lacking in texture or concentration, the overall impression here is one of focus, purity and balance, and it won't hit prime time for another 4-7 years. This is a young, beautifully put together Washing State Cabernet Sauvignon that will have 25 years or more of overall longevity.
VM 94+ (11/2015): (the blend here is almost identical to that of the Harrison Hill): Bright medium ruby. Coolish aromas and flavors of blueberry, redcurrant, plum liqueur, cocoa powder, licorice, graphite and tobacco leaf. Cool, suave and deep, communicating Outstanding intensity and floral lift. Finishes with utterly noble, firm tannins and superb building length. This beauty reminded me of a top Saint-Julien wine. |
|
|
2012 |
D2 Proprietary Blend |
$26 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 93+ (11/2015): Bright medium ruby. Kirsch, blackcurrant, blueberry, liquid smoke, graphite, milk chocolate and a hint of menthol on the nose. Superrich, creamy-sweet and utterly seamless offering lovely sweetness of fruit and impeccable balancing acidity. Finishes with building tannins and terrific persistence. Superb. (Drink between 2019-2029). Stephen Tanzer.
WA 93 (6/2015): Functioning as a second wine, the 2012 D2 Proprietary Red Wine checks in as a blend of 50% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc that spent 20 months in 100% new French oak. It's one hell of a second wine and offers up awesome notes of blackcurrants, wood smoke, graphite, chocolate, truffle and damp earth to go with a full-bodied, ripe, layered and still focused and lively profile on the palate. This is a serious wine on all accounts and it has beautifully integrated acidity, moderate, sweet tannin and a great finish. It's easy to appreciate now, but will also have 20 years of overall longevity. |
|
|
2012 |
Doyenne Grand Ciel Vyd. Syrah |
$25 |
13 |
|
| |
WA 93 (6/2015): A similar purple/ruby, semi-opaque color to the Signature Syrah, the 2012 Doyenne Syrah Grand Ciel Vineyard has more minerality (no doubt due to coming from Red Mountain) to go with lots of blackberry, graphite, pepper and crushed violet notes. Like the Signature Syrah, it shows the vintage nicely with lots of concentration, integrated acidity and a big finish, where the wine's structure becomes more apparent. It will benefit from short-term cellaring and have 10-15 years of overall longevity.
VM 92+ (11/2015): Good dark red. Lovely perfume of cherry, cranberry, white pepper, spices and dusty flowers. Lovely fine-grained Syrah with a savory restraint to its highly aromatic red berry and spice flavors complicated by a hint of game. Made from a slow-to-ripen Entav clone. Finishing quite firm, even a bit youthfully sullen, this already complex Syrah needs time to evolve. (Drink between 2019-2028). Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2012 |
Doyenne Signature Syrah |
$35 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 93 (6/2015): The ruby/purple colored 2012 Doyenne Syrah Signature is a classic Washington State Syrah that does everything right. Giving up vivid notes of salted blackberries, fresh plum, violets and spice, this balanced 2012 has full-bodied richness, nicely integrated acidity and a clean, nicely focused finish. More fresh and lively than the Grand Ciel release, it still has rock-solid concentration and fantastic purity of fruit. Give it another year in bottle and drink it through 2027.
VM 92 (11/2015): Bright medium ruby. Very ripe aromas of cherry, mocha and wild herbs are lifted by high notes of clove and spearmint oil. Saline and classically dry, offering a lovely refined texture to its flavors of raspberry, fresh herbs and dark chocolate. Finishes savory and persistent, with serious building tannins. This very suave Syrah has the balance to age. (Drink between 2017-2026). Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2012 |
Four Flags Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
4 |
|
| |
WA 96 (6/2015): The limited production 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Four Flags is an off-the-hook effort. Decadent, layered, unctuous and rich, with classic Cabernet notes of blackcurrants, chocolate, lead pencil, crushed rock and graphite, this awesome 2012 hits the palate with full-bodied richness, no hard edges, a stacked, rich, concentrated mid-palate, and loads of sweet tannin that are almost completely hidden under all of the wine's fruit and texture. Given the wealth of material here, it's already hard to resist, but don't let that fool you, this has the balance, concentration and structure to keep for 2-3 decades. It's a sensational Cabernet from this team that should not be missed.
VM 93 (11/2015): (14% alcohol; from Klipsun, Grand Ciel, Ciel du Cheval and Upchurch vineyards): Dark ruby-red. Knockout nose combines spicy red and black fruits, tobacco, minerals and black pepper, plus a complicating medicinal aspect. Delivers Outstanding concentration and a fine-grained texture, showing lovely floral lift and a classic juicy Red Mountain Cabernet character. The tannins communicate an impression of finesse but this wine is nonetheless still tight on the back end. Combines the "plum brandy of Klipsun, the Latour-like focus of Grand Ciel, blueberries and minerals from Ciel, and the floral character of Upchurch," according to Chris Upchurch. |
|
|
2012 |
Four Flags Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$150 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 96 (6/2015): The limited production 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Four Flags is an off-the-hook effort. Decadent, layered, unctuous and rich, with classic Cabernet notes of blackcurrants, chocolate, lead pencil, crushed rock and graphite, this awesome 2012 hits the palate with full-bodied richness, no hard edges, a stacked, rich, concentrated mid-palate, and loads of sweet tannin that are almost completely hidden under all of the wine's fruit and texture. Given the wealth of material here, it's already hard to resist, but don't let that fool you, this has the balance, concentration and structure to keep for 2-3 decades. It's a sensational Cabernet from this team that should not be missed.
VM 93 (11/2015): (14% alcohol; from Klipsun, Grand Ciel, Ciel du Cheval and Upchurch vineyards): Dark ruby-red. Knockout nose combines spicy red and black fruits, tobacco, minerals and black pepper, plus a complicating medicinal aspect. Delivers Outstanding concentration and a fine-grained texture, showing lovely floral lift and a classic juicy Red Mountain Cabernet character. The tannins communicate an impression of finesse but this wine is nonetheless still tight on the back end. Combines the "plum brandy of Klipsun, the Latour-like focus of Grand Ciel, blueberries and minerals from Ciel, and the floral character of Upchurch," according to Chris Upchurch. |
|
|
2012 |
Grand Ciel Cabernet Sauvignon |
$100 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 93+ (11/2015): Bright medium red. Deep aromas of cassis, black plum, minerals and licorice complicated by noble herbs and lifted by a violet topnote. Intensely flavored and perfumed but quite tight in the early going, conveying an exhilarating impression of weightlessness. The dark fruit flavors are complemented by notes of bitter chocolate and licorice. Already smooth but youthfully clenched. Finishes with substantial dusty tannins. Less generous and sweet than the Chaleur Estate Red Wine but this is still a baby. (Drink between 2020-2033). Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2012 |
Harrison Hill Proprietary Blend |
$60 |
3 |
|
| |
VM 92+ (11/2015): (these vines range in age from 22 to 53 years): Dark red-ruby. More medicinal and claret-like on the nose than the Four Flags, offering distinctly cooler aromas of redcurrant, licorice, herbs, tobacco leaf, dusty cocoa powder and clove. Saline, tactile and suave in the mouth; the "greenest" of these Cabernet-based bottlings but in a classy Medoc way. Still very tightly wound owing to strong acidity and firm, youthfully drying tannins. This subtle, long, "old-style" wine should age for a long time.
WA 94-96 (6/2014): The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Harrison Hill continues to show the quality of this unique site. Beautiful all around, with fabulous purity of fruit and a layered, seamless character, it exhibits notions of creme de cassis, lead pencil shavings, tobacco leaf and edgy minerality. Full-bodied and slightly more fruit-driven than previous vintages (prior vintages showed a slightly more feral/wild character at this point), it will drink reasonably well on release, yet have 15 years of prime drinking. |
|
|
2012 |
Metier Proprietary Blend |
$25 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 93 (12/2014): Bright ruby. High-toned aromas of blackberry, wildflowers and Moroccan spices. Juicy, fine-grained and light on its feet, conveying wonderfully perfumed flavors of blackberry, wild herbs and flowers, cumin and black olive. Really explosive fruit here, extended by lively acidity through a long, floral finish. This beautifully balanced wine combines Old World savoir faire with New World fruit intensity. Stephen Tanzer.
WA 92 (6/2015): The estate's Southern Rhone-style release, the 2012 Doyenne Metier Proprietary Red Blend is 39% Grenache, 39% Mourvedre, 20% Syrah and the rest Cinsault. Deep ruby and mostly opaque, it offers up classic black cherries, black raspberries, roasted herbs, pepper and hints of leather to go with a medium to full-bodied, ripe, layered and balanced feel on the palate. Possessing more than a passing resemblance to a quality Chateauneuf du Pape, this is a great Rhone blend from Washington. |
|
|
2012 |
Red Willow Vyd. Malbec |
$25 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 91+ (11/2015): Bright, deep ruby. Aromas of cassis, blueberry, kirsch and violet, with a touch of tar in a Nebbiolo way; almost liqueur-like. The juicy, spicy, high-pitched dark berries come across as classically dry owing to the wine's firm underlying backbone. This seriously structured, tannic, backward wine needs time in the cellar, or a piece of beef. Half of this wine received an extended maceration lasting eight weeks, which winemaker Chris Upchurch says has given it more of a grape-skin phenolic quality. (Drink between 2019-2028). Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Dominus |
2012 |
Napanook Proprietary Blend |
$85 |
3 |
|
| |
VM 94 (10/2015): The 2012 Napanook is a big, intense wine, especially if given some time in the decanter. Rich red cherry, plum, smoke, licorice and spice meld together in an effortless, gracious Cabernet Sauvignon. The tannins are silky and polished, which gives the 2012 much of its early appeal, but there is so much density and pure concentration that a few years in bottle will only do it good. The 2012 is a fabulous Napanook. Frankly, the 2012 is as good or better than the top wines at many estates. Napanook remains one of the great values in Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. The blend is 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot. Antonio Galloni.
WA 93 (10/2015): The second wine, the 2012 Napanook Proprietary Red Wine has a similar profile, but certainly comes across as less nuanced and slightly less concentrated and profound compared to its bigger sister. It is a blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot. It does reflect the fact that the selection process has gotten so severe that the second wine at Dominus is really special in top vintages such as 2012 or 2013. The wine has low acidity, beautiful ripe black cherry and blackcurrant fruit, a hint of unsmoked cigar tobacco and a touch of roasted herbs in the finish. This is a beauty to drink over the next 15-20 years. |
|
| Donelan |
2012 |
Two Brothers Pinot Noir |
$55 |
18 |
|
| |
| VM 89 (1/2015): Crushed rose petals, raspberries, mint and cinnamon are some of the notes that lift from the glass in Donelan's 2012 Pinot Noir Two Brothers. I would prefer to drink the 2012 sooner rather than later. Over the last year, some of the radiance and sweetness that was present in barrel has faded. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Ehlers Estate |
2012 |
1886 Cabernet Sauvignon |
$100 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 90 (10/2014): The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon 1886 recognizes the founding date of Ehlers Estate. While this cuvée may not be as sexy as the Merlot, it exhibits lush blackcurrant fruit, good purity, ripeness, suppleness and seductiveness, and should provide plenty of pleasure over the next 12+ years. |
|
| Epoch Estate Wines |
2012 |
Authenticity Proprietary Blend |
$60 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2012 |
Estate Proprietary Blend |
$35 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2012 |
Paderewski Vyd. Block B Syrah |
$60 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2012 |
Paderewski Vyd. Veracity Proprietary Blend |
$65 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2012 |
Paderewski Vyd. Zinfandel |
$35 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Etude |
2012 |
North Canyon Pinot Noir |
$40 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2012 |
Yamhill Vista Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$40 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Evening Land |
2012 |
Seven Springs Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$35 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 89 (7/2014): Deep red. Spicy cherry and raspberry aromas are complemented by white pepper and fresh rose notes. Lively and focused on the palate, offering gently sweet red berry flavors and a hint of sassafras. Finishes on a subtly tannic note, with good clarity and a lingering bitter cherry note.
WA 87 (12/2014): The 2012 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast exhibits a similar dark ruby color to the Occidental Vineyard, with more light pink at the edge. Medium-bodied with pomegranate, red cherry and red currant notes in its Côte de Beaune-like style, this 2012 Pinot Noir is neither sexy nor hedonistic, but it is a well-made effort to respect more than enjoy. Drink it over the next 4-5 years. |
|
| Failla |
2012 |
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir |
$45 |
12 |
|
| |
|
| Figgins Estate |
2012 |
Proprietary Blend |
$60 |
4 |
|
| |
WA 96+ (6/2015): The Figgins 2012 Estate Red Wine is flat-out knockout stuff. Layered, gorgeously concentrated, full-bodied, and balanced, this Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated blend gives up sensational notes of cassis, black raspberry toasted bread and sweet spice on the nose. Ultra-pure, elegant and silky, it has the texture to drink nicely today, yet will age effortlessly for two decades or more. Coming from the higher elevation, eastern edge of Walla Walla (1500-1750 feet above sea level), it spent 22 months in 70% new French oak and 30% in once used barrels. This is one of the top Cabernets coming out of Washington and readers should not miss it.
VM 92+ (11/2015): Bright red-ruby. Aromas of cassis, black cherry and cocoa powder convey a cool medicinal reserve; much blacker than Chris Figgins's Leonetti Reserve. Juicy and firm, showing excellent acid cut to the flavors of red and darker fruits, spices and herbs. Tightly wound and solidly tannic today, this wine will require patience. A second bottle of equal quality showed a more tactile texture and more of a blue-fruit character. (Drink between 2020-2030). Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Force Majeure |
2012 |
Ciel du Cheval Collaboration Series I Proprietary Blend |
$55 |
6 |
|
| |
WA 94 (6/2015): The 2012 Collaboration Series I is a rocking blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, with the balance an even split of Cab Franc, Petit Verdot and Merlot. Perfumed, lifted and fresh, with notes of spring flowers, mint, graphite, liquid black cherry and raspberry-like fruit, it has full-bodied richness, solid mid-palate depth and plenty of fine tannin. It’s made by Ben Smith and shows his more classic style. Give it 2-5 years in the cellar and enjoy bottles over the following decade or more. I’m being conservative on the drink window and it will evolve for longer.
VM 91 (11/2015): Deep ruby-red. Dark berry, cocoa powder and herb aromas are lifted by captivating violet and lavender high notes. Flavors of red fruits, spices and fig come across as riper and more syrupy than the Cadence wines, but subtle herbal and saline nuances provide lift. Finishes with serious, tongue-dusting tannins, a substantial oak element and a faint youthful dryness. A very successful, savory blend but made in a style that Smith describes as "more boisterous" than his own Cadence bottlings. (Drink between 2018-2025). Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2012 |
Ciel du Cheval Collaboration Series V Cabernet Sauvignon |
$60 |
6 |
|
| |
WA 97 (6/2015): Made by Chris Gorman, the 2012 Collaboration Series V Cabernet Sauvignon Ciel du Cheval is a blockbuster. Big, bombastic, full-bodied and decadent, it still stays classy and elegant, with lively black raspberry, cassis, caramelized cherries, crushed flowers and high-class oak all emerging from the glass. Enjoy this pedal-to-the-metal Cabernet over the coming two decades.
VM 89 (11/2015): (14.9% alcohol; made by Chris Gorman): Dark ruby-red. Cassis, licorice, chocolatey oak and a whiff of leather on the slightly medicinal nose. Densely packed and full, conveying an almost port-like sweetness to the flavors of cassis, black cherry and licorice. This chewy, plush wine is a bit youthfully clenched today; perhaps a few years of cellaring will bring more complexity. Finishes with tongue-dusting tannins and very good length. |
|
|
2012 |
Force Majeur Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$60 |
4 |
|
| |
WA 95+ (6/2015): Made by Todd Alexander and coming from the new estate vineyard, the 2012 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is backward and structured, with gorgeous dark fruits, scorched earth, graphite and crushed rock giving way to a full-bodied, concentrated tannic feel on the palate. This is a serious effort that will need a decade of cellaring, yet should have 25+ years of overall longevity.
JD 95+ (1/2018): The 2012 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon comes from the estate vineyard located high up on Red Mountain. It offers a perfumed, masculine and mineral-laced bouquet of crushed violets, blueberries, plums and wild herbs to go with a full-bodied, rich, structured style on the palate. While there's plenty of upfront fruit, it has building tannin, tons of minerality, and a great finish, all suggesting it needs short term cellaring. Give bottles 3-4 years and enjoy over the following 15-20 years. (Drink between 2020-2040).
VM 92 (11/2015): Bright, dark ruby. Black cherry, cassis, minerals and licorice on the tight nose, with a faint herbal quality. Sweet flavors of dark berries and spices show lovely plushness and depth. Nicely concentrated but still a bit youthfully clenched and a bit dry on the back end, even if the tannins are fine-grained and suave. Very impressive Cabernet but extremely primary today and in need of patience. This bottling comes from the winery's steep estate vineyard on Red Mountain. (Drink between 2019-2025). Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2012 |
Force Majeure Vyd. Red Mountain Syrah |
$65 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 97+ (6/2015): Getting a few “wows” and expletives in the notes, the 2012 Estate Syrah is 100% of the variety and comes from the estate’s new vineyard perched high up on the upper slopes of Red Mountain. Reminding me of a young vintage of Guigal’s Cote Rotie La Turque, it exhibits sensational notes of black raspberry, graphite, cured meats, lavender and toasted spices. These all flow seamlessly to a full-bodied, dense, concentrated and pure 2012 that has building, fine tannin and a blockbuster finish. Give it 3-4 years in the cellar, and enjoy bottle through 2032. |
|
| Frank Family |
2012 |
Carneros Pinot Noir |
$30 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 88 (5/2014): Bright medium red. Musky, reduced aromas of strawberry, earth, menthol and sassafras. At once juicy and round, with moderate mid-palate weight to the flavors of cranberry, strawberry and spices. This essentially supple, fruit-driven pinot finishes with sweet, soft tannins. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2012 |
Reserve Sangiovese |
$40 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2012 |
Reserve Zinfandel |
$20 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Gallica |
2012 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 95 (9/2014): A huge, voluptuous wine, the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon is absolutely gorgeous. In this vintage, the blend includes 10% Cabernet Franc, which seems to add structure and aromatic nuance. The 2012 is going to need time to shed some baby fat, but it is strikingly beautiful, even at this early stage. This voluptuous, racy Cabernet is pure 2012. (Drink between 2018-2031). Antonio Galloni.
WA 94 (10/2014): Far superior to the 2011 is the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon from an Oakville source. It offers notes of baking spices, cedarwood, forest floor, blackcurrants and toasty barrique. Medium to full-bodied, opulent and voluptuous with low acidity as well as melted tannins, it can be enjoyed over the next decade. |
|
| Grace Family Vineyards |
2012 |
Blank Cabernet Sauvignon |
$159 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 90 (10/2015): The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon is an attractive, mid-weight wine. Sweet red cherry, raspberries mint and eucalyptus flesh out nicely in the glass. The 2012 could use a bit more mid-palate generosity and overall depth, but it is solid nonetheless. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| The Grade |
2012 |
Kingly Project Winfield Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$189 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2012 |
Winfield Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Gramercy Cellars |
2012 |
John Lewis Reserve Syrah |
$75 |
3 |
|
| |
|
|
2012 |
Lagniappe Syrah |
$59 |
4 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (12/2014): (14.2% alcohol; mostly from Red Willow fruit; vinified with 50% of its stems; aged in 9% new oak): Bright ruby-red. Knockout perfume combines black raspberry, violet, bacon fat and smoke, plus a whiff of game. Densely packed and intense, boasting terrific clarity and thrust to its dark fruit, floral and spicy oak flavors. Really seductive pliancy and sweetness here, not to mention impeccable balance. The classically dry, slowly building finish leaves the palate saturated with flavor. As impressive a Syrah as I’ve tasted to date from Gramercy Cellars, probably because it’s not as low in alcohol as previous vintages. Clearly, Harrington is no longer as obsessed with making low-alcohol “sommelier wines.” As he now puts it, “every vineyard has its sweet spot” for ripeness. A great Washington Syrah. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2012 |
Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon |
$85 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Greer |
2012 |
Greer Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$195 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Grgich Hills |
2012 |
Miljenko’s Selection Cabernet Sauvignon Lightly Scuffed Label |
$80 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Hall Winery |
2012 |
Jack’s Masterpiece Cabernet Sauvignon |
$109.65 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Hartford Court |
2012 |
Far Coast Pinot Noir |
$60 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 96 (12/2014): An outrageously superb effort, the 2012 Pinot Noir Far Coast Vineyard sees 25% new oak. It offers a flowery, black cherry, forest floor and underbrush-scented bouquet. Deep, full-bodied, stunningly concentrated, pure, rich and expansive on the palate, this knock-out wine should drink well for 10 years.
VM 92 (5/2014): Bright ruby. Deeply pitched red fruit preserve, anise and incense aromas are lifted by a sexy floral element. Stains the palate with sweet raspberry and rose pastille flavors, picking up notes of mocha and vanilla with air. Distinctly energetic and pure, with a seamless texture and a firm spine of acidity contributing structure. Finishes sweet, floral and very long, with subtle tannins building slowly and fading smoothly into the wine's fruit. Josh Raynolds. |
|
| Hayfork |
2012 |
Lewelling Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 96 (12/2015): The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Lewelling Ranch, which is actually a great value in the scheme of Napa pricing, is a blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Petit Verdot that was aged for 20 months in 70% new French oak. The wine displays gorgeous licorice, lead pencil shavings, black currants, loamy soil undertones and a touch of barrique. Dense purple, it has a full-bodied, multi-layered mouthfeel and a stunning finish with good acidity and velvety, well-integrated tannin, alcohol and wood. This is a scrumptious, full-throttle Cabernet Sauvignon to drink over the next 15 or so years. |
|
| Hendry |
2012 |
Block 14 Malbec |
$20 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2012 |
Block 14 Malbec Very Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$20 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2012 |
Block 24 Primitivo |
$20 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2012 |
Block 7 & 22 Zinfandel |
$35 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Hidden Ridge |
2012 |
55% Slope Cabernet Sauvignon |
$59 |
7 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (12/2014): The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon 55 Degrees Slope exhibits an opaque ruby/purple color as well as beautiful, sweet crème de cassis, Asian plum sauce, licorice and forest floor notes. Full-bodied with velvety tannins, and impressive concentration, texture and length, this superb Cabernet can be drunk early in life because of its velvety opulence or cellared for two decades. |
|
|
2012 |
Impassable Mountain Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon |
$179 |
6 |
|
| |
|
|
2012 |
Impassable Mountain Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon |
$225 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Hill Family Estate |
2012 |
Clarke Vyd. Napa Valley Syrah |
$30 |
7 |
|
| |
|
| Horsepower Vineyards |
2012 |
The Tribe Vyd. Syrah |
$149 |
4 |
|
| |
WA 97 (6/2015): More gamy, bloody and meaty than the Sur Echalas Vineyard Syrah, the 2012 Syrah The Tribe Vineyard is a full-bodied, elegant, concentrated and structured effort that gives up complex notes of savory dark fruits, beef blood, dried herbs, pepper and olives. It's another incredible Syrah that needs short-term cellaring, but will have two decades of evolution.
VM 93+ (11/2015): (14.1% alcohol; as with the Echalas Vineyard, the Tribe is cultivated with draft horses): Dark ruby. Aromas of black cherry, liquefied lamb tartare, paprika and black licorice, plus a note of medicinal reserve. Hugely sweet and concentrated but carrying a good bit of unabsorbed CO2 and showing less finesse today than the Cayuse Syrah bottlings from the 2012 vintage. Inky and primary, with strong underlying minerality. This is distinctly Brune while the Echalas Syrah is more Blonde. Finishes with substantial ripe tannins and a slight bitter edge that will require cellaring. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Inglenook |
2012 |
Rubicon Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon |
$139 |
7 |
|
| |
WA 95 (10/2014): The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Rubicon, which used to be a proprietary blend and had a somewhat rustic, Italian personality, has now been put under the Inglenook Vineyard designation. Where the Cabernet Sauvignon was a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12% Cabernet Franc and 3% Merlot, the Rubicon has abandoned any Italian varietals in favor of a blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Merlot. I think it’s safe to say this is potentially the best Rubicon made to date. It’s not to denigrate other vintages, but there is a finesse and elegance combined with great richness and an avoidance of any rusticity that plagued some of the other vintages – which is to be admired. At three times the price, it’s not three times the wine of the Cask Cabernet Sauvignon. It possesses a dense purple color, beautiful, sweet crème de cassis notes with a floral underpinning. I don’t see any of the Rutherford dust, per se, but there is an undertone of earthiness. The wine is full-bodied, rich, potentially complex and certainly capable of lasting 20 to 30 or more years. This is a great young Rubicon that will have its peak in 5-7 years and last 25-30.
VM 93 (10/2015): The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Rubicon is deeper, inkier and sweeter than the Cask, with quite a bit more new French oak influence. Espresso, mocha, licorice, cloves and new leather are fused together in an unctuous, resonant Cabernet loaded with mid-palate sweetness and intensity. Radiant and generous, the 2012 will provide readers with a long window of pure drinking pleasure once the tannins soften a bit. Today, the 2012 comes across as a bit less expressive than on other occasions. (Drink between 2018-2032). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Jonata Winery |
2012 |
La Tierra de Jonata Sangiovese |
$45 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 93 (8/2015): Made from 100% Sangiovese from Ballard Canyon, the 2012 La Tierra de Jonata has a vivid ruby/semi-opaque color to go with beautiful cherry and strawberry fruits, spice, licorice and crushed flowers. A medium to full-bodied red, it has terrific purity and integrated acidity, both of which give it an elegant, seamless style that's surprisingly approachable. Drink it anytime over the coming 8-9 years.
VM 90 (8/2015): The 2012 Tierra is an attractive wine, but over the last year it has acquired a deeper, darker register that wasn't present at the outset and that masks some of the varietal character. Drink this powerful Sangiovese-based red over the next handful of years. A dollop of Syrah rounds out the blend. The Tierra was aged mostly in larger format French oak barrels, 25% new. Not surprisingly, most of the Sangiovese at Jonata has now been ripped out. The wines, while pretty, also appear to have been a bit unpredictable. (Drink between 2015-2020). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Juslyn |
2012 |
Perry’s Blend Proprietary Blend |
$55 |
8 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (10/2015): The proprietary red, a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, and 17% Cabernet Franc, is the 2012 Perry’s Blend. This was aged almost 30 months in 50% new French oak and 50% second-year barrels. Gorgeous aromatics of unsmoked cigar tobacco, spring flowers, black and red currants, a touch of raspberry and blueberry are followed by a sexy, delicious, lush, medium to full-bodied wine with beautiful balance, purity, and overall texture. This is hard to ignore, but then again, it is another very showy 2012. This wine should continue to drink well for 12-15 years at the minimum, but who has such patience? |
|
| K Vintners |
2012 |
The Creator Proprietary Blend |
$59 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 90+ (11/2015): (aged in 70% new barriques, which Leighton notes is a much higher percentage than is used for the Syrahs): Bright ruby-red. Sexy aromas of cassis, blackberry and licorice lifted by a floral topnote. Juicy, supple and perfumed, offering a fine-grained texture and a light touch to the nicely delineated dark berry and floral flavors. Firm tannins build with air. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2012 |
The Creator Proprietary Blend |
$65 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 90+ (11/2015): (aged in 70% new barriques, which Leighton notes is a much higher percentage than is used for the Syrahs): Bright ruby-red. Sexy aromas of cassis, blackberry and licorice lifted by a floral topnote. Juicy, supple and perfumed, offering a fine-grained texture and a light touch to the nicely delineated dark berry and floral flavors. Firm tannins build with air. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2012 |
The Hustler Syrah |
$79 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 95-97 (6/2015): Still in barrel at the time of this tasting, the 2012 Syrah The Hustler is a blockbuster-styled Syrah that's overflowing with notions of sweet red and black fruits, toasted bread, cured meats and cedar. Only made in special vintages (it was previously made in '03, '07 and '09) and aged 38 months in French oak, it's full-bodied, decadent and layered, with a weightless, elegant, seamless feel. Coming all from the Morrison Lane Vineyard (it's actually the Morrison Lane Syrah with extended barrel aging), it should be ready to go on release and dish out tons of pleasure over the following decade or more. The extended elevage has given this a more upfront feel, yet I suspect it will also allow it age more slowly as well. |
|
| Kanzler Vineyards |
2012 |
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir |
$55 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Kata |
2012 |
Beckstoffer Bourn Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$139 |
3 |
|
| |
VM 96+ (12/2014): A dark, sumptuous beauty, the 2012 Kata is a real heat-turner. Mocha, espresso, plums, black cherry jam and sweet spices are woven into a luxurious, super-expressive fabric of pure explosive energy. Wild flowers, violets, mint and lavender add the final layers of nuance.
JS 96 (5/2016): The lavender, blackberry and currant aromas and flavors come through beautifully. A full and weighted red yet remains agile and bright. Polished and seamless tannins. Needs another year or two to soften but all ready so clean and beautiful. |
|
| Keever |
2012 |
Yountville Cabernet Sauvignon |
$79 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (12/2014): Dark red cherry, plum, wild flowers, cinnamon and mint lift from the glass in Keever's 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2012 is floral, mid-weight and gracious, with a classic sense of structure and lovey overall balance. This open, accessible Cabernet Sauvignon is a terrific choice for drinking over the next few years. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Kokumi |
2012 |
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir |
$16.15 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Kutch |
2012 |
McDougall Ranch Pinot Noir |
$55 |
12 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (5/2015): A big, punchy wine, the 2012 Pinot Noir McDougall Ranch hits the palate with bold dark cherries, pomegranate, spices, new leather and savory herbs. This is one of the most intense, overt wines I have tasted from Jamie Kutch, yet all the elements are in the right place. As good as it is today, the 2012 will be even better in a few years. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Larkmead Vineyards |
2012 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$99 |
12 |
|
| |
JS 94 (7/2015): Aromas of currant, blueberry and brick character. Some dried herb too. Full body, firm and racy tannins plus dark berry, dark chocolate and mahogany. Wonderful finish. 94% cabernet sauvignon and the rest petit verdot. Drink or hold.
WA 93+ (10/2014): The soft, delicious, complex 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate offers notes of cedarwood, blackcurrants, baking spices, Asian soy, crème de cassis, licorice and a touch of graphite. It continues to remind me of a hypothetical blend of a second or third-growth Bordeaux Pauillac with a Napa Valley Cabernet. Composed of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Petit Verdot aged 18 months in 54% new French oak, it possesses full body, sweet tannin and should drink well for two decades or more.
VM 93 (12/2014): The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon bursts from the glass with tons of depth and overall intensity. Graphite, menthol, new leather, smoke, herbs and black fruit are all laced together nicely. Today the tannins are a bit dusty and rough around the edges, but at the same time, the 2012 is nowhere near ready to drink, so there is plenty of time for those contours to soften a touch. The Cabernet Sauvignon is a pretty tannic wine for the year, so patience is key. |
|
|
2012 |
Firebelle Proprietary Blend |
$95 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2012 |
Solari Cabernet Sauvignon |
$209 |
6 |
|
| |
| WA 99 (10/2014): The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Solari (100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged 20 months in 70% new French oak) is even better than I thought last year. This spectacular wine boasts notes of white chocolate, hot gravel, crème de cassis, blackberries, licorice and forest floor. A subtle smoky barbecue character is noticeable in the background. This is a thrilling, full-bodied, majestic Cabernet Sauvignon to drink over the next 25-30 years, although its tannic structure suggests cellaring it for 2-5 years will be beneficial. |
|
| Lava Vine |
2012 |
Knights Valley Syrah |
$40 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Leonetti Cellars |
2012 |
Walla Walla Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$119 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 96 (6/2015): The 2012 Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon is similar to the Reserve, yet slightly more elegant and streamlined at present. Made from 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot that spent 22 month in new and once-used French oak, it exhibits terrific aromatics of leafy herbs, spring flowers, violets, lead pencil shavings and ample cassis and black raspberry-style fruit. Full-bodied, seamless and perfectly balanced, with a stacked mid-palate and building tannin, it’s another candidate for short-term cellaring and will have 2-3 decades of overall longevity.
VM 94+ (11/2015): (14.7% alcohol; from multiple sites; aged for 22 months in new and once-used French oak): Bright ruby-red. A real high-pitched essence of Cabernet, offering aromas of black cherry, red berries, bitter chocolate and spices plus a whiff of pungent dried rosemary. Wonderfully deep and sappy wine; more red than black fruit in style and not at all overripe but still darker in character than the Reserve, not to mention more tannic in the early going. This wonderfully aromatic, spicy, bulletproof wine seems set for a long and glorious evolution in bottle. |
|
| Lewelling Vineyards |
2012 |
St. Helena Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
6 |
|
| |
| WA 92 (10/2014): The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon shows lots of Pauillac-like crème de cassis, cedar wood, forest floor and fruitcake. There’s a touch of white chocolate, a nice influence of spicy and the wine is full-bodied, fleshy and opulent. Drink it over the next 10-12 years. |
|
|
2012 |
Wight Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$89 |
6 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (01/2014): The single-vineyard 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Wight is opaque purple, has similar aromatic and flavor characteristics to the regular Cabernet Sauvignon, just with more concentration and extract. The tannins may also be more elevated, but there is such an extravagant level of fruit, they’re not that noticeable. This is a beautiful wine that cascades over the palate, with a multidimensional personality, with background sweet oak and loads of blackberry and cassis fruit, licorice and camphor. Drink it over the next 12-15 years. |
|
| Lewis Cellars |
2012 |
Hillstone Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$80 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2012 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$89 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2012 |
Napa Valley Merlot |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Linne Calodo |
2012 |
Outsider |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (8/2014): The 2012 Outsider is a more elegant and graceful effort that has lots of baking spices, cherry pie and licorice in its medium to full-bodied, forward and approachable feel. Made from 72% Zinfandel, 22% Syrah and the balance Mourvedre, this beauty is nicely balanced, silky and lightly textured. Enjoy it over the coming 4-5 years. |
|
|
2012 |
Overthinker |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 95 (9/2015): Inky purple. Spicy black and blue fruits, incense, violet and Asian spices on the flamboyantly perfumed nose. Densely packed, mineral-tinged blueberry and bitter cherry flavors show superb depth and vivacity and a seamless texture, with zero excess fat. Juicy, precise and alluring sweet, delivering an uncanny blend of richness and energy. Sappy and focused on the gently tannic, penetrating finish, with the berry and floral notes echoing. (Drink between 2021-2028) Josh Raynolds. |
|
|
2012 |
Perfectionist |
$59 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (8/2014): The 2012 Perfectionist is mostly Syrah, yet incorporates 12% Grenache and 11% Mourvedre. Fermented with 100% whole clusters and aged mostly in concrete (one puncheon was used), it has complex, savory aromas and flavors of red and black fruits, bouquet garni, crushed rock and smoked herbs all emerging from the glass. While savory and rich, it shows that whole cluster doesn't mean rustic, and this beauty is full-bodied, seamless and incredibly polished on the palate, with no hard edges and high-quality tannin. It's another superb blend from Matt that will have a decade or so of evolution. |
|
|
2012 |
Problem Child |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (8/2014): Similarly styled (to the 2012 Nemesis), with its sweet berry fruit, bramble, licorice and hints of tar, the 2012 Problem Child is another seamless, sexy blend from Matt that dishes out tons of sweet fruit while staying fresh and lively. Made from 74% Zinfandel, 14% Syrah and 12% Mourvedre, this full-bodied, fruit-forward effort can be consumed anytime over the coming 5-7 years. |
|
|
2012 |
Sticks and Stones |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (8/2014): The 2012 Sticks and Stones is a smoking blend of 63% Grenache, 19% Mourvedre and 18% Syrah. Cherry blossom, cassis, wild flowers and licorice can all be found in this full-bodied, supple and elegant wine. It has no hard edges, but thrilling purity and a sexy style that keeps you coming back to the glass. Bottles wouldn't last long at my house, but this will evolve gracefully on its balance and purity. |
|
| Long Shadows Wineries |
2012 |
Chester Kidder Proprietary Blend |
$55 |
4 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (6/2016): The finest vintage for the cuvee to date, the 2012 Chester Kidder is 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Syrah and 11% Petit Verdot, all of which saw a long 40-day maceration followed by just under three years in barrel. It’s a serious, age-worthy beauty that sports an inky purple color to go with notes of ripe black currants, toast oak, spice-box and espresso roast. Full-bodied, luxuriously textured and concentrated, it has ample underlying tannin and needs 4-5 years of cellaring. It will see its 30th birthday in fine form! |
|
|
2012 |
Feather Cabernet Sauvignon |
$65 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 95 (6/2015): Up there with the Pedestal release in term of quality, the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Feather is made by Randy Dunn of Dunn Vineyards in Napa Valley. It’s always a 100% Cabernet and in 2012, offers sensational notes of sweet black cherry and cassis fruit, tobacco leaf, graphite and lead pencil shavings. Deep, concentration, rich and tannic, it needs 4-5 years of cellaring, but will evolve nicely through 2032.
VM 93+ (11/2015): (14.4% alcohol; 3.86 pH; winemaker Randy Dunn added back a bit of stems for more structure): Deep ruby-red. Pure, varietally accurate aromas and flavors of cassis, bitter chocolate, violet and dried herbs. Wonderfully smooth, pliant and suave but with terrific penetration too; really fills the mouth with perfume. Spreads out horizontally to saturate the palate, with the huge, building tannins in perfect harmony with the wine's fruit. Splendid tannin management here. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Matthews |
2012 |
Blackboard Colombia Valley Red Wine |
$15 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 89 (12/2014): Bright medium red. Ripe, dark aromas and flavors of black raspberry, blackberry, dark chocolate and smoke. A spicy, juicy midweight in a Saint-Emilion style. Firm tannins and lively acidity will not get in the way of enjoying this wine now. Stephen Tanzer.
WA 89 (6/2015): The 2012 Blackboard Red is a kitchen-sink blend of 33% Syrah, 26% Cabernet Franc, 18% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Sauvignon and 9% Malbec. Vinified in stainless steel and aged 16 months in once- and twice-used French oak, it’s a rock-solid effort that gives up plenty of ripe black fruits, peppery herbs and graphite in a medium to full-bodied, fruit-driven, fresh and easy-drinking style. Drink it over the coming 4-5 years. |
|
| Mayacamas |
2012 |
Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon |
$182 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 97 (5/2024): The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon is the last wine Bob Travers made. It shows all the classic Mayacamas notes of savory and earthy intensity, with gorgeous fruit and exceptional balance. The 2012 is just at the very early part of what is sure to be a very long drinking window that will stretch several decades. This is an exceptionally fine vintage here. (Drink between 2022-2052). Antonio Galloni.
JD 93 (12/2023): The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon offers more ripeness and depth compared to the 2009, with solid ripe black fruits, chocolate, and roasted herb notes, with some earthy, old wood-like background nuances. It's medium-bodied, balanced, has fine tannins, and outstanding length. It's a beautiful, layer, utterly classic old school Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon to enjoy over the coming 15 years. (Drink between 2023-2038). |
|
| Maze |
2012 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$85 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Morlet Family Vineyards |
2012 |
Bouquet Garni Syrah |
$69 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 93 (8/2016): The 2012 Syrah Bouquet Garni, from a site in Bennett Valley, is deep, powerful and explosive, with huge fruit and terrific overall intensity. Black cherry, plum, spice, lavender and sage are front and center. Voluptuous, racy and ripe, the Bouquet Garni offers notable intensity from start to finish. Wilder, gamier notes develop with time in the glass. This is a super-classic Luc Morlet wine built on power and intensity. Antonio Galloni.
WA 96 (12/2014): Luc Morlet further demonstrates his genius with his Syrah called Bouquet Garni from Bennett Valley, which is bottled without fining or filtration. There are only around five barrels (125 cases) of this 100% Syrah that tastes like it includes some Viognier in the blend (because of the floral and lavender notes). The 2012 Syrah Bouquet Garni offers up fabulous notes of black truffles, lavender, roasted herbs, graphite, blackberries and meaty charcuterie. Other than a handful of Syrahs from Sine Qua Non, this French-tasting Syrah is the closest thing I have tasted to Guigal’s famous Côte Rôtie La Landonne. Drink this sensational Syrah over the next 10-15 years. |
|
| Noble Estate |
2012 |
XS Pinot Noir |
$19 |
3 |
|
| |
|
|
2012 |
XS Pinot Noir Lightly Scuffed Label |
$19 |
4 |
|
| |
|
| O'Shaughnessy |
2012 |
Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon |
$99 |
4 |
|
| |
| VM 95 (12/2014): Dark red cherry, plum, smoke, new leather, tobacco, cloves and mocha meld together in the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain. Rich, ample and textured, the 2012 is full of intensity. The contours are quite soft, though, which makes the 2012 unusually gentle and tamed for a young Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon. The radiant, explosive finish alone is hugely appealing. In 2012, winemaker Sean Capiaux used all seven Bordeaux varieties in the blend. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Outpost |
2012 |
Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon |
$135 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 96 (10/2014): The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon is a 650-case, 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged 20 months in 75% new French oak and 25% in older oak. True to the vintage, it is dramatic, ostentatious, savory and opulent. Its dense purple color is accompanied by sweet blackberry and blackcurrant fruit intermixed with notions of graphite, chocolate and vanillin. Lush, pure and voluptuously textured, it is an irresistible Cabernet to drink over the next 12-15+ years.
VM 93 (12/2014): A dark, sumptuous beauty, the 2012 is primary and quite seamless for a Howell Mountain wine. Dark blue and black fruit, grilled herbs, menthol, sweet tobacco and licorice are all layered into the gracious finish. There is a lot to like in 2012, especially its fleshiness and early accessibility. This mid-weight Cabernet Sauvignon should drink well for the next 10-15 years or so.
VM 92-94 (5/2014): (just blended the day before my visit): Saturated ruby-red. Very pure but reticent aromas of dark berries, black plum and minerals. Plush, silky and ripe, with terrific thickness supported by ripe acids and tannins. In a very warm style, but has the depth and stuffing for balance. Very long on the aftertaste. Outstanding potential. |
|
|
2012 |
True Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$199 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 96+ (10/2014): There are 375 cases of the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon True Vineyard, which is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in 90% new French oak. This cuvee ratchets up the levels of structure and tannin, but shares similar notes of blackberries, blueberries, floral, forest floor and spice. It is a broad-flavored, multidimensional wine built like a skyscraper. However, unlike the regular Cabernet Sauvignon, this offering requires patience because of some significant tannin. Forget it for 4-5 years and drink it over the next two decades.
VM 94+ (12/2014): The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon True Vineyard has closed down quite a bit since I last tasted it this past spring, which is probably a good thing for its long-term aging. Some of the typical 2012 vintage silkiness and polish is present, but the wine need at least a few years to become fully expressive. Hints of lavender, orange peel and sweet spices add intrigue on the supple, racy finish. This is a strong showing from Outpost. |
|
|
2012 |
True Vyd. Immigrant Proprietary Blend |
$239 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 95 (10/2014): The 2012 True Vineyard Immigrant, a blend of 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Cabernet Franc, and 28% Merlot aged 20 months in two-thirds new French oak, offers notes of forest floor, mulberries, black cherries, blackcurrants and unsmoked cigar tobacco. With sweet tannin, and a deep, broad, savory, medium to full-bodied style, this pure, sexy red can be enjoyed over the next 5-8 years.
VM 94 (12/2014): The 2012 Immigrant, Outpost's Cabernet Franc/Merlot blend, is another juicy, up-front wine with tons of near and medium term potential. Ample, rich and broad, the 2012 boasts superb depth and concentration. Dark blue and black-hued fruits open up on the mid-palate and finish, while a huge, super-ripe finish rounds things out. I imagine the 2012 will provide a wide window of drinking pleasure once it softens a touch. |
|
| Ovid |
2012 |
Experiment V6.2 Proprietary Blend |
$135 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Pahlmeyer |
2012 |
Merlot |
$89 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 91 (12/2014): White truffle, smoke, licorice, tobacco and iron are some of the notes that emerge from the 2012 Merlot. Today, it is the wine's ferrous/savory notes that are most prominent. On the palate, the wine is a bit less generous, with firm tannins that remain unyielding. Readers need to give the 2012 at least a year or two in bottle to soften. Dollops of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon round out the blend. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Paloma |
2012 |
Merlot |
$45 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Passing Time |
2012 |
Horse Heaven Hill Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 94 (4/2019): The first vintage, the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Horse Heaven Hills came all from the Discovery Vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA and is 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc. It has a Bordeaux-like structure and texture, with still youthful cassis and dark fruits intermixed with ample lead pencil, tobacco, and underbrush-like characteristics. With ripe tannins and impeccable balance, it’s going to age gracefully for 20 years or more.
VM 90+ (12/2014): Bright medium ruby. High-pitched nose offers scents of blackberry, licorice, violet, bitter chocolate and minerals, plus a whiff of cedary oak. Sweet, pliant and light on its feet on the front half, then more clenched on the back, showing a slightly medicinal character to its dark berry, violet and chocolatey oak flavors. A bit youthfully edgy today as the wine’s ripe fruit is battling its high, slightly streaky acidity. I’d like to see this wine again in four or five years. This promising attention-grabber is the first release from this new venture from ex-quarterbacks Dan Marino and Damon Huard; Chris Peterson is the winemaker here. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Peacock Family |
2012 |
Spring Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (10/2014): Winemaker Craig Becker is behind this 420-case cuvée of this sensational 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Spring Mountain. The family owns 5.6 acres on Spring Mountain and planted it with Clone 7. The vines in 2012 were 21 years of age. At 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15.3% natural alcohol and a pH of 3.89, as those numbers suggest, this is a big, fleshy, succulent style of Napa Cabernet Sauvignon with lots of cremede cassis, espresso bean, chocolate, licorice and forest floor notes. Quite full-bodied, opulent, very savory and expansive on the palate, the wine exhibits outstanding purity and density. Drink it over the next 10-15 years. |
|
| Pfeiffer |
2012 |
Blue Dot Reserve Epic 12 Pinot Noir |
$19 |
5 |
|
| |
|
|
2012 |
Blue Dot Reserve Epic 12 Pinot Noir Nicked Label |
$19 |
9 |
|
| |
|
| Pott |
2012 |
Actaeon Quixote Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$185 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 92 (10/2014): The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Actaeon Quixote Vineyard comes from a site previously owned by Carl Doumani. (The Quixote Vineyard was recently sold to the Chinese.) This tightly knit, complex 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits notes of forest floor, damp earth, truffles, white chocolate and red and blackcurrants. This complete, refined wine will benefit from several years of cellaring and age nicely for 12-15 years. |
|
|
2012 |
Her Majesty’s Secret Service Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$239 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 91 (10/2104): The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Her Majesty’s Secret Service is another offering from Dr. Krupp’s Stagecoach Vineyard. It exhibits chocolaty, cedary, fruitcake notes, not the density and power of Pott’s other Cabernet Sauvignons, but good spice box and unsmoked cigar tobacco characteristics. Medium to full-bodied and slightly tannic, it is a beautiful wine that I may have underrated. Drink now-2027. |
|
|
2012 |
Kaliholmanok Proprietary Blend |
$125 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2012 |
Le Nouveau Western Star Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$189 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (10/2014): The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Le Nouveau Western Star Vineyard comes from a site originally planted by Ric Forman and David Abreu on pure gravelly clay loam soils. Beringer and Etude have done some fabulous work from this site, and this is another gorgeous effort. Lots of blackberry, blackcurrant, dusty, loamy soil, sweet licorice, incense and camphor emerge from this deep, rich Cabernet. Pott’s vineyard rows are planted with the Martha’s Clone of Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from the late Joe Heitz’s legendary Martha’s Vineyard. This is a beauty to drink over the next 12-15 years. |
|
|
2012 |
The Arsenal Greer Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$119 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 96 (9/2010): The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon The Arsenal is a real stunner. All the elements fall into place effortlessly. Mocha, sweet herbs and new leather are laced together in a dramatic wine that brings together voluptuous texture, structure and pure power. The vivid, racy finish is a thing of beauty. This is a fabulous showing from Aaron Pott. (Drink between 2017-2027) Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Pride Mountain Vineyards |
2012 |
Cabernet Franc |
$50 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 89 (12/2014): A big, dark wine, the 2012 Cabernet Franc possesses gorgeous depth. Mocha, blackberry jam, cloves and leather all wrap around the super-expressive finish. The Cabernet Franc offers the early approachability of the year along with a bit more structure than the Merlot. As always, there is a bit of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend, 17% in this vintage. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2012 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$90 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (10/2015): Pride's 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon is soft, creamy and voluptuous. Sweet cherry, rose petal, mint, plum, cinnamon, new leather and cedar open up effortlessly in the glass, with silky tannins that add to the wine's sheer appear. The Cabernet Sauvignon captures the open-knit, radiant personality of the vintage to the fullest. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Quilceda Creek |
2012 |
Columbia Valley CVR Proprietary Blend |
$59 |
8 |
|
| |
WA 92-94 (6/2014): The 2012 CVR Columbia Valley Red Wine is a declassified blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, with splashes of Merlot and Malbec. It offers up plenty of classic Quilceda character with notions of blackberry liqueur, toasted spice, graphite and licorice as well as full-bodied richness and depth on the palate. Already supple and approachable, yet with notable tannin structure, it will deliver the goods on release, and over the following decade or more.
VM 91 (11/2015): (15.2% alcohol): Deep ruby-red. Sexy aromas of black raspberry, licorice pastille and bitter chocolate oak. Concentrated and savory, with the dark fruit and chocolate flavors complemented by graphite minerality. Finishes with fine-grained tannins and lovely persistence. A very strong vintage for this bottling, which consists of declassified lots that did not make it into Quilceda Creek's flagship Cabernet. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2012 |
Galitzine Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$129 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 94+ (11/2015): (15.2% alcohol; 3% of this Cabernet comes from Wallula): Bright, dark ruby. Very refined, high-pitched aromas of blackberry, cassis, boysenberry and violet; smells lighter than the flagship Cabernet and more peppery. Dense, silky and weightless in the mouth, conveying a refined texture to its very intense flavors of cassis, licorice pastille and dark chocolate. Less fleshy and sweet today than the Cabernet but this wine is still youthfully imploded. Big, building tannins are less suave than those of the Cabernet, despite the fact that both wines are made with the same Cabernet Sauvignon clone. Finishes with a sexy cocoa powder quality that must be from the Taransaud barrels. |
|
| Ramey |
2012 |
Annum Cabernet Sauvignon |
$89 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (9/2019): The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Annum contains 76% Cabernet Sauvignon and 24% Cabernet Franc. It's deep ruby with wonderful aromas of laurel leaf, beef drippings, prosciutto, star anise, fenugreek, crème de cassis and crushed black cherries with dried flowers and a sanguine/iron streak. Medium to full-bodied, the palate offers that Ramey lushness, fully fruited, spiced and rounded in the mouth with wonderfully ripe, fine-grained tannins and good freshness, finishing very long and layered. This seems to have only just shed its baby fat. 675 cases were made. |
|
| Rasa Vineyards |
2012 |
Creative Impulse DuBrul Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$109 |
5 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (6/2015): Coming all from the Dubrul Vineyard in Yakima Valley and a blend of 59% Cabernet Sauvignon and 41% Merlot, the 2012 Creative Impulse Dubrul Vineyard has a more savory character in its black and red currants, black cherry, toasted spice, tobacco and dried-herb bouquet. This gives way to a big, ripe, layered and sexy 2012 that has medium to full-bodied richness, a rocking core of sweet fruit and a big finish. Like all of the wines here, the tannin is nicely polished and builds incrementally through the mid-palate and finish. Much more red fruit and spice-driven than the other Bordeaux blends here, it's not a classic Cabernet, yet has tons of character and should have 15 years or more of longevity, and drink nicely for most of it! |
|
|
2012 |
Fianchetto XL Vyd. Proprietary Blend |
$75 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (6/2015): Another new wine in 2012, the 2012 Fianchetto is a blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Cabernet Franc and 22% Merlot, all from the XL Vineyard in Walla Walla. Its dark ruby, mostly opaque color is followed by a big, powerful and ripe 2012 that has loads of dark fruits, tobacco leaf, toasted spices, hints of lead pencil and a touch of graphite all soaring from the glass. Possessing tons of fruit, a big mid-palate and a heady, lengthy finish, this blockbuster effort will be even better in another 1-2 years, and drink admirably through at least 2027. |
|
|
2012 |
In Order to Form a More Perfect Union |
$69 |
5 |
|
| |
| WA 93+ (6/2015): Checking in as a blend of 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Cabernet Franc, 20% Merlot and the balance Petit Verdot, the 2012 In Order to Form A More Perfect Union is both a classic Washington State Bordeaux blend, as well as a classic wine from this estate. It exhibits a deep ruby, mostly opaque color to go with lots of blackcurrants, grilled toast, graphite and dried-violet aromas and flavors. Full-bodied, pure, silky and yet still savory and focused, with a light, balanced feel, good acidity, and plenty of fine tannin that show on the chocolate-laced finish, it's a beautiful wine that can be drunk anytime over the coming 10-15 years. |
|
|
2012 |
Plus One Kiona Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$89 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 92 (6/2015): Showing slightly more oak and chocolate than the Perfect Union release, the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Kiona Vineyard Plus One offers lots of chocolaty dark fruits, espresso, roasted herbs and graphite to go with a medium to full-bodied, elegant, nicely textured and structured profile on the palate. Shining for its elegance and balance, drink it anytime over the coming 10-15 years. |
|
|
2012 |
Tilting at Windmills Proprietary Blend |
$59 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (6/2014): Also Grenache-dominated, yet incorporating 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Syrah, the 2012 Tilting At Windmills is also rock star stuff. Decadently styled, with creme de cassis, melted licorice, road tar and spice, this full-bodied effort has superb mid-palate depth, an unctuous texture and sweet tannin that coats the palate on the finish. It’s impressive and will have a decade or more of longevity. |
|
| Realm |
2012 |
The Falstaff Proprietary Blend |
$169 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (3/2022): The 2012 Falstaff is such a showy wine, as the best wines are in this vintage. Bright floral and savory notes give the 2012 gorgeous energy to play off the dark plummy fruit. The oak is maybe just a bit pronounced, but there is terrific density and tons of forward appeal. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Reynvaan Family Vineyards |
2012 |
The Contender Syrah |
$55 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 96 (6/2015): A classic Rocks Syrah, the 2012 Syrah The Contender is a deep, rich, full-bodied beauty that boasts terrific notes of ripe plums, blackberries, truffle and wild herbs. Incorporating 3% Marsanne (which also give the texture some oomph), it has a big, layered, seamless texture, no hard edges and sweet tannin. Drink it anytime over the coming 10-15 years. |
|
|
2012 |
The Stonessence Syrah |
$65 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 98 (6/2015): Even better, and possibly the greatest wine ever for this estate, the 2012 Syrah Stoneessence could merit a three-digit score in a few years. Made from 100% Syrah from their estate vineyard in The Rocks region of Walla Walla. This terroir always yields a perfumed, gamy complexity and this beauty doesn’t disappoint, with loads of cassis, smoked meats, olive tapenade, violets and lavender all literally soaring from the glass. The palate doesn’t disappoint either, and is full-bodied, seamless, perfectly balanced and layered, with a stacked mid-palate and an awesome finish. Give this insanely good Syrah 2-3 years and enjoy through 2027.
VM 94 (11/2015): (13.9% alcohol; 100% Syrah): Moderately saturated red-ruby. Captivating, deep aromas of dark berries, smoked meat, flowers and brown spices, plus a saline oyster shell note. Very intense, densely packed dark berry flavors show terrific thrust, not to mention compelling personality for such a primary wine. Finishes strong and long, with a saline nuance and building tannins that remain under control. A knockout Washington Syrah. |
|
| Rhys |
2012 |
Alpine Vyd. Pinot Noir Very Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 94+ (7/2014): The 2012 Pinot Noir Alpine Vineyard is one of the more reticent, backward wines in the range today. Firm tannins provide the underlying framework for an impeccable, pure Pinot long on crystalline energy and intensity. The flavors really pulsate here, while expressive floral and savory overtones add an attractive upper register. This is a rare 2012 that is going to need at least a few years in bottle to show at its best. The Alpine was done with 50% whole clusters. Antonio Galloni.
WA 93+ (4/2015): Coming from a site close to where the Horseshoe Vineyard Pinot Noir comes from, the 2012 Pinot Noir Alpine Vineyard is more structured in 2012, with beautiful balance and focus in its whole cluster-influenced bouquet of Asian spices, smoked earth, black cherry and big mineral-like characteristics. Firm, tight, edgy and backwards, with good acidity and a medium to full-bodied, structured palate, this smoking Pinot Noir needs short-term cellaring, but will be long-lived.
BH 92 (1/2015): A subtle application of wood blends into the ripe plum and dark raspberry suffused nose where again there are pretty floral and spice notes. There is fine verve and a more elegant mouth feel to the delicious and relatively round medium weight flavors that possess fine depth and really lovely balance on the lingering finish. I really like the delivery as it's lacy but serious and like the straight pinot noir this should drink well young yet age effortlessly thanks to the impeccably good balance. Drink 2020+. Outstanding! |
|
|
2012 |
Alpine Vyd. Pinot Noir (3.0 L) |
$289 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 94+ (7/2014): The 2012 Pinot Noir Alpine Vineyard is one of the more reticent, backward wines in the range today. Firm tannins provide the underlying framework for an impeccable, pure Pinot long on crystalline energy and intensity. The flavors really pulsate here, while expressive floral and savory overtones add an attractive upper register. This is a rare 2012 that is going to need at least a few years in bottle to show at its best. The Alpine was done with 50% whole clusters. Antonio Galloni.
WA 93+ (4/2015): Coming from a site close to where the Horseshoe Vineyard Pinot Noir comes from, the 2012 Pinot Noir Alpine Vineyard is more structured in 2012, with beautiful balance and focus in its whole cluster-influenced bouquet of Asian spices, smoked earth, black cherry and big mineral-like characteristics. Firm, tight, edgy and backwards, with good acidity and a medium to full-bodied, structured palate, this smoking Pinot Noir needs short-term cellaring, but will be long-lived.
BH 92 (1/2015): A subtle application of wood blends into the ripe plum and dark raspberry suffused nose where again there are pretty floral and spice notes. There is fine verve and a more elegant mouth feel to the delicious and relatively round medium weight flavors that possess fine depth and really lovely balance on the lingering finish. I really like the delivery as it's lacy but serious and like the straight pinot noir this should drink well young yet age effortlessly thanks to the impeccably good balance. Drink 2020+. Outstanding! |
|
| Riverain |
2012 |
Tench Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Rivers Marie |
2012 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$89 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (12/2014): Rivers-Marie's 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon brings together the richness of the year along with pretty savory notes that balance some of the more overt fruit. Iron, smoke, cedar and dried red cherries are all laced into the super-expressive finish. This is one of very best Napa Valley Cabernets in its price range. The 2012 was made from three sites; Pellet (Calistoga) and Bourn and Bressler, both in St. Helena. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2012 |
Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon |
$109 |
4 |
|
| |
WA 96 (10/2014): The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Calistoga is a killer effort. Sweet blueberry, black raspberry and blackberry fruit along with notes of vanilla, toast, licorice, incense and spice box emerge from this full-bodied, classic Napa Cabernet. With good acidity, ripe tannin and a broad, savory, multidimensional mouthfeel, this fabulous wine represents 200 cases of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in 75% new oak. The finished alcohol is 14.3%. It should drink well for 15-20 years.
VM 93 (12/2014): The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Calistoga emerges from a single block in what is widely considered the best part of the Larkmead estate. Dark black fruit, graphite, game, smoke and pencil shavings wrap around a core of dark fruit in a powerful, explosive Cabernet built on intensity and inner sweetness, although time in the glass brings out the wine's more seductive qualities. This broad, ample Cabernet Sauvignon should drink beautifully for a number of years. This is a strong debut vintage for the Calistoga Cabernet. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2012 |
Corona Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$109 |
4 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (10/2014): The opaque purple-hued 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Crona Vineyard, from gravelly, stony soils in the western Oakville hills, is the most intense, massive, structured and tannic wine of this group of 2012s. Aged in 75% new oak (250 cases produced), it offers up notes of licorice, graphite, vanillin, baking spices, blueberries and blackberries along with stupendous extract, richness and structure. Drink it over the next 20+ years. |
|
|
2012 |
Kanzler Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (2/2014): One of the more overt, fruit-driven wines in the range, the 2012 Pinot Noir Kanzler Vineyard offers lively immediacy. This is the one site in the Rivers-Marie range that is in the Russian River, so the style here is quite jammy and also very different from the other wines in the lineup. Hard candy, black cherries, cloves and menthol inform the juicy, extroverted finish. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2012 |
Summa Old Vines Pinot Noir |
$119 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 90+ (6/2014): (13.3% alcohol; from vines planted in 1978): Good pure red, brighter than the Sonoma Coast bottling. Musky aromas of red berries, woodsmoke and minerals; more savory than fruity today. Ripe but classically dry in the mouth, with soil-driven flavors of woodsmoke, underbrush and minerals dominating. Plenty of aromatic subtlety here but not a fruity style. The broad finish features dusty tannins that call for a year or so of patience. |
|
| Round Pond |
2012 |
Rutherford Estate Cabernet Sauvignon |
$40 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 90 (12/2014): Round Pond's 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is very pretty. Iron, smoke, tobacco, red stone fruits and plenty of Rutherford dust meld together in the glass. Forward, ripe and juicy, yet with good underlying structure and energy, the 2012 should drink beautifully for the next decade or more. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2012 |
Rutherford Proprietary Blend |
$40 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Rudius |
2012 |
Kaley Elizabeth Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon |
$99 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 95+ (12/2015): The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Kaley Elizabeth is sourced exclusively from the Tierra Roja Vineyard in eastern Oakville. It sits below and adjacent to Dalla Valle and is in the same neighborhood as the Backus Vineyard of Joseph Phelps and the Rudd estate. This is a high-priced zip code for sure. Jeff Ames produced this wine and named it after his daughter. And it's a tiny cuvee, of only about four barrels, or 100 or so cases. Bottled unfined and unfiltered after 18 months in oak, the wine has beautiful, earthy/loamy soil and forest floor notes intermixed with blueberry and blackberry fruit, true terroir character, a full-bodied mouthfeel and beautiful purity of fruit and depth. The wine is rich, full and capable of evolving for 20 to 25+ years. This wine builds incrementally, and while at first there seems to be incredibly delicate and well-integrated sweet tannin, as the wine sits in the glass the big structure of this wine comes forth. This is a beauty and should age magnificently. |
|
|
2012 |
Knockmore Cabernet Sauvignon |
$89 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 96 (12/2015): The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill - Knockmore comes from a small parcel on Pritchard Hill directly across the street from Ovid and backed up to the well-known Colgin IX Estate Vineyard. As Jeff Ames says, this is "a fantastic neighborhood." The wine, 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, was also bottled unfined and unfiltered after 18 months in about 70% new French oak. This is another small cuvee of only about 100 cases. Fabulous flavors of black raspberries, blackcurrants and spring flowers jump from the glass of this wine, which seems to be a characteristic of many of the same wines in the neighborhood. Deep ruby/purple in color, it's sexy, opulent, lush and much in keeping with the 2012 style. This multi-dimensional, layered, velvety textured wine is loaded. There's not a hard edge to it, and the impression is one of extravagance and lavish, rich fruit. It's already showing burgeoning complexity and should continue to develop even more fragrance and compelling attributes over the next 15-20 years. This is a beauty. |
|
|
2012 |
Panek Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$59 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (12/2015): Highly impressive, the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Panek Vineyard (readers should also check out the tasting notes from this vineyard and the wines made by Pulido-Walker and Rivers Marie) is another unfined, unfiltered, beautiful wine from Jeff Ames, who has the Midas touch with seemingly any varietal. Deep ruby/purple with notes of spice box and blackcurrants followed by a generously fruity, full-bodied, layered wine with relatively sweet, but noticeable tannin, a big, lofty, full-bodied mouthfeel, a fragrance that is hard-to-resist and a long, long finish. This was fermented with indigenous yeast and aged in about 70% new French oak prior to bottling. Ames is a big believer of Darnajou barrels, sort of the Mercedes Benz of cooperage along with Taransaud and a handful of other small coopers. Drink it over the next 20+ years. |
|
| Rutherford Ranch |
2012 |
Merlot |
$20 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Mark Ryan |
2012 |
Dead Horse Cabernet Sauvignon |
$51 |
6 |
|
| |
| WA 93+ (6/2015): A step up over the Long Haul, the 2012 Dead Horse Ciel du Cheval Vineyard is a rocking blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. Aged 21 months in once used barrels, it’s a full-bodied, concentrated, thrillingly pure Cabernet Sauvignon that has classic black fruits, smoke tobacco and crushed rock aromatics. Big, structured, and tannic, with nicely integrated acidity, it’s another red that will benefit from 4-5 years in the cellar. It will have over two decades of longevity. |
|
|
2012 |
Long Haul Red Wine |
$51 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 92 (6/2015): The 2012 Long Haul Ciel du Cheval Vineyard is another terrific Bordeaux blend from this team. Made from 49% Merlot, 44% Cabernet Franc and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon, it was vinified in stainless steel and aged in once used French oak barrels. It exhibits subtle hints of coffee bean in its red and black fruits, roasted meats, spice and licorice-styled bouquet, and picks up more and more floral nuances with time. Full-bodied, tight, focused and a little backward, it opens up nicely in the glass, has integrated acidity and a clean finish. Give it 2-4 years and drink it through 2032. |
|
|
2012 |
Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon |
$53 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 93+ (6/2015): Inky colored, with tight, focused notes of graphite, iron, crushed rock, charcoal and black fruits, the 2012 Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon will be a longer-term prospect. A blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest equal parts Merlot and Petit Verdot, it’s full-bodied and massively structured, with polished tannin, yet a focused, linear feel. A little more mid-palate flesh would be good here, but I think this will come around beautifully with 4-5 years in bottle. The élevage here was 21 months in 79% new French oak and there were only 300 cases made. |
|
| Saunter Wines |
2012 |
Clone 685 Red Head Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$125 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2012 |
Eagle Summit Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$120 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Saxum |
2012 |
Booker Vyd. Syrah |
$119 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2012 |
Broken Stones Proprietary Blend |
$119 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 97 (8/2015): The 2012 Syrah Broken Stones is a beauty. Made from 79% Syrah, 7% Petite Sirah and the rest Grenache, Mourvedre and Roussanne, it offers up full-bodied, decadent, yet incredibly pure notes of creme de cassis, smoked earth, pepper and violets. Seamless and silky, yet with a great mid-palate and notable tannin, it needs 2-3 years of bottle age and will have 15 years or more of overall longevity.
VM 95 (9/2015): Saturated purple. Spectactular perfume of fresh blueberry, boysenberry, incense, vanilla and smoky minerals, with suave allspice and star anise nuances coming up as the wine stretches out. Sweet, incisive and pure on the palate, offering an array of dark fruit liqueur and floral pastille flavors, along with suggestions of cola and spicecake. Leaves sexy lavender and blue fruit notes behind on an extremely long, vibrant finish that's firmed and focused by silky, fully integrated tannins. Josh Raynolds. |
|
|
2012 |
James Berry Vyd. Proprietary Blend |
$129 |
4 |
|
| |
WA 97+ (8/2014): There are 1,580 cases of the 2012 James Berry Vineyard and it reminds me of the 2009 Janasse Chaupin (which is one of Justin’s favorite wines). Incorporating more Mourvedre than normal, it’s made from 43% Grenache, 29% Mourvedre, 18% Syrah and 10% Counoise that’s aged in a combination of concrete and barrel. Rock star stuff, with fabulous black raspberry, cassis, spring flowers and charred meat aromas and flavors, this beauty hits the palate with full-bodied richness and depth, yet stays lively, incredibly pure and elegant, with lots of fine tannin emerging on the finish. It will benefit from 2-3 years in the cellar and have 15-20 years of ultimate longevity.
VM 94+ (7/2014): The 2012 James Berry Vineyard stands out for its textural finesse, sweetness and overall balance. Sweet spices, red berries and flowers all meld together in a decidedly silky James Berry. The 2012 is 42% Grenache, 29% Mourvèdre, 18% Syrah and 10% Counoise. More expressive today on the palate than in its aromatics, the 2012 remains a baby. |
|
|
2012 |
Paderewski Vyd. Proprietary Blend |
$135 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 96+ (8/2014): Surprisingly tannic and structured for a wine that’s normally the most approachable and sexy, the 2012 Paderewski Vineyard checks in as a blend of 45% Zinfandel, 36% Mourvedre, 12% Tempranillo and 7% Petite Sirah. It possesses the classic chalky minerality of the vineyard to go with exotic perfumed notes of black raspberry, plums, brambly underbrush and assorted background meatiness. This all flows to a full-bodied, elegant and polished wine that has solid mid-palate depth and chewy, firm tannin on the finish. Give this a year or more in the cellar and enjoy bottles through 2024.
VM 92+ (7/2014): Zinfandel is especially prominent in the 2012 Paderewski Vineyard. Dark red cherries, kirsch, sweet spices and wild flowers are all laced together in a silky, gracious wine. The Paderewski is quite pretty, but also a bit subdued, perhaps because of its recent bottling. It will be interesting to see if the 2012 fleshes out in bottle. The blend is 45% Zinfandel, 36% Mourvèdre, 12% Tempranillo and 7% Syrah. |
|
|
2012 |
Terry Hoage Vyd. Proprietary Blend |
$129 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 97 (8/2014): Just bottled five weeks ago, the 2012 Terry Hoage Vineyard (330 cases) is a thrilling blend of 51% Syrah, 31% Grenache and 18 % Mourvedre. It has an up front approachable and sexy feel in its cherry blossom and black raspberry fruit, crushed flowers and spice aromas and flavors. Full-bodied, concentrated and with sweet tannin, it’s the most ready-to-go in the lineup, yet will still have 10-12 years of longevity.
VM 92+ (7/2014): Silky and layered in the glass, the 2012 Terry Hoage Vineyard is a bit laid back for a site that has typically yielded more forward, fruit-driven wines. Plum, sweet spice and mint notes are all laced together nicely in the glass. Overall, the 2012 is a very pretty, feminine wine built more on grace than power. The 2012 is 51% Syrah, 31% Grenache and 18 Mourvèdre, picked a little earlier than the other wines in the range. |
|
| School House |
2012 |
Spring Mountain District Pinot Noir |
$60 |
10 |
|
| |
| WA 88 (10/2015): The 2012 Pinot Noir has autumnal vegetative notes, some forest floor, fresh black and red currants, plums, and a hint of underbrush. It is elegant, medium-bodied and best drunk over the next 2-3 years. |
|
|
2012 |
Spring Mountain District Pinot Noir Scuffed Label |
$60 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 88 (10/2015): The 2012 Pinot Noir has autumnal vegetative notes, some forest floor, fresh black and red currants, plums, and a hint of underbrush. It is elegant, medium-bodied and best drunk over the next 2-3 years. |
|
| Schrader |
2012 |
Beckstoffer To Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$295 |
7 |
|
| |
| WA 98 (10/2014): Nearly as prodigious is the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer to Kalon Vineyard, which is Clone 4 and Clone 6 blended together from the Beckstoffer to Kalon Vineyard, this is the highest in alcohol of the 2012s at 14.6%. It was aged in a combination of 50% new Darnajou and 50% new Taransaud barrels. This wine is one of the tighter, more backward of the 2012s, with more structure, tannin, muscle, a masculine personality, oodles of black and blue fruits and a massive mouthfeel, but is somehow much more primary and younger tasting than the other wines. Forget it for a few years and drink it over the following 20-25 years. |
|
|
2012 |
CCS Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$375 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 100 (10/2014): The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer to Kalon Vineyard CCS is Clone 4 from another block, and always seems to hit all the sweet spots on my palate. It’s aged 20 months in 100% new Darnajou barrels. The good news is there are 520 cases of it. Just a prodigious wine, this spectacular Cabernet Sauvignon is inky bluish/purple with a gorgeous nose of spring flowers, blueberry, blackberry and cassis fruit, a touch of background toast and graphite. It has a very full-bodied, multidimensional mouthfeel and a skyscraper-like finish. It is fabulously open, sexy and a total thrill to smell and taste. This should continue to drink well for two decades.
VM 96 (12/2014): The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon CCS Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard is gorgeous. Often one of the more open-knit, silky wines in the range, the CCS plays in an upper register of sweet perfumed aromatics, bright red fruit and super-finessed tannins. A long, polished finish rounds things out in style. Even though the CCS is one of the more delicate wines in the Schrader lineup, the new oak is totally integrated. In the end, great wine are all about balance, and the 2012 CCS has that in spades. This is a magnificent showing.
JS 96 (7/2015): This is very rich and bright with loads of fruit and spice character. Some fresh berry too. Full-bodied, very firm and chewy, yet bright and intense. Muscular and powerful. A beauty. Better in 2018. |
|
|
2012 |
LPV Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$249 |
1 |
|
| |
JS 98 (7/2015): A very rich and dense red with blueberry and chocolate character. Full-bodied, very silky and refined. Wonderful depth and length. Held back and pretty. Elegance and beauty for a Schrader. Better in 2017.
WA 94 (10/2014): The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard LPV is black/ruby, shows lots of charcoal, scorched earth and an almost Graves-on-steroids personality. Deep blueberry and blackberry fruit, a hint of coffee and chocolate are all present in this impressive, very different style of Cabernet Sauvignon from Schrader. This is Clone 337, planted in a St. Helena vineyard.
VM 92 (12/2014): Schrader's 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon LPV Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard is laced with blueberry jam, cassis, new leather, cloves and violets. Most of the site's inherent minerality has been baked out, either by the vintage or by some of the farming/winemaking choices, and what comes through is a very ripe, oaky Las Piedras with relatively soft contours and plenty of near term appeal. As good as the 2012 is, I am not sure what the point is of making a wine like this in Las Piedras. In fact, Schrader's Las Piedras is one of the least site-specific wines from this vineyard I have tasted. I would give the 2012 a few years to lose some of its baby fat and see what happens. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2012 |
RBS Beckstoffer To Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$239 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 98 (10/2014): The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard RBS, which is also from Clone 337 but from different blocks on the Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard, saw oak with 90% new Darnajou and 10% new Taransaud. This wine seems slightly more expansive, shares the black ruby/purple color with all of it siblings, and has a boatload of crème de cassis, incense, licorice, graphite and vanilla along with plenty of spice box and forest floor. This is a killer, full-bodied, super-duper, opulent Cabernet Sauvignon to drink over the next 20 years.
VM 96 (12/2014): The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon RBS Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard is another wine endowed with fabulous overall balance. Hints of blueberry pie, jam, mocha, sweet spices, violets and lavender open up in the glass. Even with all of its obvious intensity, there is a translucence and weightlessness to the 2012 that is utterly mesmerizing. The RBS is rich and powerful, but never heavy. Schrader's RBS is Clone 337 Cabernet, which often yields perfumed, supple Cabernets.
JS 94 (7/2015): A big and rich wine with blueberry, spice and green coffee bean. Full body, chewy tannins and a fresh finish. Very extracted. Yet intense and rich. Better in 2017. |
|
|
2012 |
T6 Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$295 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (10/2014): The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard T6, which is from Clone 6 in a different block of Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard, is aged in 86% new Darnajou and 14% new Taransaud. This wine is not terribly different, but Clone 6 is believed to be old Bordeaux clones brought over to Napa Valley and propagated. The wine has terrific fruit intensity, blackcurrants, blackberry, licorice, creosote and espresso roast. Deep, full-bodied, powerful and rich, this, again, shows the vintage’s voluptuous texture, full-bodied power and richness. |
|
| Sequoia Grove |
2012 |
Rutherford Bench Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (3.0 L) |
$300 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Seven Stones |
2012 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$215 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Sheridan Vineyard |
2012 |
Block 1 Cabernet Sauvignon |
$95 |
4 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (6/2015): The most muscular and masculine in the lineup, the 2012 Block 1 is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon that spent 28 months in new French oak. It's a serious, structured and backward effort that has lots of spicy oak, coffee bean, graphite and licorice-laced blackcurrants on the nose. These flow to a full-bodied, dense, concentrated and chewy Cabernet that will need 2-4 years of cellaring and have 15-20 years or more of longevity. |
|
|
2012 |
L’Orage Proprietary Blend |
$65 |
6 |
|
| |
| WA 93+ (6/2015): A blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Cabernet Franc that spent 24 months in 75% new French oak, the 2012 L'Orage is reminiscent of a quality Pauillac with its lead pencil shavings, blackcurrants, tobacco leaf and spice-laced aromas and flavors. Full-bodied, elegant and seamless on the palate, with solid mid-palate depth and fine tannin, it needs 2-3 years in bottle and will drink well through 2027. |
|
|
2012 |
Singularity Syrah |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 96 (6/2015): While not produced in 2011 due to frost damage, the 2012 Singularity is a gorgeous Syrah, from yields of less than a half-ton per acre, that was aged in 100% new French oak. Inky colored and downright voluptuous, with decadent notes of roasted meats, mulled black fruits, chocolate and pepper, it hits the palate with massive amounts of fruit, a stacked, concentrated mid-palate and sweet tannin that round out the finish nicely. Enjoy this full-throttle, pedal-to-the-metal red over the coming decade or more. |
|
| Signorello |
2012 |
Padrone Proprietary Blend |
$139 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 90-92 (11/2013): The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Padrone is dark and sumptuous from start to finish. Mocha, plums, smoke, new leather and French oak all flesh out in this brooding, intense Cabernet Sauvignon. The style is explosive and full of 2012 vintage exuberance. There is a lot to look forward to. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Sine Qua Non |
2012 |
Touche Syrah |
$475 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 100 (8/2016): Lastly, the utterly perfect 2012 Syrah Touche reminds me of a great vintage of Guigal’s Cote Rotie La Landonne. A blend of 93% Syrah, 5% Petite Sirah and 2% Viognier, all from the Eleven Confessions Vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills, it spent 40 months in 78% new French oak. Deep, concentrated, full-bodied and layered, with a multidimensional texture and to-die-for notes of camphor, cured meats, violets, smoke and assorted dark fruits, this beauty has fine, perfectly ripe tannin and blockbuster length. Give it 3-4 years and drink over the following two decades.
VM 98 (9/2016): A quintessential Sine Qua Non wine, the 2012 Syrah Touche is off the charts. Rich, seamless and voluptuous, the 2012 exudes concentration and flamboyance. Red cherry jam, plum, spice, licorice, pomegranate and new leather flesh out in an effortless, radiant wine bursting at the seams with personality. The 2012 is 93% Syrah, 5% Petite Sirah and 2% Viognier, done with 36% whole clusters, all from Eleven Confessions. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Somnium Cellars |
2012 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Soos Creek |
2012 |
Champoux Vyd. Proprietary Blend |
$55 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Spring Mountain Vineyard |
2012 |
Elivette Proprietary Blend |
$125 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Stag's Leap Wine Cellars |
2012 |
Artemis Cabernet Sauvignon Bin-Soiled Label |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 90 (10/2014): Already bottled, the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Artemis is similar to its siblings. It offers delicious blackcurrant fruit, not as much complexity as the Fay or S.L.V., but an attractive meaty, rich blackcurrant fruitiness, well-integrated wood, and hints of spice and oak. Fleshy and medium-bodied but also made in the elegant style sought by this winery, it should drink well for 10-15 years. |
|
|
2012 |
SLV Cabernet Sauvignon |
$159 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 92 (12/2015): The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon S.L.V. is a paragon of elegance and finesse, yet doesn't cheat the taster on flavor. Dense ruby/purple with round, juicy, earthy black cherry and blackcurrant fruit, underbrush and forest floor, the wine is fragrant, medium to full-bodied, soft, seductive and round. This is a lovely, juicy, pure style of wine to drink over the next 10-15 years.
VM 91 (12/2014): The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon SLV stands out in this range for its precise, chiseled fruit and overall elegance. At the same time, there is plenty of depth and density in the glass. Ash, smoke, graphite and crushed rocks add nuance, but a hint of sweetness on the finish is a bit distracting. |
|
| T-Vine |
2012 |
Frediani Vyd. Charbono |
$45 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2012 |
Frediani Vyd. Zinfandel |
$49 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Tenor Wines |
2012 |
1:1 Proprietary Blend |
$50 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 90 (11/2015): Bright medium ruby. Blackberry, cassis, charred oak, menthol, licorice and minerals on the nose, lifted by a violet nuance. Suave, nicely delineated flavors of black fruits, spices and dark chocolate, complicated by licorice and herbs. Finishes with palate-dusting tannins and a smoky quality. This juicy, slightly dry midweight has the grip to bite into fatty meats and its finishing energy suggests it will evolve gracefully. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Tensley Wines |
2012 |
Colson Canyon Vyd. Syrah |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 94-96+ (8/2013): I wasn’t able taste through a full lineup of Tensley’s 2012, but what I was able to taste was certainly impressive. Overflowing with fruit and texture, the 2012 Syrah Colson Canyon has a stacked mid-palate, sweet tannin and a seamless, pure feel that I suspect will be hard to resist in its youth yet also age gracefully. It should certainly compete with, if not surpass, the fantastic 2011. Drink 2014-2027.
VM 93 (12/2013): Inky purple. Pungent dark fruit liqueur, cherry-cola and potpourri on the deeply scented nose, with hints of smoky minerals and black pepper adding complexity. Lush cassis and cherry compote flavors show impressive power, with exotic candied violet and Indian spice qualities building in the glass. Dusty tannins add grip to a long, sweet, and penetrating finish. A rich and lively wine. |
|
| The Vineyardist |
2012 |
Diamond Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon |
$169 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 96 (10/2014): The compelling 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon is produced from Clones 7, 33 and 337. It’s 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in a combination of 50% new Darnajou and the rest Taransaud. The wine hit 15.1% natural alcohol, and 285 cases were produced. This is a great mountain-style Cabernet Sauvignon with an inky purple color, a gorgeous nose of scorched earth, wet gravel, charcoal, blackberry and crème de cassis. Very full-bodied and exceptionally pure and deep, this is multidimensional with skyscraper texture in a fabulous Cabernet Sauvignon that is still young with tremendous upside. It can be approached now because it’s very much in keeping with the style of 2012, but five years of bottle age will do wonders, and I expect the wine will still be going strong in 25 or 30 years.
VM 95 (5/2024): The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon marries the richness favored by winemaker Mark Herold with the more restrained style of the year. The result is a Cabernet Sauvignon that is maturing into a delicate, elegant wine. Red-toned fruit, graphite, blood orange, rose petal and mint are some of the signatures. There's terrific freshness, and also a bit less textural opulence than most wines made here during this period. The 2012 is beautifully done. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Trinite Estate |
2012 |
Acaibo Proprietary Blend |
$74 |
6 |
|
| |
|
| Twomey Cellars (Silver Oak) |
2012 |
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir |
$30 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Verite |
2012 |
La Joie Proprietary Blend Bin-Soiled Label |
$249 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Vineyard 7 & 8 |
2012 |
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon |
$125 |
3 |
|
| |
|
|
2012 |
Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon |
$89 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 89 (5/2024): The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville is dark, powerful and super-concentrated. All things considered, the 2012 has aged well, which is a good thing, but it is not especially finessed. Black cherry, mocha, licorice, spice and bittersweet chocolate power through in this muscular, deep wine. Heavy oak emerges in hard tannins and strong torrefaction notes. I would prefer drinking this over the next 5-10 years, as more time in bottle is not going to help. (Drink between 2022-2027). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Wallis Family Estate |
2012 |
Diamond Mtn. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$79 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2012 |
Seraphim Cabernet Sauvignon |
$79 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Whetstone |
2012 |
Phoenix Ranch Syrah |
$25 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| WildAire Cellars |
2012 |
Shea Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$19 |
8 |
|
| |
| WA 89 (3/2015): The 2012 Pinot Noir Shea Vineyards was picked October 9 and comes from the Wandenswil clone of Block 25, seeing one-third new French oak for ten months. It has a lifted and focused marine-influenced bouquet that is well defined, with hints of freshly shucked oyster shell infusing the brambly black fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with fleshy, sappy red berry fruit tinged with licorice, while the finish displays satisfying length end persistence. This should drink nicely over the next 4 or 6 years. |
|
| Andrew Will |
2012 |
Champoux Vyd. Proprietary Blend |
$55 |
4 |
|
| |
JD 95 (1/2018): Chris's 2012 Champoux Vineyard is a sensational wine that offers rich, full-bodied notes of black currants, toasted spice, minerality, plums and wild herbs in a concentrated, deep, layered profile. A serious, concentrated and age-worthy wine, give bottles 4-5 years and enjoy over the following two decades. Bravo! (Drink between 2020-2040)
WA 94+ (6/2015): One of the more backwards, structured efforts, the 2012 Champoux Vineyard is a blend of 64% Cabernet Franc, 22% Merlot and 14% Cabernet Sauvignon that was raised in 35% new French oak. Full-bodied, serious and loaded with tannin, it offers impressive currant and darker fruits, tobacco leaf and crushed rock like aromas and flavors that continue to gain depth and richness with time in the glass. It should hit full maturity at around age 10, and nicely for a decade or more after that.
VM 94 (12/2014): Bright ruby-red. Brooding aromas of blackberry, cassis, black cherry and chocolate, with a hint of violet lift from the Cabernet Franc. Supple, saline and vinous, offering superb energy and definition to its concentrated purple fruit and cocoa powder flavors. Conveys a strong impression of soil character. Finishes with a firm spine of fine-grained tannins and terrific verve and length. An outstanding showing today. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2012 |
Ciel du Cheval Proprietary Blend |
$65 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 95 (9/2016): A gorgeous wine that's loaded with that candied lavender, violets, lead pencil shavings, black cherries and licorice aromas and flavors that define this terroir, the 2012 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard is full-bodied, elegant and silky on the palate. It has polished tannin, impeccable balance between its alcohol, tannin and acidity, and a great finish. It's another beauty that will still benefit from short term cellaring and keep through 2032.
VM 92+ (12/2014): Saturated medium ruby. Superripe aromas of black cherry, dark chocolate and black walnut. Lush, sweet and chocolatey, with some very ripe notes to its dark fruit and nutty oak flavors. A bit musclebound and unrefined today, in need of time in bottle to shed some of its baby fat. Finishes with big, chewy, tongue-dusting tannins and repeating notes of burnished oak. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2012 |
Mays Discovery Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 94 (6/2015): Another wine that’s possibly the best vintage to date, the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Mays Discovery is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon that spent 18 months in 35% new oak. Inky colored, full-bodied, concentrated and layered, with impressive black raspberry, plum, licorice, wild herbs and spring flower-like aromas and flavors, it has enough texture and fruit to shine now, yet will be better with short-term cellaring, and have two decade of overall longevity.
VM 91 (12/2014): Bright medium ruby. Very ripe aromas of black cherry, blueberry, espresso and fruity tropical dark chocolate, along with a musky leesy nuance. Plush, fine-grained and deep but with good juicy definition and energy to the black fruit and violet flavors; no easy sweetness here. Finishes broad and dry, with firm, harmonious tannins, a musky whiff of game and excellent lift. This is actually rather tight and unforthcoming in spite of its fleshy texture. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2012 |
Sorella Champoux Vyd. |
$85 |
4 |
|
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JD 97 (1/2018): Similar to the Champoux release, the 2012 Sorella is another killer wine from Chris Camarda. Its inky purple color is followed by classic Cabernet notes of crème de cassis, spiced plums, graphite, and crushed rock, and it has a firm, tannic style on the palate that just begs for bottle age. Forget this beauty for 5-6 years and enjoy bottles through 2042. (Drink between 2022-2040).
WA 96 (9/2016): Continuing to drink brilliantly, the 2012 Sorella is up with the creme de la creme of the vintage. Its deep ruby color is followed by a full-bodied, rich and layered 2012 that boasts fabulous notes of creme de cassis, lead pencil shavings, graphite, mineral and toasted bread. Like all of Chris's 2012s, it's still a baby, yet its impeccable balance and purity allow it to dish out tons of pleasure, even today. Nevertheless, it needs 3-5 years of cellaring and will have 25-30 years of overall longevity.
VM 93 (12/2014): Bright medium ruby. Superripe aromas of blackberry, cassis, mocha, coffee and molten bitter chocolate, complemented by nutty oak tones. Plush, dense and fine-grained, offer outstanding concentration and a lightly saline character to the flavors of dark berries, mocha and coffee. Nicely vinous for all its ripeness even if it doesn’t show quite the lift or grip of the Champoux Vineyard blend. The big, tongue-dusting tannins arrive late, allowing the fruit to glisten on the long finish. This has plenty of structure to support a graceful evolution in bottle. Stephen Tanzer. |
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2012 |
Two Blondes Vyd. Proprietary Blend |
$55 |
2 |
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VM 92+ (12/2014): Healthy dark red. Black raspberry, blueberry, graphite and rocks on the showy nose, complicated by smoky and meaty nuances; smells sweeter and distinctly wilder than the Mays’ Discovery bottling. Plush, sweet and fine-grained but with lovely integrated acidity giving shape to the flavors of black raspberry, licorice and stone. Offers terrific palate coverage without any heaviness. This distinctly primary wine finishes with firm but fine tannins and excellent length. Has the balance to reward mid-term cellaring. Stephen Tanzer.
WA 92 (9/2016): The 2012 Two Blondes Vineyard is a total charmer that's loaded with notions of ripe currants, smoked tobacco, underbrush and lead pencil shavings. Medium-bodied, supple, forward and already approachable on the palate, with notable acidity and fine tannin, drink this beautiful 2012 over the coming decade. |
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| Woodward Canyon |
2012 |
Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
11 |
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| WA 93 (6/2015): A beautiful Bordeaux blend, the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Artist Series checks in as a blend of 100% Cabernet, from a number of vineyards (mostly Woodward Canyon, Champoux and Spring Creek), that spent 21 months in 50% new French oak. It’s a classy, full-bodied, seamless and sexy 2012 that exhibits lots of black cherry, black raspberry, toasted spices, licorice and dried herbs. The most approachable and forward of the Bordeaux blends, it will still have two decades of longevity. |
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2012 |
Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon |
$79 |
1 |
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