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Search Flickinger Wine Inventory
Inventory updated: Fri, Jan 30, 2026 04:02 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. |
|
| Antica Terra |
2012 |
Ceras Pinot Noir |
$150 |
1 |
|
| |
| 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. |
|
| Belle Pente |
2012 |
Estate Reserve Pinot Noir |
$55 |
1 |
|
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| Bethel Heights |
2012 |
Aeolioan Estate Pinot Noir |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Betz Family Winery |
2012 |
Clos de Betz Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$109 |
1 |
|
| |
JS 95 (5/2018): Very composed. Ripe plum and mulberry fruits with a graphite and earthy, slightly truffle-scented edge. The palate has a very sturdy frame and plenty of depth in the form of blueberry and blue-plum flavors. This has approachable yet strong tannins that carry freshness and balance. Blend of 67% merlot, 27% cabernet sauvignon and 6% petit verdot. Drink or hold.
VM 93+ (12/2014): (66% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% petit verdot): Dark red-ruby. Aromas of blackcurrant, cocoa powder, bitter chocolate, licorice and burnished oak, lifted by a violet topnote. Densely packed but light on its feet, with perfectly integrated acidity energizing the fine-grained flavors of black raspberry, black cherry, cocoa powder and violet. Boasts a rare combination of bullet-proof, youthfully impenetrable tight grain and Outstanding floral, white-peppery lift. Superb noble tannins dust the front teeth on the very young, long, juicy finish. An Outstanding 2012 blend built for a long and graceful evolution in bottle. This is the first vintage of this wine to include Merlot from DuBrul Vineyard; incidentally, Betz noted that Merlot on Red Mountain was extremely successful in 2012. Stephen Tanzer.
WA 93-95 (6/2014): Tasted as a barrel sample and Betz’s take on a right bank Bordeaux, the 2012 Clos de Betz is 67% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon and the balance Petit Verdot. Inky-purple in color (has anyone seen a Betz wine not inky purple?), if offers impressive cassis, plum liqueur, spring flowers and underbrush-style aromas and flavors to go with a mouth-filling, layered and voluptuous style on the palate. I love the mid-palate here, and the tannin builds through the finish, so, while it should have plenty of up-front appeal, it should also evolve for 15+ years. |
|
|
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. |
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|
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. |
|
|
2012 |
La Cote Rousse Syrah (1.5 L) |
$100 |
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. |
|
|
2012 |
La Serenne Syrah |
$55 |
1 |
|
| |
| 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. |
|
|
2012 |
Le Parrain Proprietary Blend |
$119 |
6 |
|
| |
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.)
WS 93 (7/2015): Fresh and vital, packed with lively blackberry, red plum and delicate herbal flavors, carrying the flavors past a gentle bed of fine tannins into the long, expressive finish. Best from 2017 through 2022. 1,025 cases made. |
|
| Booker Vineyard |
2012 |
Fracture Syrah |
$89 |
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. |
|
|
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. |
|
|
2012 |
Remnant 24 Proprietary Blend |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
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.
WS 88 (7/2015): A touch earthy and gamy, dry and tannic, with red and dark berry flavors filling in the gaps and making this more complete. Tempranillo, Petit Verdot, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2024. 620 cases made. |
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|
2012 |
Ripper Grenache |
$79 |
1 |
|
| |
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 |
|
| |
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 |
|
| |
| 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 |
$65 |
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.
WS 92 (3/2015): Firm, dense and chewy, with gripping tannins wrapped around a tight core of dark berry, mocha, mineral and espresso. Sails along on the finish, gaining depth and nuance. Syrah, Mourvèdre and Grenache. Drink now through 2026. 569 cases made.
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 |
|
| |
| 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 |
3 |
|
| |
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| Cakebread Cellars |
2012 |
Benchland Select Cabernet Sauvignon |
$89 |
2 |
|
| |
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2012 |
Dancing Bear Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon |
$175 |
2 |
|
| |
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| Caldwell |
2012 |
Rocket Science Red Wine |
$50 |
2 |
|
| |
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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 |
$249 |
1 |
|
| |
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.
WS 94 (10/2015): Amazingly complex, dense and structured, with a framework of dusty, mineral-laced tannins and a similarly tight and dense core of flavors that echo the dark berry and earthy elements. Drink now through 2030. 270 cases made.
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 |
$229 |
1 |
|
| |
| 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 |
|
| |
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!
WS 91 (11/2014): Lavishly oaked, with creamy mocha, vanilla, cedar and anise notes at the edge of a rich core of dark berry, plum and black licorice flavors. Tight, focused and persistent, showing a seductive character. Drink now through 2026. 122,158 cases made.
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 |
|
| |
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!
WS 91 (11/2014): Lavishly oaked, with creamy mocha, vanilla, cedar and anise notes at the edge of a rich core of dark berry, plum and black licorice flavors. Tight, focused and persistent, showing a seductive character. Drink now through 2026. 122,158 cases made.
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) 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!
WS 91 (11/2014): Lavishly oaked, with creamy mocha, vanilla, cedar and anise notes at the edge of a rich core of dark berry, plum and black licorice flavors. Tight, focused and persistent, showing a seductive character. Drink now through 2026. 122,158 cases made.
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 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (1.0 L) Signs of Old Seepage; Torn Label |
$150 |
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 |
|
| |
| WS 94 (3/2016): Very dark and dense, rich without being weighty, featuring a complex, focused aroma of mocha, espresso, blackberry, boysenberry and black licorice. This is remarkably accessible, refined and polished. Long and chocolaty on the finish without sacrificing acidity or firm tannins. Drink now through 2026. 390 cases made. |
|
|
2012 |
Eternity Cabernet Sauvignon |
$139 |
1 |
|
| |
| WS 94 (3/2016): Very dark and dense, rich without being weighty, featuring a complex, focused aroma of mocha, espresso, blackberry, boysenberry and black licorice. This is remarkably accessible, refined and polished. Long and chocolaty on the finish without sacrificing acidity or firm tannins. Drink now through 2026. 390 cases made. |
|
| 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 |
1 |
|
| |
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. |
|
| 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. |
|
| 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 |
|
| |
|
| Failla |
2012 |
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir |
$45 |
12 |
|
| |
|
| Figgins Estate |
2012 |
Proprietary Blend |
$60 |
5 |
|
| |
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. |
|
| 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 |
|
| |
| WS 87 (7/2015): Tannins hold the upper hand in this dusty, savory, cedar-laced effort, overshadowing the core of juicy dark berry, licorice, cassis and kirsch. Should be more complete in a year. Best from 2016 through 2027. 2,700 cases made. |
|
| 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 |
Field Select Lewelling Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 95+ (12/2015): The 2012 Hayfork Field Select is slightly more expensive and a much smaller cuvée of just two barrels compared to the 610 cases of the Lewelling Ranch. It is a flowery wine, with notes of licorice, chocolate, coffee bean, blackcurrants and new oak. The wine comes from their favorite block on Lewelling Ranch and is a blend of 98% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Petit Verdot. I didn’t like it as much as the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Lewelling Ranch, as it is more backward, more flowery, and just seems more structured, although potentially longer lived. Give it 4-5 years of cellaring and drink it over the following 25 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 |
12 |
|
| |
| 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 |
|
| |
| WS 92 (10/2015): An open-throttle Cabernet, firm, dense, rich and tannic, with a solid core of dark berry, cedar, dusty earth and black licorice. Ends with a burst of fruit and tannins. Drink now through 2027. 400 cases made. |
|
|
2012 |
Impassable Mountain Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon |
$225 |
2 |
|
| |
| WS 92 (10/2015): An open-throttle Cabernet, firm, dense, rich and tannic, with a solid core of dark berry, cedar, dusty earth and black licorice. Ends with a burst of fruit and tannins. Drink now through 2027. 400 cases made. |
|
| 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.
WS 93 (6/2015): Supple and expressive, with plum and currant flavors and stony overtones combining with hints of black olive and white pepper, adding depth to a distinctive profile on a medium-weight frame that punches above its weight. The deft balance plays against nubby tannins. Drink now through 2025. 463 cases made.
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. |
|
| Kanzler Vineyards |
2012 |
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir |
$55 |
3 |
|
| |
| WS 90 (9/2014): Aromas of roasted herb join dried berry and mineral notes in this moderately rich yet appealing effort. Gains depth and nuance on the finish, ending with tar and nutmeg elements. Drink now through 2022. 775 cases made. |
|
| 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 |
Firebelle Proprietary Blend |
$95 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Lava Vine |
2012 |
Knights Valley Syrah |
$40 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| 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 |
The Other Petite Sirah |
$72.25 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| 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 |
|
| |
|
| 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 |
|
| |
|
| 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. |
|
| 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. |
|
| Rhys |
2012 |
Alpine Vyd. Pinot Noir (375 ML) |
$39 |
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!
WS 87 (7/2015): Firm, with a dusty, gravelly, earthy character and dried berry and herb notes at the core. Medium-weight, balanced toward the dry and earthy side, ending with dried licorice accents. Best from 2016 through 2024. |
|
|
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!
WS 87 (7/2015): Firm, with a dusty, gravelly, earthy character and dried berry and herb notes at the core. Medium-weight, balanced toward the dry and earthy side, ending with dried licorice accents. Best from 2016 through 2024. |
|
|
2012 |
Home Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$69 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 94 (7/2014): Orange rind, graphite, pine, mint and crushed rocks jump from the glass in the 2012 Pinot Noir Home Vineyard. One of the more vibrant, chiseled wines in the range, the Home will benefit from further time in bottle. The translucent, crystalline finish is a thing of beauty. In this vintage, the Home was done with 100% whole clusters. Quite remarkably, the Home Vineyard lies just 400 yards away from Family Farm, separated by the San Andreas Fault, yet the wines from these two sites are completely different. Antonio Galloni.
WA 93+ (4/2015): Coming from Kevin's first estate vineyard that was planted in 1995, the 2012 Pinot Noir Home Vineyard (100% whole cluster) is decidedly fresh and lively, with tangy acidity in its black cherry, currants, pine, sappy underbrush and earthy aromas and flavors. Medium to full-bodied, lively, structured and still backwards, with plenty of polished tannin that build on the mid-palate and finish, this Burgundian lookalike needs short-term cellaring and will have 10-15 years of overall longevity. This site shares similarities to the Family Farm Vineyard, yet the soil here is more decomposed sandstone and clay, and the wines are distinctly different.
BH 92 (1/2015): The wood treatment is more obvious though it remains subtle as it allows the notably ripe aromas of plum, dark chocolate, dried flowers and essence of black cherry to shine. There is a sleek mouth feel to the voluminous and beautifully detailed flavors that possess fine mid-palate concentration and really lovely depth and length. The intensity does a slow build from the mid-palate to the beautifully long finale and about the only nit is a discreet hint of warmth. Drink 2020+. Outstanding!
WS 88 (7/2015): Shows a dusty, crushed rock edge on the finish. A somewhat riper expression than the Alpine Vineyard bottling, this is more generous in texture, with snappy wild berry notes. Best from 2016 through 2024. |
|
|
2012 |
San Mateo County Pinot Noir (375 ML) |
$35 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 91 (6/2014): Bright ruby. Pungent dark berries and cherry on the nose, with smoky mineral and rose nuances adding complexity. On the palate, juicy blackberry and bitter cherry flavors are complicated by suggestions of licorice and candied rose. Spreads out nicely on the finish, which is framed by supple, well-knit tannins. This sexy pinot is delicious right now. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Riverain |
2012 |
Tench Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| 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.
WS 90 (12/2015): Dense and dusty, with loamy earth elements and crushed rock minerality to the cedar, herb and dark berry flavors. Ends with a cedary oak aftertaste and a raw texture, but also good length. You will have to adjust to the tannins. Drink now through 2024. 102 cases made. |
|
|
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.
WS 93 (10/2015): A gorgeous Cabernet, pure, rich and juicy, with layers of cassis, blackberry, light mocha and savory earth. Most impressive on the finish, where the flavors maintain their core richness and focus. Drink now through 2029. 100 cases made. |
|
|
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 |
Lonely Heart Cabernet Sauvignon |
$51 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (6/2015): Possessing the most length, depth and texture, the 2012 Lonely Heart Cabernet Sauvignon (which incorporates 10% Merlot) is a brilliant wine that comes from three vineyards on Red Mountain; Quintessence, Ciel du Cheval and Force Majeure. Aged 21 months in 68% new French oak, it possesses loads of black raspberry and cassis fruit intermixed with graphite, crushed river rocks, chocolate and spice-box. As with all of Mike’s wine, this has incredibly purity and balance, and I suspect will have 20-25 years 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 |
|
| |
|
| 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. |
|
| Seavey |
2012 |
Caravina Cabernet Sauvignon |
$69 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 90 (12/2014): Seavey's 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Caravina is an attractive wine to drink now and over the next handful of years. Dark red stone fruit, flowers and cinnamon add lift. The flavors are pure and nicely delineated, but the wine's mid-weight structure suggests the 2012 will offer its best drinking sooner rather than later. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Sequoia Grove |
2012 |
Rutherford Bench Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (3.0 L) |
$300 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Seven Stones |
2012 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$215 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| 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. |
|
| Sojourn Cellars |
2012 |
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir |
$30 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| 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.
WS 91 (11/2015): Offers a dusty, savory, loamy mix of dried berry, herb, underbrush and dark berry flavors, ending with a long, focused finish and layers of complexity. Drink now through 2028. 5,200 cases made. |
|
| 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 |
|
| |
|
| Vine Hill Ranch |
2012 |
VHR Cabernet Sauvignon |
$195 |
3 |
|
| |
VM 96 (10/2015): The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon has filled out and put on considerable weight over the last year. Even with all of its overtness and intensity, the 2012 is far from accessible. This is one of the more primary 2012s readers will come across, so patience is going to be critical. Smoke, mocha, dark red cherry, menthol, licorice and savory notes flesh out on the racy, voluptuous finish. Drops of Petit Verdot make an appearance in the blend for the first time. Vine Hill Ranch's 2012 is one of the resounding successes of the vintage.
WA 95 (12/2015): The 2012 Vine Hill Ranch VHR exhibits the exuberance and boisterous characteristics of this vintage, with plenty of Christmas fruitcake, cedar wood, licorice, black currants galore, a stunningly full-bodied texture, purity, and opulence. Rich and dense, with soft tannins and relatively low acidity, this is a gorgeous wine to drink now and over the next 20+ years.
JS 95 (7/2015): A glorious red with clay, tile, dark fruit and dusty texture. Full body, ripe tannins and a long and rich finish. Very, very long and intense. A beauty. Drink or hold. |
|
| 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 |
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| Whetstone |
2012 |
Phoenix Ranch Syrah |
$25 |
2 |
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| WildAire Cellars |
2012 |
Shea Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$19 |
8 |
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| 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. |
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| Andrew Will |
2012 |
Champoux Vyd. Proprietary Blend |
$55 |
4 |
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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. |
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2012 |
Ciel du Cheval Proprietary Blend |
$65 |
2 |
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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. |
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2012 |
Mays Discovery Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
3 |
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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. |
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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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