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Bordeaux 2012 10 years on tasting
Tasted February 7, 2022 by sirpat00 with 533 views
Introduction
A 10-years on Bordeaux 2012 vintage horizontal hosted by a private collector. Main observations were: 1/ Left bank beats right bank thanks to Paulliac, St Estèphe and Margaux, 2/ (over-)extraction was a frequent issue, making this a vintage where winemaking decisions and skill mattered, 3/ as such, unsurprisingly, first growths and right bank equivalents clearly outperformed the pack, 4/ highlights were Ausone (97) followed by Cheval Blanc, Mouton, Pichon Lalande (all 96), 5/ the lowlight was an over-extracted Pape Clement (88).
In general the 2012s are good to go with only a couple of closed bottles (Lafleur, Léoville Las Cases) and a few that were far from ready such as the notoriously late-maturing Haut-Brion and La Mission and maybe L’Evangile. Aging notes were just beginning to appear with most wines still well in the fruit phase. Wines worth picking up for immediate enjoyment I would flag are Pontet Canet and Calon Ségur.
The scores per Appellation are heavily determined by the wine selection, but I include them nonetheless: St Estèphe 94.5, Paulliac 94.2, Margaux 93.5, St Emilion 92.6, Pomerol 92.0, St Julien 91.5, Pessac 90.8. The overall average score was 92.6.
The format was flights of 4 with approx. 15min each. All wines were tasted single-blind. Bottles were not decanted.
St Estèphe
Calon Ségur 95
Montrose 94
Paulliac
Mouton 96
Pichon Lalande 96
Latour 94
Pontet Canet 94
Lynch Bages 93
Lafite 92
Margaux
Margaux 95
Palmer 94
Kirwan 93
Rauzan Ségla 92
St Emilion
Ausone 97
Cheval Blanc 96
Canon 94
Larcis Ducasse 92
Valendrau 91
L’If 89
Berliquet 89
Pomerol
Hosanna 94
Client 93
La Conseillante 92
Lafleur 91
L’Evangile 90
St Julien
Saint Pierre 93
Léoville Barton 92
Léoville Poyferré 91
Léoville Las Cases 90
Péssac
Les Carmes 93
La Mission 92
Haut-Brion 90
Pape Clément 88
Flight 1 (4 notes)
Red
2012 Château Larcis Ducasse
92 points
A 2012 Bordeaux vintage horizontal hosted by a private collector. Main observations were: 1/ Left bank beats right bank thanks to Paulliac, St Estèphe and Margaux, 2/ (over-)extraction was a frequent issue, making this a vintage where winemaking decisions and skill mattered, 3/ as such, unsurprisingly, first growths and right bank equivalents clearly outperformed the pack, 4/ highlights were Ausone (97) followed by Cheval Blanc, Mouton, Pichon Lalande (all 96), 5/ the lowlight was an over-extracted Pape Clement (88). Complete ranking and additional observations included in the tasting story.
Tasting note:
Nicely aged with leather and scorched earth, a bit of barnyard. Pretty extracted profile showing cassis syrup type of fruit. Dried herbs and even some coffee and fruit tea build a nice complexity. Palate rather light with some juicy elements to it. No mid-palate to speak of and an abrupt finish that only leaves acidity.
Tasting note:
Nicely aged with leather and scorched earth, a bit of barnyard. Pretty extracted profile showing cassis syrup type of fruit. Dried herbs and even some coffee and fruit tea build a nice complexity. Palate rather light with some juicy elements to it. No mid-palate to speak of and an abrupt finish that only leaves acidity.
Red
2012 Château Berliquet
89 points
A 2012 Bordeaux vintage horizontal hosted by a private collector. Main observations were: 1/ Left bank beats right bank thanks to Paulliac, St Estèphe and Margaux, 2/ (over-)extraction was a frequent issue, making this a vintage where winemaking decisions and skill mattered, 3/ as such, unsurprisingly, first growths and right bank equivalents clearly outperformed the pack, 4/ highlights were Ausone (97) followed by Cheval Blanc, Mouton, Pichon Lalande (all 96), 5/ the lowlight was an over-extracted Pape Clement (88). Complete ranking and additional observations included in the tasting story.
Tasting note:
Ripe cherry and blue berries and an element of Williams, pretty extracted in style. Herbs provide for a fresh layer aromatically. Some leather and aging notes, but not very precise. The overall impression was pretty rustic, wooden. Fruit forward palate, not integrated, mouthcoating tannin and leaves a bitter aftertaste.
Tasting note:
Ripe cherry and blue berries and an element of Williams, pretty extracted in style. Herbs provide for a fresh layer aromatically. Some leather and aging notes, but not very precise. The overall impression was pretty rustic, wooden. Fruit forward palate, not integrated, mouthcoating tannin and leaves a bitter aftertaste.
Red
2012 L'if
89 points
A 2012 Bordeaux vintage horizontal hosted by a private collector. Main observations were: 1/ Left bank beats right bank thanks to Paulliac, St Estèphe and Margaux, 2/ (over-)extraction was a frequent issue, making this a vintage where winemaking decisions and skill mattered, 3/ as such, unsurprisingly, first growths and right bank equivalents clearly outperformed the pack, 4/ highlights were Ausone (97) followed by Cheval Blanc, Mouton, Pichon Lalande (all 96), 5/ the lowlight was an over-extracted Pape Clement (88). Complete ranking and additional observations included in the tasting story.
Tasting note:
Rather dark berry fruit with pretty high extraction and concentration, but also a nice red cherry element. A bit of mint, vague aging notes. Extraction was also reflected in the high octane palate which lacks harmony with plenty of acidity and tannin, but without the aromatic intensity to match.
Tasting note:
Rather dark berry fruit with pretty high extraction and concentration, but also a nice red cherry element. A bit of mint, vague aging notes. Extraction was also reflected in the high octane palate which lacks harmony with plenty of acidity and tannin, but without the aromatic intensity to match.
Red
2012 Château Valandraud
91 points
A 2012 Bordeaux vintage horizontal hosted by a private collector. Main observations were: 1/ Left bank beats right bank thanks to Paulliac, St Estèphe and Margaux, 2/ (over-)extraction was a frequent issue, making this a vintage where winemaking decisions and skill mattered, 3/ as such, unsurprisingly, first growths and right bank equivalents clearly outperformed the pack, 4/ highlights were Ausone (97) followed by Cheval Blanc, Mouton, Pichon Lalande (all 96), 5/ the lowlight was an over-extracted Pape Clement (88). Complete ranking and additional observations included in the tasting story.
Tasting note:
Aging notes took center stage with nice leather notes, dry leaves, foliage and some mushrooms. Also dried herbs, herbal tea. Unfortunately rather narrow-chested on fruit. Nonetheless a surprisingly juicy palate, high on acidity and tannin but with not much harmony to speak of.
Tasting note:
Aging notes took center stage with nice leather notes, dry leaves, foliage and some mushrooms. Also dried herbs, herbal tea. Unfortunately rather narrow-chested on fruit. Nonetheless a surprisingly juicy palate, high on acidity and tannin but with not much harmony to speak of.
Flight 2 (4 notes)
Red
2012 Château Canon
94 points
A 2012 Bordeaux vintage horizontal hosted by a private collector. Main observations were: 1/ Left bank beats right bank thanks to Paulliac, St Estèphe and Margaux, 2/ (over-)extraction was a frequent issue, making this a vintage where winemaking decisions and skill mattered, 3/ as such, unsurprisingly, first growths and right bank equivalents clearly outperformed the pack, 4/ highlights were Ausone (97) followed by Cheval Blanc, Mouton, Pichon Lalande (all 96), 5/ the lowlight was an over-extracted Pape Clement (88). Complete ranking and additional observations included in the tasting story.
Tasting note:
Ripe, red berry fruit, a touch of confit, graphite, menthol, floral perfume notes and just the faintest of aging notes as a frame. A decent balance with plenty of fruit accents, lots of tannin still but ok in terms of balance. Below average length but otherwise nice finish.
Tasting note:
Ripe, red berry fruit, a touch of confit, graphite, menthol, floral perfume notes and just the faintest of aging notes as a frame. A decent balance with plenty of fruit accents, lots of tannin still but ok in terms of balance. Below average length but otherwise nice finish.
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Red
2012 Château Cheval Blanc
96 points
A 2012 Bordeaux vintage horizontal hosted by a private collector. Main observations were: 1/ Left bank beats right bank thanks to Paulliac, St Estèphe and Margaux, 2/ (over-)extraction was a frequent issue, making this a vintage where winemaking decisions and skill mattered, 3/ as such, unsurprisingly, first growths and right bank equivalents clearly outperformed the pack, 4/ highlights were Ausone (97) followed by Cheval Blanc, Mouton, Pichon Lalande (all 96), 5/ the lowlight was an over-extracted Pape Clement (88). Complete ranking and additional observations included in the tasting story.
Tasting note:
Pretty signature black coffee and roasted coffee beans, layered red and blue berries, sweet spices and oaky notes. This marries elegance with lushness and generosity. Light on the palate, tannin with grip but well built into the structure. Good length finish. Very clear and precise fresh red berry fruit. Only bested by Ausone in this horizontal.
Tasting note:
Pretty signature black coffee and roasted coffee beans, layered red and blue berries, sweet spices and oaky notes. This marries elegance with lushness and generosity. Light on the palate, tannin with grip but well built into the structure. Good length finish. Very clear and precise fresh red berry fruit. Only bested by Ausone in this horizontal.
Red
2012 Château Ausone
97 points
A 2012 Bordeaux vintage horizontal hosted by a private collector. Main observations were: 1/ Left bank beats right bank thanks to Paulliac, St Estèphe and Margaux, 2/ (over-)extraction was a frequent issue, making this a vintage where winemaking decisions and skill mattered, 3/ as such, unsurprisingly, first growths and right bank equivalents clearly outperformed the pack, 4/ highlights were Ausone (97) followed by Cheval Blanc, Mouton, Pichon Lalande (all 96), 5/ the lowlight was an over-extracted Pape Clement (88). Complete ranking and additional observations included in the tasting story.
Tasting note:
A beautiful red berry fruit core, but also some blue berries in the mix. Dried herbs but also fresh, minty notes. hints of roasted coffee beans. Hardly any aging notes, maybe a bit of leather in the distance. Amazing precision and linearity. A mouthwateringly fruity palate with fresh acidity and well-integrated tannin. Maybe not quite as refined as Cheval Blanc 2012 on the palate but more detailed and elegant on the nose. The winner of this 2012 tasting.
Tasting note:
A beautiful red berry fruit core, but also some blue berries in the mix. Dried herbs but also fresh, minty notes. hints of roasted coffee beans. Hardly any aging notes, maybe a bit of leather in the distance. Amazing precision and linearity. A mouthwateringly fruity palate with fresh acidity and well-integrated tannin. Maybe not quite as refined as Cheval Blanc 2012 on the palate but more detailed and elegant on the nose. The winner of this 2012 tasting.
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Comments (1)
Red
2012 Château Clinet
93 points
A 2012 Bordeaux vintage horizontal hosted by a private collector. Main observations were: 1/ Left bank beats right bank thanks to Paulliac, St Estèphe and Margaux, 2/ (over-)extraction was a frequent issue, making this a vintage where winemaking decisions and skill mattered, 3/ as such, unsurprisingly, first growths and right bank equivalents clearly outperformed the pack, 4/ highlights were Ausone (97) followed by Cheval Blanc, Mouton, Pichon Lalande (all 96), 5/ the lowlight was an over-extracted Pape Clement (88). Complete ranking and additional observations included in the tasting story.
Tasting note:
Leather, earth, a bit of mocha, caramel and a pinch of vanilla. Ripe, red berry fruit of raspberry and maybe cherry. A nice and fruity palate with medium length finish.
Tasting note:
Leather, earth, a bit of mocha, caramel and a pinch of vanilla. Ripe, red berry fruit of raspberry and maybe cherry. A nice and fruity palate with medium length finish.
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Flight 3 (4 notes)
Red
2012 Château L'Evangile
90 points
A 2012 Bordeaux vintage horizontal hosted by a private collector. Main observations were: 1/ Left bank beats right bank thanks to Paulliac, St Estèphe and Margaux, 2/ (over-)extraction was a frequent issue, making this a vintage where winemaking decisions and skill mattered, 3/ as such, unsurprisingly, first growths and right bank equivalents clearly outperformed the pack, 4/ highlights were Ausone (97) followed by Cheval Blanc, Mouton, Pichon Lalande (all 96), 5/ the lowlight was an over-extracted Pape Clement (88). Complete ranking and additional observations included in the tasting story.
Tasting note:
Very ripe, overly extracted dark cherry fruit. Over the top is the 3 word summary on this one. The jammy nature of the fruit masks aging notes and herbal layers initially, although leather and wooden notes did poke through after a while. Palate showed searing acidity and brutal tannins. This is one where a good decant probably would have made a big difference. The wine become less offensive and felt much lighter already after a few minutes in the glass.
Tasting note:
Very ripe, overly extracted dark cherry fruit. Over the top is the 3 word summary on this one. The jammy nature of the fruit masks aging notes and herbal layers initially, although leather and wooden notes did poke through after a while. Palate showed searing acidity and brutal tannins. This is one where a good decant probably would have made a big difference. The wine become less offensive and felt much lighter already after a few minutes in the glass.
Red
2012 Château La Conseillante
92 points
A 2012 Bordeaux vintage horizontal hosted by a private collector. Main observations were: 1/ Left bank beats right bank thanks to Paulliac, St Estèphe and Margaux, 2/ (over-)extraction was a frequent issue, making this a vintage where winemaking decisions and skill mattered, 3/ as such, unsurprisingly, first growths and right bank equivalents clearly outperformed the pack, 4/ highlights were Ausone (97) followed by Cheval Blanc, Mouton, Pichon Lalande (all 96), 5/ the lowlight was an over-extracted Pape Clement (88). Complete ranking and additional observations included in the tasting story.
Tasting note:
Bramble berry fruit, ripe but manages to stop short of coming across too extracted. some fine herbal layers, some sauvory notes complement the picture, leathery. A fruit forward, juicy palate. Not much of a mid palate and the texture felt a bit rough, but otherwise sound.
Tasting note:
Bramble berry fruit, ripe but manages to stop short of coming across too extracted. some fine herbal layers, some sauvory notes complement the picture, leathery. A fruit forward, juicy palate. Not much of a mid palate and the texture felt a bit rough, but otherwise sound.
Red
2012 Château Lafleur
91 points
A 2012 Bordeaux vintage horizontal hosted by a private collector. Main observations were: 1/ Left bank beats right bank thanks to Paulliac, St Estèphe and Margaux, 2/ (over-)extraction was a frequent issue, making this a vintage where winemaking decisions and skill mattered, 3/ as such, unsurprisingly, first growths and right bank equivalents clearly outperformed the pack, 4/ highlights were Ausone (97) followed by Cheval Blanc, Mouton, Pichon Lalande (all 96), 5/ the lowlight was an over-extracted Pape Clement (88). Complete ranking and additional observations included in the tasting story.
Tasting note:
A bouquet dominated by minty, herbal and grassy flavors. A bit of cellar muff fresh out of the gate. Aging notes of leather but pretty restrained fruit. Low intensity and came across rather closed at this stage. The palate was ok in terms of balance and ok in terms of tannin integration when ignoring a slight acidity overhang, but lacked expression and depth. Opened up a bit over time, revealing some coffee and herbs which also carried over to the palate, complementing fresh berry fruit.
Tasting note:
A bouquet dominated by minty, herbal and grassy flavors. A bit of cellar muff fresh out of the gate. Aging notes of leather but pretty restrained fruit. Low intensity and came across rather closed at this stage. The palate was ok in terms of balance and ok in terms of tannin integration when ignoring a slight acidity overhang, but lacked expression and depth. Opened up a bit over time, revealing some coffee and herbs which also carried over to the palate, complementing fresh berry fruit.
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Red
2012 Château Hosanna
94 points
A 2012 Bordeaux vintage horizontal hosted by a private collector. Main observations were: 1/ Left bank beats right bank thanks to Paulliac, St Estèphe and Margaux, 2/ (over-)extraction was a frequent issue, making this a vintage where winemaking decisions and skill mattered, 3/ as such, unsurprisingly, first growths and right bank equivalents clearly outperformed the pack, 4/ highlights were Ausone (97) followed by Cheval Blanc, Mouton, Pichon Lalande (all 96), 5/ the lowlight was an over-extracted Pape Clement (88). Complete ranking and additional observations included in the tasting story.
Tasting note:
Ripe, sharp and defined fruit of red cherry. Leather and pretty present oak which adds sexy sweet notes and is well matched by the concentrated fruit. Mushrooms, earth and a bit of coffee add to the complexity The palate showed less extracted with a bigger emphasis on the earthiness, pretty high intensity and decent balance.
Tasting note:
Ripe, sharp and defined fruit of red cherry. Leather and pretty present oak which adds sexy sweet notes and is well matched by the concentrated fruit. Mushrooms, earth and a bit of coffee add to the complexity The palate showed less extracted with a bigger emphasis on the earthiness, pretty high intensity and decent balance.
1 person found this helpful
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Flight 4 (4 notes)
Red
2012 Château Kirwan
93 points
A 2012 Bordeaux vintage horizontal hosted by a private collector. Main observations were: 1/ Left bank beats right bank thanks to Paulliac, St Estèphe and Margaux, 2/ (over-)extraction was a frequent issue, making this a vintage where winemaking decisions and skill mattered, 3/ as such, unsurprisingly, first growths and right bank equivalents clearly outperformed the pack, 4/ highlights were Ausone (97) followed by Cheval Blanc, Mouton, Pichon Lalande (all 96), 5/ the lowlight was an over-extracted Pape Clement (88). Complete ranking and additional observations included in the tasting story.
Tasting note:
Mixed blue and ripe red berry fruit, herbal layers and an element of perfume. This was great in its freshness with ideal extraction. Juicy, fruity palate where you’ll also find fine aging notes of leather. firmly structured, in good balance with a good length finish. A strong Kirwan.
Tasting note:
Mixed blue and ripe red berry fruit, herbal layers and an element of perfume. This was great in its freshness with ideal extraction. Juicy, fruity palate where you’ll also find fine aging notes of leather. firmly structured, in good balance with a good length finish. A strong Kirwan.
Red
2012 Château Palmer
94 points
A 2012 Bordeaux vintage horizontal hosted by a private collector. Main observations were: 1/ Left bank beats right bank thanks to Paulliac, St Estèphe and Margaux, 2/ (over-)extraction was a frequent issue, making this a vintage where winemaking decisions and skill mattered, 3/ as such, unsurprisingly, first growths and right bank equivalents clearly outperformed the pack, 4/ highlights were Ausone (97) followed by Cheval Blanc, Mouton, Pichon Lalande (all 96), 5/ the lowlight was an over-extracted Pape Clement (88). Complete ranking and additional observations included in the tasting story.
Tasting note:
Blue to dark berry mix, herbal complexity that leans towards vegetal at first, but receding over time. The overall aroma profile remains quite herbal, however. Adding more and more sweet, spicy accents as well as cigar box, perfume and smoke. Good balance on the palate with a juicy character, but not really much length to the finish. adding more sweet accents and cigar box, perfume and smoke. A good off-vintage Palmer, quite comparable to 1995 I found.
Tasting note:
Blue to dark berry mix, herbal complexity that leans towards vegetal at first, but receding over time. The overall aroma profile remains quite herbal, however. Adding more and more sweet, spicy accents as well as cigar box, perfume and smoke. Good balance on the palate with a juicy character, but not really much length to the finish. adding more sweet accents and cigar box, perfume and smoke. A good off-vintage Palmer, quite comparable to 1995 I found.
1 person found this helpful
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Red
2012 Château Rauzan-Ségla
92 points
A 2012 Bordeaux vintage horizontal hosted by a private collector. Main observations were: 1/ Left bank beats right bank thanks to Paulliac, St Estèphe and Margaux, 2/ (over-)extraction was a frequent issue, making this a vintage where winemaking decisions and skill mattered, 3/ as such, unsurprisingly, first growths and right bank equivalents clearly outperformed the pack, 4/ highlights were Ausone (97) followed by Cheval Blanc, Mouton, Pichon Lalande (all 96), 5/ the lowlight was an over-extracted Pape Clement (88). Complete ranking and additional observations included in the tasting story.
Tasting note:
Slightly leathery and earthy with bramble berry fruit and black currant. Medium intensity at most. Nicely textured palate, but with lingering tannin. Judging from this bottle, a below-average vintage for the estate in my view.
Tasting note:
Slightly leathery and earthy with bramble berry fruit and black currant. Medium intensity at most. Nicely textured palate, but with lingering tannin. Judging from this bottle, a below-average vintage for the estate in my view.
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Red
2012 Château Margaux
95 points
A 2012 Bordeaux vintage horizontal hosted by a private collector. Main observations were: 1/ Left bank beats right bank thanks to Paulliac, St Estèphe and Margaux, 2/ (over-)extraction was a frequent issue, making this a vintage where winemaking decisions and skill mattered, 3/ as such, unsurprisingly, first growths and right bank equivalents clearly outperformed the pack, 4/ highlights were Ausone (97) followed by Cheval Blanc, Mouton, Pichon Lalande (all 96), 5/ the lowlight was an over-extracted Pape Clement (88). Complete ranking and additional observations included in the tasting story.
Tasting note:
Perfumed with tobacco, espresso, mocha and mild chocolate notes. Also pencil shavings, fine layer of herbs, cigar box, only a bit of leather and earth. Ripe and facetted fruit profile, on balance more red. Palate can’t quite hold up, unfortunately, not entirely harmonious and leaning towards the acidity side. That said, a pretty soft texture and tannins will built in. Light, feminine and highly palatable. This bottle presented itself more settled, refined and in better balance than the previous one about a year ago.
Tasting note:
Perfumed with tobacco, espresso, mocha and mild chocolate notes. Also pencil shavings, fine layer of herbs, cigar box, only a bit of leather and earth. Ripe and facetted fruit profile, on balance more red. Palate can’t quite hold up, unfortunately, not entirely harmonious and leaning towards the acidity side. That said, a pretty soft texture and tannins will built in. Light, feminine and highly palatable. This bottle presented itself more settled, refined and in better balance than the previous one about a year ago.
1 person found this helpful
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Flight 5 (4 notes)
Red
2012 Château Latour Grand Vin
94 points
A 2012 Bordeaux vintage horizontal hosted by a private collector. Main observations were: 1/ Left bank beats right bank thanks to Paulliac, St Estèphe and Margaux, 2/ (over-)extraction was a frequent issue, making this a vintage where winemaking decisions and skill mattered, 3/ as such, unsurprisingly, first growths and right bank equivalents clearly outperformed the pack, 4/ highlights were Ausone (97) followed by Cheval Blanc, Mouton, Pichon Lalande (all 96), 5/ the lowlight was an over-extracted Pape Clement (88). Complete ranking and additional observations included in the tasting story.
Tasting note:
Densely structured but not that intense. Dark and concentrated fruit profile, seasoning of fresh herbs, a bit of leather and earth. A surprisingly juicy palate with a brighter fruit profile. Decent attack but declining through mid-palate to finish. Adding more and more aromas with aeration.
Tasting note:
Densely structured but not that intense. Dark and concentrated fruit profile, seasoning of fresh herbs, a bit of leather and earth. A surprisingly juicy palate with a brighter fruit profile. Decent attack but declining through mid-palate to finish. Adding more and more aromas with aeration.
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Red
2012 Château Lafite Rothschild
92 points
A 2012 Bordeaux vintage horizontal hosted by a private collector. Main observations were: 1/ Left bank beats right bank thanks to Paulliac, St Estèphe and Margaux, 2/ (over-)extraction was a frequent issue, making this a vintage where winemaking decisions and skill mattered, 3/ as such, unsurprisingly, first growths and right bank equivalents clearly outperformed the pack, 4/ highlights were Ausone (97) followed by Cheval Blanc, Mouton, Pichon Lalande (all 96), 5/ the lowlight was an over-extracted Pape Clement (88). Complete ranking and additional observations included in the tasting story.
Tasting note:
Smoky and leathery with ripe cassis and dark cherry fruit. Also tobacco, scorched earth and maybe some black coffee in the mix too. A much fresher and juicer palate than I would have expected from the nose, but pretty acidic in the end.
Tasting note:
Smoky and leathery with ripe cassis and dark cherry fruit. Also tobacco, scorched earth and maybe some black coffee in the mix too. A much fresher and juicer palate than I would have expected from the nose, but pretty acidic in the end.
Red
2012 Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande
96 points
A 2012 Bordeaux vintage horizontal hosted by a private collector. Main observations were: 1/ Left bank beats right bank thanks to Paulliac, St Estèphe and Margaux, 2/ (over-)extraction was a frequent issue, making this a vintage where winemaking decisions and skill mattered, 3/ as such, unsurprisingly, first growths and right bank equivalents clearly outperformed the pack, 4/ highlights were Ausone (97) followed by Cheval Blanc, Mouton, Pichon Lalande (all 96), 5/ the lowlight was an over-extracted Pape Clement (88). Complete ranking and additional observations included in the tasting story.
Tasting note:
Roasted coffee beans, on average a darker fruit profile showing mostly blueberries. Smoke, cedar wood, toast, just a hint of chemical or petrol notes as well as sweet elements of cookie dough. Impressive breadth and complexity. Intense, concentrated palate with lots of power behind. Along with Mouton the best the left bank had to offer.
Tasting note:
Roasted coffee beans, on average a darker fruit profile showing mostly blueberries. Smoke, cedar wood, toast, just a hint of chemical or petrol notes as well as sweet elements of cookie dough. Impressive breadth and complexity. Intense, concentrated palate with lots of power behind. Along with Mouton the best the left bank had to offer.
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Red
2012 Château Mouton Rothschild
96 points
A 2012 Bordeaux vintage horizontal hosted by a private collector. Main observations were: 1/ Left bank beats right bank thanks to Paulliac, St Estèphe and Margaux, 2/ (over-)extraction was a frequent issue, making this a vintage where winemaking decisions and skill mattered, 3/ as such, unsurprisingly, first growths and right bank equivalents clearly outperformed the pack, 4/ highlights were Ausone (97) followed by Cheval Blanc, Mouton, Pichon Lalande (all 96), 5/ the lowlight was an over-extracted Pape Clement (88). Complete ranking and additional observations included in the tasting story.
Tasting note:
A refined and elegant wine offering aromas of roasted coffee beans, graphite and pencil shavings, black tea and some menthol. Boldly structured with a dense palate. Tannins have a lot of grip, but well balanced. Nice and juicy offering lots of drinking pleasure.
Tasting note:
A refined and elegant wine offering aromas of roasted coffee beans, graphite and pencil shavings, black tea and some menthol. Boldly structured with a dense palate. Tannins have a lot of grip, but well balanced. Nice and juicy offering lots of drinking pleasure.
Flight 6 (4 notes)
Red
2012 Château Lynch-Bages
93 points
A 2012 Bordeaux vintage horizontal hosted by a private collector. Main observations were: 1/ Left bank beats right bank thanks to Paulliac, St Estèphe and Margaux, 2/ (over-)extraction was a frequent issue, making this a vintage where winemaking decisions and skill mattered, 3/ as such, unsurprisingly, first growths and right bank equivalents clearly outperformed the pack, 4/ highlights were Ausone (97) followed by Cheval Blanc, Mouton, Pichon Lalande (all 96), 5/ the lowlight was an over-extracted Pape Clement (88). Complete ranking and additional observations included in the tasting story.
Tasting note:
A grassy, pretty green bouquet with red cherry and some blue berry elements. An amazingly juicy palate offering immediate pleasure with a strong attack and decent balance overall.
Tasting note:
A grassy, pretty green bouquet with red cherry and some blue berry elements. An amazingly juicy palate offering immediate pleasure with a strong attack and decent balance overall.
Red
2012 Château Pontet-Canet
94 points
A 2012 Bordeaux vintage horizontal hosted by a private collector. Main observations were: 1/ Left bank beats right bank thanks to Paulliac, St Estèphe and Margaux, 2/ (over-)extraction was a frequent issue, making this a vintage where winemaking decisions and skill mattered, 3/ as such, unsurprisingly, first growths and right bank equivalents clearly outperformed the pack, 4/ highlights were Ausone (97) followed by Cheval Blanc, Mouton, Pichon Lalande (all 96), 5/ the lowlight was an over-extracted Pape Clement (88). Complete ranking and additional observations included in the tasting story.
Tasting note:
Cherry, plum confit and black currant fruit along with candy flavors, ideally extracted to offer lush and ripe fruit but without being exuberant. Also medicinal elements. A brutally fruit forward palate, in good balance I found but with an almost decadently intense red berry fruit. While this offers limited pleasure today, this could be one of the big surprises 50 years down the road as a wine that has preserved all of the fruit. Pretty unique and singular in the fruit expression which is clean and fresh and manages to push extraction to the very limit without stepping over the line.
Tasting note:
Cherry, plum confit and black currant fruit along with candy flavors, ideally extracted to offer lush and ripe fruit but without being exuberant. Also medicinal elements. A brutally fruit forward palate, in good balance I found but with an almost decadently intense red berry fruit. While this offers limited pleasure today, this could be one of the big surprises 50 years down the road as a wine that has preserved all of the fruit. Pretty unique and singular in the fruit expression which is clean and fresh and manages to push extraction to the very limit without stepping over the line.
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Comments (2)
Red
2012 Château Montrose
94 points
A 2012 Bordeaux vintage horizontal hosted by a private collector. Main observations were: 1/ Left bank beats right bank thanks to Paulliac, St Estèphe and Margaux, 2/ (over-)extraction was a frequent issue, making this a vintage where winemaking decisions and skill mattered, 3/ as such, unsurprisingly, first growths and right bank equivalents clearly outperformed the pack, 4/ highlights were Ausone (97) followed by Cheval Blanc, Mouton, Pichon Lalande (all 96), 5/ the lowlight was an over-extracted Pape Clement (88). Complete ranking and additional observations included in the tasting story.
Tasting note:
A layered herbal profile with dried herbs, some fresher notes and salad seasoning. On balance a cooler fruit profile, leaning more towards the red. Well-made and seemed much more approachable than other vintages, even if the palate was still a bit wild. But everything seemed pretty much in the right place.
Tasting note:
A layered herbal profile with dried herbs, some fresher notes and salad seasoning. On balance a cooler fruit profile, leaning more towards the red. Well-made and seemed much more approachable than other vintages, even if the palate was still a bit wild. But everything seemed pretty much in the right place.
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Red
2012 Château Calon-Ségur
95 points
A 2012 Bordeaux vintage horizontal hosted by a private collector. Main observations were: 1/ Left bank beats right bank thanks to Paulliac, St Estèphe and Margaux, 2/ (over-)extraction was a frequent issue, making this a vintage where winemaking decisions and skill mattered, 3/ as such, unsurprisingly, first growths and right bank equivalents clearly outperformed the pack, 4/ highlights were Ausone (97) followed by Cheval Blanc, Mouton, Pichon Lalande (all 96), 5/ the lowlight was an over-extracted Pape Clement (88). Complete ranking and additional observations included in the tasting story.
Tasting note:
Earthy, mushrooms, minty layers surround a ripe, precise and delineated fruit. Also Kirsch, coffee, dark chocolate. Lots of muscle but in good balance. Very wild but I think this could turn into a real beauty. This is close to first growth quality in this vintage.
Tasting note:
Earthy, mushrooms, minty layers surround a ripe, precise and delineated fruit. Also Kirsch, coffee, dark chocolate. Lots of muscle but in good balance. Very wild but I think this could turn into a real beauty. This is close to first growth quality in this vintage.
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Flight 7 (4 notes)
Red
2012 Château La Mission Haut-Brion
92 points
A 2012 Bordeaux vintage horizontal hosted by a private collector. Main observations were: 1/ Left bank beats right bank thanks to Paulliac, St Estèphe and Margaux, 2/ (over-)extraction was a frequent issue, making this a vintage where winemaking decisions and skill mattered, 3/ as such, unsurprisingly, first growths and right bank equivalents clearly outperformed the pack, 4/ highlights were Ausone (97) followed by Cheval Blanc, Mouton, Pichon Lalande (all 96), 5/ the lowlight was an over-extracted Pape Clement (88). Complete ranking and additional observations included in the tasting story.
Tasting note:
Leather and barnyard were noteworthy in their presence. Pretty extracted dark berry fruit, black tea and other dried herbs, even a whiff of soy sauce. The level of extraction made it hard to define the aroma profile on the palate where you’ll also find lots of acidity. Adding tobacco and cigar box over time. I think the short aeration time did not do this justice and this could do better with a prober decant.
Tasting note:
Leather and barnyard were noteworthy in their presence. Pretty extracted dark berry fruit, black tea and other dried herbs, even a whiff of soy sauce. The level of extraction made it hard to define the aroma profile on the palate where you’ll also find lots of acidity. Adding tobacco and cigar box over time. I think the short aeration time did not do this justice and this could do better with a prober decant.
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Red
2012 Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion
93 points
A 2012 Bordeaux vintage horizontal hosted by a private collector. Main observations were: 1/ Left bank beats right bank thanks to Paulliac, St Estèphe and Margaux, 2/ (over-)extraction was a frequent issue, making this a vintage where winemaking decisions and skill mattered, 3/ as such, unsurprisingly, first growths and right bank equivalents clearly outperformed the pack, 4/ highlights were Ausone (97) followed by Cheval Blanc, Mouton, Pichon Lalande (all 96), 5/ the lowlight was an over-extracted Pape Clement (88). Complete ranking and additional observations included in the tasting story.
Tasting note:
Dried herbs, herbal tea, a shot of espresso, dark cherry, bramble berry and blueberry, some smoke and oak notes. Also leather and earth. Mouthcoating tannin, completely wild and nowhere near harmonious - but balance seemed ok hence probably just eons of aging needed. Character is strong in this one.
Tasting note:
Dried herbs, herbal tea, a shot of espresso, dark cherry, bramble berry and blueberry, some smoke and oak notes. Also leather and earth. Mouthcoating tannin, completely wild and nowhere near harmonious - but balance seemed ok hence probably just eons of aging needed. Character is strong in this one.
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Red
2012 Château Haut-Brion
90 points
A 2012 Bordeaux vintage horizontal hosted by a private collector. Main observations were: 1/ Left bank beats right bank thanks to Paulliac, St Estèphe and Margaux, 2/ (over-)extraction was a frequent issue, making this a vintage where winemaking decisions and skill mattered, 3/ as such, unsurprisingly, first growths and right bank equivalents clearly outperformed the pack, 4/ highlights were Ausone (97) followed by Cheval Blanc, Mouton, Pichon Lalande (all 96), 5/ the lowlight was an over-extracted Pape Clement (88). Complete ranking and additional observations included in the tasting story.
Tasting note:
Pretty extracted fruit profile with Williams and Kirsch blurring the fruit profile. A bit of herbs both dried and fresh. No signs of aging having had any impact on either nose or palate. An untamed beast. There is lots of structure and I would say there is definitely a future for this, but can‘t really find joy here at the moment.
Tasting note:
Pretty extracted fruit profile with Williams and Kirsch blurring the fruit profile. A bit of herbs both dried and fresh. No signs of aging having had any impact on either nose or palate. An untamed beast. There is lots of structure and I would say there is definitely a future for this, but can‘t really find joy here at the moment.
Red
2012 Château Pape Clément
88 points
A 2012 Bordeaux vintage horizontal hosted by a private collector. Main observations were: 1/ Left bank beats right bank thanks to Paulliac, St Estèphe and Margaux, 2/ (over-)extraction was a frequent issue, making this a vintage where winemaking decisions and skill mattered, 3/ as such, unsurprisingly, first growths and right bank equivalents clearly outperformed the pack, 4/ highlights were Ausone (97) followed by Cheval Blanc, Mouton, Pichon Lalande (all 96), 5/ the lowlight was an over-extracted Pape Clement (88). Complete ranking and additional observations included in the tasting story.
Tasting note:
A fresh, more cool type of fruit showing both red and blue berries. A bit of a floral overlay. High intensity, fruit forward palate. But overall completely overdone and too extreme, impossible to drink.
Tasting note:
A fresh, more cool type of fruit showing both red and blue berries. A bit of a floral overlay. High intensity, fruit forward palate. But overall completely overdone and too extreme, impossible to drink.
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Flight 8 (4 notes)
Red
2012 Château Saint-Pierre
93 points
A 2012 Bordeaux vintage horizontal hosted by a private collector. Main observations were: 1/ Left bank beats right bank thanks to Paulliac, St Estèphe and Margaux, 2/ (over-)extraction was a frequent issue, making this a vintage where winemaking decisions and skill mattered, 3/ as such, unsurprisingly, first growths and right bank equivalents clearly outperformed the pack, 4/ highlights were Ausone (97) followed by Cheval Blanc, Mouton, Pichon Lalande (all 96), 5/ the lowlight was an over-extracted Pape Clement (88). Complete ranking and additional observations included in the tasting story.
Tasting note:
Cherry and black currant, savory spices and earth, top notes of menthol, a floral overlay, a bit of leather and oak. Fruit forward palate, not much mid-palate structure but otherwise harmonious with soft tannin. This has aged well and is a really decent wine for the price, currently drinking better than higher classified cousins.
Tasting note:
Cherry and black currant, savory spices and earth, top notes of menthol, a floral overlay, a bit of leather and oak. Fruit forward palate, not much mid-palate structure but otherwise harmonious with soft tannin. This has aged well and is a really decent wine for the price, currently drinking better than higher classified cousins.
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Red
2012 Château Léoville Barton
92 points
A 2012 Bordeaux vintage horizontal hosted by a private collector. Main observations were: 1/ Left bank beats right bank thanks to Paulliac, St Estèphe and Margaux, 2/ (over-)extraction was a frequent issue, making this a vintage where winemaking decisions and skill mattered, 3/ as such, unsurprisingly, first growths and right bank equivalents clearly outperformed the pack, 4/ highlights were Ausone (97) followed by Cheval Blanc, Mouton, Pichon Lalande (all 96), 5/ the lowlight was an over-extracted Pape Clement (88). Complete ranking and additional observations included in the tasting story.
Tasting note:
A bit of barnyard, leather, cherry and plum, maybe also some iodine. An intense vegetal layer pierces through the bouquet - reminding me more of Poyferré actually. Fruit-forward palate, well-integrated tannin, fresh but lacking layers and complexity - although I have to admit I did enjoy the purity. Not among the best of what Barton has to offer.
Tasting note:
A bit of barnyard, leather, cherry and plum, maybe also some iodine. An intense vegetal layer pierces through the bouquet - reminding me more of Poyferré actually. Fruit-forward palate, well-integrated tannin, fresh but lacking layers and complexity - although I have to admit I did enjoy the purity. Not among the best of what Barton has to offer.
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Red
2012 Château Léoville Poyferré
91 points
A 2012 Bordeaux vintage horizontal hosted by a private collector. Main observations were: 1/ Left bank beats right bank thanks to Paulliac, St Estèphe and Margaux, 2/ (over-)extraction was a frequent issue, making this a vintage where winemaking decisions and skill mattered, 3/ as such, unsurprisingly, first growths and right bank equivalents clearly outperformed the pack, 4/ highlights were Ausone (97) followed by Cheval Blanc, Mouton, Pichon Lalande (all 96), 5/ the lowlight was an over-extracted Pape Clement (88). Complete ranking and additional observations included in the tasting story.
Tasting note:
Leather, coffee along with dark cherry and fig fruit, slightly jammy in nature but in a good way. Some hay notes add a herbal angle. Fruity palate, good harmony but overall rather simple and towards the finish somewhat astringent.
Tasting note:
Leather, coffee along with dark cherry and fig fruit, slightly jammy in nature but in a good way. Some hay notes add a herbal angle. Fruity palate, good harmony but overall rather simple and towards the finish somewhat astringent.
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Red
2012 Château Léoville Las Cases
90 points
A 2012 Bordeaux vintage horizontal hosted by a private collector. Main observations were: 1/ Left bank beats right bank thanks to Paulliac, St Estèphe and Margaux, 2/ (over-)extraction was a frequent issue, making this a vintage where winemaking decisions and skill mattered, 3/ as such, unsurprisingly, first growths and right bank equivalents clearly outperformed the pack, 4/ highlights were Ausone (97) followed by Cheval Blanc, Mouton, Pichon Lalande (all 96), 5/ the lowlight was an over-extracted Pape Clement (88). Complete ranking and additional observations included in the tasting story.
Tasting note:
Ripe cherry fruit, light oak notes, in the background tobacco, leather and dried herbs. Not really expressive and probably still closed at this point, but does open up a bit over time. Would either cellar a few more years or give it a good 4h+ decant.
Tasting note:
Ripe cherry fruit, light oak notes, in the background tobacco, leather and dried herbs. Not really expressive and probably still closed at this point, but does open up a bit over time. Would either cellar a few more years or give it a good 4h+ decant.
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