(95+ points) One of the greatest hits from Rare Champagne, the 2012 Rare Millésime is produced from fruit harvested between September 10 and 26. Disgorged in November 2023 with a dosage of eight grams per liter, it is a...

A composed, deeply refined nose unfolds with Granny Smith apple, macadamia and saline patisserie, accented by violet. The palate is poised and authoritative, its fine, persistent perlage carrying rose petal, fresh almond...

The 2012 Brut Rosé Cuvée Elisabeth Salmon is a very sexy Champagne, but it is also quite reserved, especially within the context of the year. Crushed rose petal, kirsch, white pepper, slate and mint are all beautifully...

Ripe, rich and spicy, this red is intensely flavored, featuring wild cherry and strawberry fruit, with anise, sandalwood and mineral notes. Sleek, yet almost chewy, with lingering spice accents. Best from 2018 through...

Medium to deep garnet colored, the 2012 Leoville Las Cases drifts out with fragrant notions of warm cassis, dark chocolate, roses, and dried mint with hints of iron ore and forest floor. Fragrant black fruit absolutely...

The 2012 Pape Clement is a blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot, and 1% Cabernet Franc. Medium to deep garnet colored, it charges out with plum preserves, blackcurrant pastilles, and raspberry...

The 2012 Trotte Vieille has an attractive bouquet with blackberry, raspberry, cedar and light liquorice aromas that blossom in the glass. This has better delineation than its peers. The palate is medium-bodied with gentle...

This carries an attractive, mineral laced, high-toned floral nose with plum and raspberry coulis all underscored by baking spices and fresh cracked pepper. There is nice volume and texture on entry showing a sleek and...

The aromatics hit immediately with sandalwood, cedar and gunsmoke, along with sweet baking spices, cocoa and coffee bean, muscular and full of estate signature. An important vintage, as this was the year that Pavie was...

Made from equal parts Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, the 2012 Champagne Brut Millésime is the 30th vintage of this cuvée, and the next vintage will be 2015. For at least the last five vintages, the wine was aged a minimum of...

Showing just a hint of lightening at the edges, sultry is the best way to describe it. Mouth filling, rich, long, and intense, there is good density and a finish that sticks with you. The wine was made from a blend of 80%...

The 2012 Les Forts de Latour has a light minty bouquet, more red than black fruit, touches of orange peel and light pencil shaving scents. The palate is medium-bodied with good density, fine tannins, becoming increasingly...

A bright transparent ruby core fading to a pale pink ruby. Still quite youthful and tight, with some air this Clos Vougeot opens up to reveal an intoxicating bouquet of pure cherry and pomegranate aromas enhanced by notes...

Tasted blind at the Southwold Bordeaux tasting. The 2012 Château L'If from Jacques Thienpont and Fiona Morrison has a broody, introspective bouquet that needs encouragement from the glass. Although it is tightly coiled...

The 2012 Lafleur continues to show well in bottle. Contrasted directly against the 2011, this has just a notch more brightness and energy with blackberry and light iodine scents, just a touch of black truffle and that...

Medium to deep garnet colored, the 2012 Haut-Brion leaps with vibrant blackcurrant cordial, preserved plums, tar, and licorice scents, followed by touches of graphite, dried roses, and cardamom plus a hint of crushed...