The 2012 Chateau Margaux is a Bordeaux blend from the Margaux sub-region in Bordeaux, France. This red wine, with a 13.0% alcohol content and closed with a cork, has garnered significant praise from various wine critics.
Wine Spectator awarded it a score of 95, describing it as "remarkably dense and packed, yet refined, especially for the vintage." The reviewer J.M. noted hints of bay and menthol, with a core of crushed plum and warm cherry confiture. The finish offers "bittersweet cocoa powder and roasted vanilla bean accents," suggesting the wine needs time to unwind and will be best enjoyed between 2018 and 2030.
James Suckling gave it a score of 94, highlighting its "wonderful aromas of flowers such as roses, violets, strawberries and hints of wet earth." He also mentioned its full to medium body, very firm tannins, and a long, racy finish. He advised that the wine would be better from 2020 onwards.
Wine Enthusiast also scored it 95, appreciating its classic Margaux style. The reviewer noted fresh black currant fruits and a "long-lived tannic structure," suggesting it will be best from 2025.
Neal Martin from Vinous gave it 94+, describing it as "a little closed at the moment" but "very well-balanced, quite deep and powerful." He recommended cellaring it for a few more years.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, via Neal Martin, rated it 96, praising its "taut, linear, pencil lead-infused bouquet" and "crisp acidity." The wine has become "more structured and masculine in bottle," exhibiting pedigree from start to finish.
Jeff Leve from The Wine Cellar Insider awarded it 94, noting its medium body, structured nature, and firm, reserved tannins. He mentioned a "strong, green olive and herbal note" that persists in the finish, suggesting it is a wine to like, not love.
Jane Anson rated it 97, calling it "graceful, nuanced, totally moreish" and "one of my stars of the lineup." She noted flavors of raspberry, white pepper, smoked earth, and star anise, with waves of fine tannins guiding the fruit.
Decanter gave it 96, describing it as "beautifully perfumed" with unmatched finesse and length for the vintage. The wine includes 87% Cabernet Sauvignon and represents 34% of the overall production.
Lastly, The Wine Independent, with Lisa Perrotti-Brown's review, scored it 94. She highlighted its "medium to deep garnet color" and notes of new leather, plum preserves, and unsmoked cigars. The wine has "soft, approachable tannins" and a minerally finish.
In summary, the 2012 Chateau Margaux is a well-regarded wine with a variety of complex flavors and aromas, praised for its balance, structure, and potential for aging.