Haut-Brion’s grand vin is the embodiment of five centuries of tradition and plays a pivotal role in the worldwide history of wine. It is the oldest of the Bordeaux classed growths, the inventor of a new style of wine fashioned in the seventeenth century, and considered the world’s first luxury brand.

Typically more Merlot dominant than other Left Bank wines, the terroir of Haut-Brion is expressed through its empyreumatic bouquet (Havana cigars, chocolate, roasting, cedar wood, and so on). The attack is restrained, with precise yet exceedingly soft tannins. But the power of this wine is revealed in the surprising long mid-palate and even longer finish.

The 2012 Haut Brion is a Bordeaux blend produced in the Pessac Leognan sub-region of Bordeaux, France. This wine, composed predominantly of Merlot (65.5%), along with Cabernet Sauvignon (32.5%) and a small portion of Cabernet Franc (2%), stands out for its complexity and depth. With an alcohol content of 15.0%, it promises a rich and intense experience.

Wine Spectator awarded this wine a score of 95, describing it as having a "dense core of red and black currant, plum and blackberry fruit" with notes of "bay, black tea and tar" lining the finish. The review emphasizes the wine's "lovely, fine-grained feel" and mentions it is best enjoyed between 2018 and 2030 (J.M., Wine Spectator, 1/7/2015).

James Suckling gave it a slightly higher score of 96, praising its "amazing aromas of wet stones, earth, currants and berries." He finds the wine "subtle and complex" with a "beautiful core of ripe fruit on the palate and the finish." He notes that the wine has "round, light, chewy tannins" and suggests it will be better in 2020 (James Suckling, jamessuckling.com, 2/9/2015).

Wine Enthusiast also scored it 96, calling it "firm and solid" and one of the successes of 2012. The review highlights the wine's "serious intent" and dense, concentrated nature. It is recommended to be consumed from 2024 (Wine Enthusiast, 5/1/2015).

Vinous echoed the praise with a score of 95, describing the wine as "beginning to flex its muscles." The review notes the presence of "blackcurrant," "pitted black olives," and "cedar," with a "slightly meaty finish" and suggests it needs bottle age to fully develop (Neal Martin, Vinous, 1/26/2023).

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also gave the wine a high score of 96+, highlighting its "sumptuous opening" and "generous" palate. The review mentions that it has "black plum and blackcurrant towards the finish," with "truffle and white pepper lingering on the aftertaste" (Neal Martin, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 10/29/2016).

Jeff Leve from TheWineCellarInsider.com awarded it an impressive 97, praising its "richness and depth of flavor" and noting it as a "clear candidate for the wine of the vintage." He recommends cellaring it for another 5-7 years before opening (Jeff Leve, TheWineCellarInsider.com, 7/8/2022).

Jane Anson gave it the highest score of 98, describing it as "stately and muscular" with a "brilliant counterpoint to the grace of La Mission Haut-Brion." She notes that it "grips the palate" and is "balanced, with so much flavor and presence" (Jane Anson, janeanson.com, 3/3/2022).

Decanter and The Wine Independent both gave it a score of 96 and 97 respectively, with Decanter highlighting its "gorgeous, voluptuous" nature and The Wine Independent praising its "vibrant blackcurrant cordial" and "long, decadently rich, fruity finish" (Decanter, 3/3/2022 and The Wine Independent, 2/16/2023).

In summary, the 2012 Haut Brion is a highly acclaimed wine, praised for its complexity, depth, and potential for aging. It has received excellent reviews across the board, making it a standout choice for collectors and enthusiasts alike.