Wine Advocate (100)

The perfect 2012 Madrona Ranch displays notes of roasted coffee, forest floor, incense, Christmas fruitcake, blackcurrants and blackberry fruit in an incredibly fragrant, full-bodied, opulent style. Far more dramatic and open-knit Capella, the 2012 Madrona is super-intense, with incredibly velvety tannins. This is a sublime wine of the highest order, a fabulous example of the vintage, and a tribute to the craftsmanship of David Abreu and Brad Grimes. It should drink well for 30+ years.

Vinous (93)

(an 85/15 blend of sauvignon blanc and semillon): Bright, green-tinged yellow. Lovely perfume combines pungent lime skin, stone fruits, lemon drop and essential oils. Dense, sappy and opulent yet somehow weightless, conveying a powerful impression of energy to the flavors of nectarine, lime oil and honey. The semillon contributes roundness. Finishes sexy and long, in need of a year or so in bottle to develop more complexity. Always a splendid blend.

Wine Advocate (98)

The 2012 Quella (from a steep 9-acre vineyard in the eastern Vaca hillsides) has an opaque purple color, a gorgeous nose of white flowers, sweet blackberry and cassis fruit, and a touch of vanilla and graphite. Full-bodied, like its siblings, with great fruit extract, terrific purity and richness, and high but velvety tannins, this wine should also benefit from another 3-5 years of cellaring and keep for 30+ years.

Wine Advocate (98)

From an 11-acre vineyard just north of the Oakville corridor, the 2012 St. Eden shows gorgeous, cedary Christmas fruitcake notes, black cherry and blackcurrant fruit, spice box, earth, and almost first growth Pauillac-like cassis and lead pencil shavings. Deep, full-bodied, and fabulously concentrated, this stunner flirts with perfection. Slightly more evolved than the Quella or Melbury, this wine may be the most drinkable out of the gate of all the Bond offerings in 2012. It should continue to evolve for at least 30+ years.

Wine Advocate (95)

I loved the 2012 Pinot Noir de Villiers. It's a beautifully complete, balanced and satisfying Pinot Noir that does everything right. Giving up tons of sweet black raspberry and strawberry fruits, spice-box, dried flowers and potpourri characteristics, it's medium to full-bodied, layered and seamless, with a ripe, supple texture that keeps you coming back to the glass. While there's more than enough fruit to keep this enjoyable now, there's some solid tannin and depth in there as well, so it will age.

Vinous (95)

The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Cardinale from Cardinale is totally seamless and textured on the palate, with layers of ripe, racy fruit, tons of intensity and an opulent, voluptuous finish that captures the essence of this style to the T. Dark red stone fruits, cinnamon, cedar, tobacco and new leather linger on the creamy finish. Winemaker Chris Carpenter draws across the entire range of Kendall Jackson's Napa Valley properties to craft Cardinale. In 2012, the blend is 84% Cabernet Sauvignon and 16% Merlot from nine vineyards in a total of seven AVA's (Howell Mountain, Diamond Mountain, Spring Mountain, Mt. Veeder, Stags' Leap, Yountville and St. Helena).

Vinous (95)

The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Cardinale from Cardinale is totally seamless and textured on the palate, with layers of ripe, racy fruit, tons of intensity and an opulent, voluptuous finish that captures the essence of this style to the T. Dark red stone fruits, cinnamon, cedar, tobacco and new leather linger on the creamy finish. Winemaker Chris Carpenter draws across the entire range of Kendall Jackson's Napa Valley properties to craft Cardinale. In 2012, the blend is 84% Cabernet Sauvignon and 16% Merlot from nine vineyards in a total of seven AVA's (Howell Mountain, Diamond Mountain, Spring Mountain, Mt. Veeder, Stags' Leap, Yountville and St. Helena).

James Suckling (98)

Very dense and powerful with a tight palate of blue fruit and raspberry undertones. Salty with wonderful length and intensity. A blend of malbec from Nicasia Vineyard in Altamira and Adrianna Vineyard in Gualtallary. Drink in 2022 but so great now.

James Suckling (98)

Very dense and powerful with a tight palate of blue fruit and raspberry undertones. Salty with wonderful length and intensity. A blend of malbec from Nicasia Vineyard in Altamira and Adrianna Vineyard in Gualtallary. Drink in 2022 but so great now.

Wine Advocate (95)

The 2012 White Bones Chardonnay is also sourced from selected rows in the Adrianna vineyard in Gualtallary, produced in exactly the same way as the White Stones Chardonnay with barrels developing a thin layer of yeasts on top that provide extra complexity and nuances. The oak feels better integrated each vintage and while 2012 was clearly warmer and riper than 2011, the wine keeps that sharp acidity that provide freshness. However, in 2012 this is almost challenged by its sibling White Stones, which nearly reaches the same level of sophistication and complexity. I'm dying to taste the 2013s of these two groundbreaking Chardonnays. This vintage also yielded fewer bottles, around 2,100 of the elixir.

Vinous (94+)

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.

James Suckling (97)

One of the most complex and floral Chevals. Full to medium body, ultra-fine. How I tasted.

Vinous (93)

The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon is the first commercial release from Christian Moueix's Oakville property. Sensual and alluring, yet with striking depth, the 2012 is full of sweet red cherry, raspberry jam, wild flowers, all pushed forward in a sexy, layered Cabernet Sauvignon that delivers terrific depth for a wine from this generally uneven vintage. Sweet floral and spiced notes add lift on the finish. I imagine the 2012 will reward readers with a good two decades of fine drinking.

Vinous (93)

The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon is the first commercial release from Christian Moueix's Oakville property. Sensual and alluring, yet with striking depth, the 2012 is full of sweet red cherry, raspberry jam, wild flowers, all pushed forward in a sexy, layered Cabernet Sauvignon that delivers terrific depth for a wine from this generally uneven vintage. Sweet floral and spiced notes add lift on the finish. I imagine the 2012 will reward readers with a good two decades of fine drinking.

Vinous (98+)

The 2012 Maya is surprisingly deep and powerful in this vintage, with none of the early appeal of the estate's other 2012s. Today, the Maya is dark and brooding, with tons of intensity to match its massive, virile personality. Readers will have to be patient, but the 2012 is a special wine that much is clear.

Jeb Dunnuck (99+)

Checking in as a blend of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc that hit 14.3% alcohol, the 2012 Dominus is a sensational wine that certainly ranks with the all-time greats of this cuvée and is reminiscent of the 1991. Ripe, flamboyant, and incredibly sexy, it nevertheless shows the classic style of this estate, has nothing out of place and just glides across the palate. Blackcurrants, tobacco leaf, cedar box, new leather, and an almost garrigue-like character all emerge from this full-bodied, silky, seamless effort that has fine tannin, perfectly integrated acidity, tannins, alcohol, and a great, great finish. Drink it any time over the coming 2-3 decades. It's a tour de force in Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and one of the greats.

The Donelan Cuvee Christine Syrah 2012 is an exquisite fine wine, crafted in the heart of Sonoma County, California. This unparalleled vintage stands as a testament to Donelan Family Vineyards' commitment to produce wines of exceptional quality and character.

The Syrah berries, grown in two vineyard locations, were handpicked and carefully sorted to ensure only the finest grapes were fermented in small lots. Aged for 20 months in French oak, the 2012 Cuvee delivers an elegant, nuanced palate of dark fruit, pepper and savoury herbs, beneath a graceful structure.

The wine reveals a layered complexity, a testament to winemaker Joe Nielsen's expertise. Its full-bodied richness and smooth tannins make the Donelan Cuvee Christine Syrah 2012 an excellent partner to robust dishes. A limited production wine that embodies the essence of the cool climate Syrah in the best vintage years, it represents the pinnacle of Donelan's ongoing pursuit of excellence in winemaking.

The Donelan Sonoma County Syrah Keltie 2012 is a remarkable Californian wine, crafted with intricate attention to detail. It's a testament to the dedication of the Donelan Family, who meticulously handpicked its grape clusters on cool mornings guaranteeing optimal ripeness. Fashioned exclusively from familial vineyards, it boasts compelling provenance.

Situated amidst the diverse microclimates of Sonoma, the unique terroir gifts this wine a distinct character. The growing season of 2012 was remarkably consistent, gifting the grapes a rich concentration and balanced acidity. Each Syrah cluster was fermented individually, using native yeasts, preserving the genuine essence of the fruit textures. The 22-month maturation in French oak imparts a complex, round frame to the wine.

Delivering a sophisticated palette, the Donelan Sonoma County Syrah Keltie 2012 enraptures with its vivacious cassis, truffle and black pepper notes, well-balanced by a sybaritic spice and meaty undertone. A collectable asset for any discerning connoisseur.

The Donum Pinot Noir Russian River 2012 is the epitome of sophistication from the heart of Sonoma County. An exquisite product of viticultural excellence from the Californian vineyards, this wine is a result of meticulous hand-harvesting and hand-sorting. Adopting precision fermenting techniques, the lusciously ripe fruit grapes were gently crushed for an exquisite expression of Pinot Noir character.

The producer, Donum Estate, prioritises in single vineyard and single variety wines, with a special focus on Pinot Noir. The 2012 vintage shows an enchanting blend of complexity and finesse. It reveals lush raspberry and cherry flavours harmoniously balanced with subtle oak nuances and a touch of spiciness. Its lengthy, fully satisfying finish indicates excellent cellar potential.

A timeless masterpiece, the Donum Pinot Noir Russian River 2012 is a true reflection of the terroir's elegance. For the discerning palate seeking an exquisite wine experience, this wine is an undeniable must-have.

Wine Advocate (91)

The 2012 Proprietary Red Altagracia is 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Petit Verdot, 8% Cabernet Franc and the rest Merlot and Malbec. A beautiful nose of red and black cherries, blackcurrants, spice box and earth jumps from the glass of this expressive, fragrant, medium-bodied wine that has velvety tannins, a burgeoning complexity and a savory, lush mouthfeel. This is a strong second wine from this famous vineyard. It can be drunk now or cellared for up to 15 or more years. It’s pure seductiveness.

James Suckling (98)

The aromas to this wine are very complex and brooding with blackcurrants, sage and spearmint. Souis bois and wet earth then turn to black fruits. Entrancing nose. This is full-bodied, yet tight and focused with compressed tannins and a long finish. Very intense volcanic sea salt to the wines. A much more subtle and mind-provoking style.

James Suckling (98)

The aromas to this wine are very complex and brooding with blackcurrants, sage and spearmint. Souis bois and wet earth then turn to black fruits. Entrancing nose. This is full-bodied, yet tight and focused with compressed tannins and a long finish. Very intense volcanic sea salt to the wines. A much more subtle and mind-provoking style.

James Suckling (97)

Superb focus and intensity with blueberry, blackberry, wet earth and dried spice. Some bark. Full body, very fine tannins and beauty. Vivid and bright. Drink in 2018 but outstanding quality now. A a blend of 85% cab franc with 15% malbec.

Wine Advocate (96)

One of two new single-vineyard Cabernet Francs first produced in 2012 is the 2012 Gran Enemigo El Cepillo Single Vineyard, from a place that will soon should get its own appellation in the San Carlos district of the Valle de Uco. This is sourced from a vineyard at 1,450 meters with colluvial soils of glacial origin, with pink granite and some limestone of marine origin, as there are marine fossils. The palate is incredibly linear, sharp and austere, with the texture of stones and some aromas of graphite. There are minor traces of oak, but they are very subtle, perhaps only noticeable when tasting it next to the other single vineyards. This is austere and mineral, and it should develop beautifully in bottle. This is a superb addition to the already exceptional portfolio of Aleanna. 2,000 bottles.

Wine Advocate (98+)

The nose of the 2012 Gran Enemigo Gualtallary Single Vineyard almost made me fall from my chair. It is the expression of elegance and austerity coupled with strong minerality. It is mostly Cabernet Franc from a very chalky vineyard in Gualtallary at 1,430 meters altitude that fermented together with a small percentage of Malbec. In 2012 they fine tuned the élevage and fermentation, which was in rolling 500-liter barrels that were new in 2006 (so by then quite neutral), where the wine was kept for one more year and then transferred to 1,000-liter egg-shaped cement vats for one further year. This reminded me of my favorite Bordeaux, Lafleur, because of the elegance, the refinement of the tannins and length. It has citric, effervescent acidity that makes you salivate. Winemaker and Owner Alejandro Vigil has done a very strict selection of the soils in the field, and only kept the very center of the vineyard where the high density (12,000 plants per hectare) generates a lot of competition, because the plants from the borders have more space in the sides, which means in 2012 he could only fill 1,800 bottles. Awesome, and ultra fresh for a vintage like 2012. Bravo!

Wine Advocate (99+)

The 2012 Harlan Estate is reminiscent of their 2002. Probably a candidate for perfection with another 4-5 years of bottle age, the wine is inky plum/purple to the rim and offers a gorgeous nose of scorched earth, blackberry and cassis, forest floor, and a floral, lavender-like component followed by deep, opulent, majestic flavors that caress the palate with high but sweet tannin. This is relatively evolved, and supple and voluptuous for a young Harlan estate – hence the comparison with their compelling 2002. This wine can be drunk in several years and is likely another candidate for 30-50 years of cellaring.

Wine Advocate (93-95)

The 2012 Chardonnay Stone Cote Vineyard (a block within the Durell Vineyard planted on gravelly riverbed soils) is 100% barrel-fermented and bottled unfined and unfiltered. Made from a combination of Old Wente clones and some of the newer Chardonnay clones, it exhibits a terrific wet rock/powdered stone-like minerality along with beautiful aromas of exotic fruits (mangoes and tangerines), great intensity, full body, terrific acidity, and 14.8% alcohol. This beautiful Burgundian-styled Chardonnay should be enjoyed over the next 7-8 years.

Wine Advocate (93+)

There have been a number of changes of late at Inglenook, so I was anxious to taste the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Cask. This wine was first created in 1949 and during that era, through the 50s and early 60s, was considered one of the finest wines of California. This is the best, young Inglenook Cabernet Sauvignon I have tasted during my professional career of 35 years. Dense ruby/purple with classic crème de cassis, but underlying minerality and spice box. The wine is full-bodied, but not over-the-top, yet nevertheless authoritative, rich and quite long. There is a thickness and concentration I haven’t seen from this estate in many a year and this wine should age beautifully for 20-25 years at the very minimum.