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Search Flickinger Wine Inventory
Inventory updated: Sat, Oct 25, 2025 11:02 AM cst
Your search criteria:
Regions: USA Red
Vintages: Between 2012 and 2012
| Producer |
Vint. |
Wine |
Price |
Qty |
Order |
| | USA Red |
| Abreu |
2012 |
Las Posadas Howell Mtn. Proprietary Blend  |
$400 |
1 |
|
| |
| JS 97 (5/2016): So much tar with blackberry and blueberry aromas. Perfumed. Black olive. Forest floor. A fabulous Bordeaux blend with complexity and subtlety. Full-bodied yet polished and refined. Incredible length and finish. Wonderful spice. Hard not to drink now. About 300 cases made. March release. |
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|
2012 |
Thorevilos Proprietary Blend Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$475 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 99+ (10/2015): The 2012 Thorevilos is flamboyant, phenomenally concentrated, full-bodied, majestic and totally prodigious. It can be drunk young, but most readers will probably prefer to give it a few years of bottle age and consume it over the following 30+ years.
VM 96 (5/2024): The 2012 Thorevilos is another rich, potent wine in this tasting. There's plenty of depth and persistence, but as with the Madrona Ranch, I wish there was a bit more freshness in the aromatics, as the oak imprint is pretty strong. I would prefer to drink this over the next decade or so. (Drink between 2022-2034). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Arietta |
2012 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$89 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (5/2017): Napa Valley Red) Ripe red cherry, plum, spice, tobacco and menthol are front and center in Arietta's 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon. Racy and voluptuous, the 2012 captures the radiance of the vintage in its open-knit, inviting personality. All things considered, this is an especially showy vintage for the Cabernet Sauvignon. Antonio Galloni. |
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|
2012 |
88 Keys Cabernet Sauvignon |
$159 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 96 (5/2017): The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon 88 Keys is one of the finest wines I have tasted from Arietta. The 88 Keys is often dark and plush, but the 2012 has an extra element of aromatic lift that plays off the fruit richness nicely. Raspberry, red cherry, pomegranate and a host of floral/spiced notes give the wine its distinctive lifted, aromatically intense personality. The 2012 handled 32 months in barrel effortlessly. Moreover, the wine shows far better than it did a year previously. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Bedrock Wine Co. |
2012 |
Exposition Two Weill Vyd. Syrah |
$125.10 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 96 (10/2015): The “2012 Proprietary Red Weill Vineyard Exposition Project Trio” is three incredible wines from Sonoma County. This is Twain-Peterson’s take on the three LaLa wines from the Guigal family in Côte-Rôtie. He is emphasizing distinct clonal terroir and exposition differences as well as vinifying the wines separately. All three of the following wines were aged 36 months in 100% new French oak. The 2012 Proprietary Red Weill Vineyard Exposition 2 is 92% Syrah and 8% Viognier, 50% whole-cluster and from a southeast-facing block of the same vineyard. The Viognier was co-fermented, and this might well be Twain-Peterson’s La Turque. Notes of charcoal, burning embers, blackberry, cassis and wonderful, sweet honeysuckle are all present in this full-bodied, concentrated, impressively done wine. |
|
| Bond Estates (Harlan) |
2012 |
Pluribus Proprietary Blend |
$400 |
1 |
|
| |
JS 98 (7/2015): This is so muscular and juicy with fascinating aromas of hot asphalt, tea leaf, autumn leaf, fresh leather and dark fruits. It’s full-bodied and strong yet pure and handsome. Manly. Great texture. Needs at least five to six years to soften. The best Pluribus ever?
WA 95+ (10/2015): From a 7-acre parcel on Spring Mountain, the 2012 Pluribus Proprietary Red Wine exhibits the white flowers (acacia?), blueberry and black raspberry fruit that comes from this high elevation site. It is full-bodied but very tannic, backward, coiled and relatively tight, behaving in that sense more like a 2013 than a 2012. This wine is set for a long life of 30+ years. Forget it for another 4 or 5 years, then consume it over the following three decades.
VM 95+ (10/2015): The 2012 Pluribus has softened considerably over the last year. White pepper, cranberry, chalk, blood orange and spices are some of the signatures. Precise and finely sculpted, the 2012 is all about finesse. There is plenty to like here. Antonio Galloni.
WS 92 (11/2015): Notes of gravelly earth, graphite and riverbed pebbles give this a distinctive, stony mouthfeel. Ends chewy, with mocha, dark berry, plum, road tar and espresso flavors. Should improve with short-term cellaring. To be released spring 2016. Best from 2017 through 2030. 570 cases made. |
|
|
2012 |
Quella Proprietary Blend |
$395 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 98 (10/2015): 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.
JS 97 (7/2015): Lots of hot stone and slate on the nose with flowers. Dark berries too. Full body, dense mouthfeel. It lasts a long time with a salty, pomace undertone. Tight and muscular. Better in 2018.
VM 94 (10/2015): The 2012 Quella has put on considerable weight over the last year. Dark cherry, plum, hard candy, mint, dark spices and new leather all blossom in the glass. The 2012 is ample and broad on the palate, with superb presence, but perhaps a touch less in the way of finesse relative to the best wines in this range. Today the Quella feels a bit heavy. Antonio Galloni.
WS 89 (11/2015): Bold and ripe, with a touch of dark berry jam, this is structured by dusty gravel nuances and earth-laced tannins. A mishmash of very ripe, intense flavors, but the raw, edgy tannins have a green, stemmy quality. Drink now through 2023. 515 cases made. |
|
| Booker Vineyard |
2012 |
Oublie 24 Proprietary Blend Cracked Wax Capsule |
$99 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 93-95 (8/2014): Slightly more savory and rich than the straight Oublie release, the 2012 Oublie 24 gives up more bouquet garni, black fruits and ground herbs to go with a full-bodied, fabulously concentrated feel on the palate. It too has a southern Rhone-like feel and should drink nicely on release and evolve gracefully for 7-8 years.
VM 92-94 (7/2014): Dark red cherry, plum, smoke, mint, tobacco and cedar are some of the many notes that blossom in the 2012 Oublie 24. Pliant, expressive and nuanced, the 2012 is above all else a wine of pure silkiness. There is a lot to like here. Next to the straight Oublie, the 24 is a bit more seamless, vibrant and perfumed. |
|
|
2012 |
Ripper Grenache |
$79.20 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| J. Bookwalter |
2012 |
Conflict Conner-Lee Vyd. Red Wine |
$25 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 91 (6/2015): In the same ballpark quality-wise as the Protagonist release, with probably a longer drink window, the 2012 Conner Lee Vineyard Conflict is made from 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot and 5% Syrah. Finishing malo in barrel and aged 20 months in 70% new French oak, it has classic plum, black raspberry, chocolate, lead pencil and spice-laced aromatics. This give way to a full-bodied, nicely concentrated, gorgeously pure 2012 that still has oak to integrate, yet will have over a decade of longevity. |
|
| Caldwell |
2012 |
Rocket Science Red Wine |
$50 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Carlisle |
2012 |
James Berry Vineyard Syrah |
$50 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (6/2014): (20% whole clusters, 27% new oak and 15.9% alcohol): Inky purple. Sexy aromas of cassis, cherry compote, roasted coffee and incense. Supple, pliant and deep in black and blue fruit and floral pastille flavors. Becomes spicier and more energetic with air and picks up a smoky nuance that lingers on the long, sweet, intensely spicy finish. I was shocked to see that alcohol number as the wine doesn't betray it at all. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Caymus |
2012 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (1.0 L) Signs of Old Seepage; Torn Label |
$150 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 96 (10/2014): They appear to be immune to some of winedom’s less than intelligent trends and fads that we see from time to time, and the result is a spectacular 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon 40th Anniversary offering. Its dense purple/black color is followed by copious quantities of crème de cassis and blackberry fruit, silky tannins, a voluptuous texture and stunning purity as well as length. This full-bodied effort is a fabulous example of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon as well as a tribute to this amazing family. It is so good now, why wait? However, I’m sure that like most vintages of Caymus, it will last for 20-25 years. Amazing!
VM 85 (10/2014): The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon 40th Anniversary from Caymus hits the palate with a rush of dark cherry, plum, Coke, chocolate, brandy, spices and sweet new oak. There is good texture, viscosity and immediacy to the fruit at first, but the sickly sweet new oak and vanillin become overpowering soon after, totally covering the fruit and attenuating the mid-palate and finish. Thankfully, the finish is short. Even by today's standards in Napa Valley, this is a decidedly sweet style of Cabernet Sauvignon quite unlike pretty much anything else I tasted this year. (Drink between 2014-2020). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Chappellet |
2012 |
Pritchard Hill Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$575 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 99+ (10/2014): The dense purple-colored 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill Estate (one of Napa’s fashionable go-to terroirs) exhibits a striking bouquet of spring flowers, blueberries, raspberries and blackcurrants. This is a compelling wine with profound depth and flavor, a full-bodied mouthfeel, and a velvety integration of tannin, acidity and wood. Pushing perfection in Cabernet Sauvignon, this multidimensional, skyscraper-like offering has all the intensity one expects, but it never comes across as heavy. This gives it an ethereal character that is nearly impossible to articulate, but genius is often hard to explain. It is clearly a major superstar of a great vintage.
VM 94+ (12/2014): 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. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Clark-Claudon |
2012 |
Eternity Cabernet Sauvignon |
$109 |
1 |
|
| |
| WS 94 (3/2016): Very dark and dense, rich without being weighty, featuring a complex, focused aroma of mocha, espresso, blackberry, boysenberry and black licorice. This is remarkably accessible, refined and polished. Long and chocolaty on the finish without sacrificing acidity or firm tannins. Drink now through 2026. 390 cases made. |
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|
2012 |
Eternity Cabernet Sauvignon |
$139 |
1 |
|
| |
| WS 94 (3/2016): Very dark and dense, rich without being weighty, featuring a complex, focused aroma of mocha, espresso, blackberry, boysenberry and black licorice. This is remarkably accessible, refined and polished. Long and chocolaty on the finish without sacrificing acidity or firm tannins. Drink now through 2026. 390 cases made. |
|
| Colgin |
2012 |
IX Estate Proprietary Blend |
$425 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 99 (10/2015): The 2012 IX Proprietary Red Estate, which comes from their gorgeous hillside vineyards overlooking Lake Hennessey high on Pritchard Hill, is a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc and 8% Petit Verdot. Absolutely spectacular aromatics of spring flowers, blueberry, blackberry and blackcurrant fruit intermixed with creosote, graphite and floral notes are followed by a wine of great depth, elegance, richness and purity. Simply loaded, but with pristine harmony and equilibrium, this is a sensational tour de force and a great tribute to this spectacular hillside site on Pritchard Hill. Drink it over the next 25-35 years.
JS 98 (7/2015): Fabulous intensity and energy in this young red with wet earth, violets, black currants, black olives, sweet tobacco and blackberries. So complex. Full-bodied with incredible depth and richness. Give it four or five years to come together. Out November 2015.
VM 96 (12/2014): The 2012 IX Estate is the biggest and most powerful of these wines. Firm tannins provide the backdrop for a huge core of fruit as this creamy, voluptuous Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend shows off its considerable personality. Game, smoke and tobacco add nuance on the finish. The IX Estate brings together some of the sensuality of Tychson Hill along with a level of vibrancy that recalls the Cariad. If that sounds appealing, well, it is.
WS 94 (10/2015): Features an expressive mix of flavors built around dried currant, dusty, cedary oak, a gravel pit of newly crushed rock and melted black licorice. Shows impressive finesse and refinement. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2028. 1,400 cases made. |
|
| Constant |
2012 |
Diamond Mountain Vyd. Cabernet Franc |
$70 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 93 (10/2014): The 2012 Cabernet Franc is a bit compact today, but it nevertheless shows plenty of character. Sweet tobacco, cedar, mint, anise, iron and a host of savory, ferrous notes begin to emerge over time, although the 2012 remains hesitant to show all its cards. This intense, powerful Cabernet Franc is going to need a few years to fully come together, but it is promising. Antonio Galloni.
WA 90-92 (10/2014): The 2012 Cabernet Franc displays the ethereal characteristics of this grape. Intense, focused and complex, but never heavy, this dark ruby/purple-hued, medium-bodied 2012 reveals plenty of blueberry and raspberry notes intermixed with licorice and incense. With medium-bodied power as well as beautiful intensity, it should drink well for 10-15 years. |
|
|
2012 |
Diamond Mountain Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$85 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (10/2014): Constant's 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon is endowed with tons of inky blue/black fruits, iron, game, smoke, tobacco and licorice. A firm tannic spine gives the wine its structure and support, and while there is plenty of depth, the 2012 is quite open relative to many earlier vintages. I expect the 2012 will offer highly rewarding drinking for the next decade-plus. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2012 |
Diamond Mountain Vyd. Merlot |
$60 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (12/2014): Wild flowers, licorice, savory herbs, dried rose petals and cherries are some of the many notes that emerge from the 2012 Merlot, a wine that impresses for its character and personality. A wine more of place than anything else, Constant's Merlot remains compelling. Readers should expect a nuanced, savory mountain Merlot built on complexity and an understated sense of power. (Drink between 2017-2032). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Dana Estates |
2012 |
Helms Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$375 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 96 (12/2017): Deep garnet-purple, the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Helms Vineyard sings of crushed blackberries, cassis and black cherries with touches of Provence herbs, violets and chocolate box plus a hint of dusty earth. Medium-bodied with a firm backbone of grainy tannins and a racy acid line, it has youthful, taut, muscular black fruit and a long, refreshing finish. Should age beautifully! |
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2012 |
Hershey Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon Heavily Wine-Stained Label |
$375 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 98 (10/2014): The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Hershey Vineyard comes from an 1,800-foot elevation and is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon harvested October 19-22. This is a sensational superstar from Howell Mountain with an inky purple color, notes of mocha, mulberry, crème de cassis, graphite and spring flowers. It is dense, full-bodied, opulent and concentrated with sweet but moderate tannin. This is a stunner that should drink well for another 25 or so years.
VM 95-98 (12/2014): Graphite, smoke, dark spices, gravel and blue/purplish fruit emerge from the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Hershey Vineyard, Dana's Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon. The flavors are wonderfully vibrant and alive in the glass. A host of spice, menthol, pine and crushed rocks add nuance on the powerful, driving finish. The 2012 Hershey is shaping up to be gorgeous. Tasted from barrel in October 2014, it appears to have a very bright future. This is the first year the See Clone has entered the blend.
VM 93-96 (5/2014): Bright ruby. Tight nose hints at cassis, blueberry, licorice, minerals and menthol. Densely packed and youthfully medicinal, with brooding flavors of black and blue fruits and crushed stone. This classic Howell Mountain cabernet went into a shell in my glass. Finishes with huge, chewy tannins that are well supported by the wine's Outstanding depth. Holds out great potential. |
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2012 |
Hershey Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$695 |
1 |
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WA 98 (10/2014): The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Hershey Vineyard comes from an 1,800-foot elevation and is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon harvested October 19-22. This is a sensational superstar from Howell Mountain with an inky purple color, notes of mocha, mulberry, crème de cassis, graphite and spring flowers. It is dense, full-bodied, opulent and concentrated with sweet but moderate tannin. This is a stunner that should drink well for another 25 or so years.
VM 95-98 (12/2014): Graphite, smoke, dark spices, gravel and blue/purplish fruit emerge from the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Hershey Vineyard, Dana's Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon. The flavors are wonderfully vibrant and alive in the glass. A host of spice, menthol, pine and crushed rocks add nuance on the powerful, driving finish. The 2012 Hershey is shaping up to be gorgeous. Tasted from barrel in October 2014, it appears to have a very bright future. This is the first year the See Clone has entered the blend.
VM 93-96 (5/2014): Bright ruby. Tight nose hints at cassis, blueberry, licorice, minerals and menthol. Densely packed and youthfully medicinal, with brooding flavors of black and blue fruits and crushed stone. This classic Howell Mountain cabernet went into a shell in my glass. Finishes with huge, chewy tannins that are well supported by the wine's Outstanding depth. Holds out great potential. |
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|
2012 |
Lotus Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$515 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 98 (10/2014): The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Lotus, which is 93% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Petit Verdot, was harvested much earlier, October 9-18, and aged 25 months in French oak (more than 90% new). There are only 300 cases of this wine, which has a striking floral nose with hints of licorice, burning embers, incense, blueberry and blackberry liqueur. It’s powerful, lightly tannic, extravagantly rich and a great classic from a fabulous terroir and impeccable winemaking and elevage. Drink it over the next 20+ years.
VM 95-97 (11/2013): The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Lotus Vineyard is the sweetest and roundest of the 2012s from Dana Estates. Soft, voluptuous and creamy, the Lotus stands out for its racy, exuberant personality. The 2012 sits on the razor's edge of ripeness, with blue/black fruit, sweet spice and mint notes that develop in the glass. There is plenty of early appeal in this beautiful and complete Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2012 includes 8% Petit Verdot, a first for this wine. Fermentations took place in a combination of oak uprights, cement vats, French oak barrels and stainless steel.
VM 94-97 (5/2014): Deep ruby-red. Raspberry, anise and flowers on the perfumed nose. Sappy and penetrating in the mouth, with terrific mineral and floral cut currently restraining the wine's sweetness. But this wine boasts Outstanding intensity and precision to its deep berry flavors. The very pure, palate-staining finish features noble, seamless tanning and great energy. All those who reject wines with 15+% alcohol out of hand should try this one. |
|
| Donelan |
2012 |
Two Brothers Pinot Noir |
$55 |
18 |
|
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| VM 89 (1/2015): Crushed rose petals, raspberries, mint and cinnamon are some of the notes that lift from the glass in Donelan's 2012 Pinot Noir Two Brothers. I would prefer to drink the 2012 sooner rather than later. Over the last year, some of the radiance and sweetness that was present in barrel has faded. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Ehlers Estate |
2012 |
1886 Cabernet Sauvignon |
$100 |
2 |
|
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| WA 90 (10/2014): The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon 1886 recognizes the founding date of Ehlers Estate. While this cuvée may not be as sexy as the Merlot, it exhibits lush blackcurrant fruit, good purity, ripeness, suppleness and seductiveness, and should provide plenty of pleasure over the next 12+ years. |
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| Etude |
2012 |
Forte Fiddlestix Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$40 |
1 |
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2012 |
North Canyon Pinot Noir |
$40 |
2 |
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2012 |
Yamhill Vista Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$40 |
1 |
|
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| Fantesca |
2012 |
All Great Things- Duty Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$219 |
1 |
|
| |
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| Frank Family |
2012 |
Carneros Pinot Noir |
$30 |
1 |
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| VM 88 (5/2014): Bright medium red. Musky, reduced aromas of strawberry, earth, menthol and sassafras. At once juicy and round, with moderate mid-palate weight to the flavors of cranberry, strawberry and spices. This essentially supple, fruit-driven pinot finishes with sweet, soft tannins. Stephen Tanzer. |
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2012 |
Reserve Sangiovese |
$40 |
2 |
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2012 |
Reserve Zinfandel |
$20 |
2 |
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| Grace Family Vineyards |
2012 |
Blank Cabernet Sauvignon |
$159 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 90 (10/2015): The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon is an attractive, mid-weight wine. Sweet red cherry, raspberries mint and eucalyptus flesh out nicely in the glass. The 2012 could use a bit more mid-palate generosity and overall depth, but it is solid nonetheless. Antonio Galloni. |
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| Grgich Hills |
2012 |
Miljenko’s Selection Cabernet Sauvignon Lightly Scuffed Label |
$80 |
1 |
|
| |
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| Hall Winery |
2012 |
Jack’s Masterpiece Cabernet Sauvignon |
$109.65 |
1 |
|
| |
| WS 87 (7/2015): Tannins hold the upper hand in this dusty, savory, cedar-laced effort, overshadowing the core of juicy dark berry, licorice, cassis and kirsch. Should be more complete in a year. Best from 2016 through 2027. 2,700 cases made. |
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| Hendry |
2012 |
Pinot Noir |
$30 |
1 |
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2012 |
Block 14 Malbec |
$20 |
1 |
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2012 |
Block 14 Malbec Very Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$20 |
1 |
|
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2012 |
Block 24 Primitivo |
$20 |
2 |
|
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2012 |
Block 7 & 22 Zinfandel |
$35 |
1 |
|
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| Hidden Ridge |
2012 |
Impassable Mountain Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon |
$179 |
6 |
|
| |
| WS 92 (10/2015): An open-throttle Cabernet, firm, dense, rich and tannic, with a solid core of dark berry, cedar, dusty earth and black licorice. Ends with a burst of fruit and tannins. Drink now through 2027. 400 cases made. |
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| Hill Family Estate |
2012 |
Clarke Vyd. Napa Valley Syrah |
$30 |
7 |
|
| |
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| Horsepower Vineyards |
2012 |
The Tribe Vyd. Syrah |
$115 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 97 (6/2015): More gamy, bloody and meaty than the Sur Echalas Vineyard Syrah, the 2012 Syrah The Tribe Vineyard is a full-bodied, elegant, concentrated and structured effort that gives up complex notes of savory dark fruits, beef blood, dried herbs, pepper and olives. It's another incredible Syrah that needs short-term cellaring, but will have two decades of evolution.
WS 93 (6/2015): Supple and expressive, with plum and currant flavors and stony overtones combining with hints of black olive and white pepper, adding depth to a distinctive profile on a medium-weight frame that punches above its weight. The deft balance plays against nubby tannins. Drink now through 2025. 463 cases made.
VM 93+ (11/2015): (14.1% alcohol; as with the Echalas Vineyard, the Tribe is cultivated with draft horses): Dark ruby. Aromas of black cherry, liquefied lamb tartare, paprika and black licorice, plus a note of medicinal reserve. Hugely sweet and concentrated but carrying a good bit of unabsorbed CO2 and showing less finesse today than the Cayuse Syrah bottlings from the 2012 vintage. Inky and primary, with strong underlying minerality. This is distinctly Brune while the Echalas Syrah is more Blonde. Finishes with substantial ripe tannins and a slight bitter edge that will require cellaring. Stephen Tanzer. |
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2012 |
The Tribe Vyd. Syrah |
$149 |
4 |
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WA 97 (6/2015): More gamy, bloody and meaty than the Sur Echalas Vineyard Syrah, the 2012 Syrah The Tribe Vineyard is a full-bodied, elegant, concentrated and structured effort that gives up complex notes of savory dark fruits, beef blood, dried herbs, pepper and olives. It's another incredible Syrah that needs short-term cellaring, but will have two decades of evolution.
WS 93 (6/2015): Supple and expressive, with plum and currant flavors and stony overtones combining with hints of black olive and white pepper, adding depth to a distinctive profile on a medium-weight frame that punches above its weight. The deft balance plays against nubby tannins. Drink now through 2025. 463 cases made.
VM 93+ (11/2015): (14.1% alcohol; as with the Echalas Vineyard, the Tribe is cultivated with draft horses): Dark ruby. Aromas of black cherry, liquefied lamb tartare, paprika and black licorice, plus a note of medicinal reserve. Hugely sweet and concentrated but carrying a good bit of unabsorbed CO2 and showing less finesse today than the Cayuse Syrah bottlings from the 2012 vintage. Inky and primary, with strong underlying minerality. This is distinctly Brune while the Echalas Syrah is more Blonde. Finishes with substantial ripe tannins and a slight bitter edge that will require cellaring. Stephen Tanzer. |
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| Inglenook |
2012 |
Rubicon Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon |
$139 |
11 |
|
| |
WA 95 (10/2014): The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Rubicon, which used to be a proprietary blend and had a somewhat rustic, Italian personality, has now been put under the Inglenook Vineyard designation. Where the Cabernet Sauvignon was a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12% Cabernet Franc and 3% Merlot, the Rubicon has abandoned any Italian varietals in favor of a blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Merlot. I think it’s safe to say this is potentially the best Rubicon made to date. It’s not to denigrate other vintages, but there is a finesse and elegance combined with great richness and an avoidance of any rusticity that plagued some of the other vintages – which is to be admired. At three times the price, it’s not three times the wine of the Cask Cabernet Sauvignon. It possesses a dense purple color, beautiful, sweet crème de cassis notes with a floral underpinning. I don’t see any of the Rutherford dust, per se, but there is an undertone of earthiness. The wine is full-bodied, rich, potentially complex and certainly capable of lasting 20 to 30 or more years. This is a great young Rubicon that will have its peak in 5-7 years and last 25-30.
VM 93 (10/2015): The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Rubicon is deeper, inkier and sweeter than the Cask, with quite a bit more new French oak influence. Espresso, mocha, licorice, cloves and new leather are fused together in an unctuous, resonant Cabernet loaded with mid-palate sweetness and intensity. Radiant and generous, the 2012 will provide readers with a long window of pure drinking pleasure once the tannins soften a bit. Today, the 2012 comes across as a bit less expressive than on other occasions. (Drink between 2018-2032). Antonio Galloni. |
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| Jonata Winery |
2012 |
La Tierra de Jonata Sangiovese |
$45 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 93 (8/2015): Made from 100% Sangiovese from Ballard Canyon, the 2012 La Tierra de Jonata has a vivid ruby/semi-opaque color to go with beautiful cherry and strawberry fruits, spice, licorice and crushed flowers. A medium to full-bodied red, it has terrific purity and integrated acidity, both of which give it an elegant, seamless style that's surprisingly approachable. Drink it anytime over the coming 8-9 years.
VM 90 (8/2015): The 2012 Tierra is an attractive wine, but over the last year it has acquired a deeper, darker register that wasn't present at the outset and that masks some of the varietal character. Drink this powerful Sangiovese-based red over the next handful of years. A dollop of Syrah rounds out the blend. The Tierra was aged mostly in larger format French oak barrels, 25% new. Not surprisingly, most of the Sangiovese at Jonata has now been ripped out. The wines, while pretty, also appear to have been a bit unpredictable. (Drink between 2015-2020). Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2012 |
Todos Proprietary Blend |
$45 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 93 (8/2015): A great wine, the 2012 Todos Proprietary Red Wine offers terrific notes of black and red raspberry fruits, toasted bread and spice. As it sat in the glass, more classic Syrah olive, bacon and a touch of violet all developed. Medium to full-bodied, juicy, mouthfilling and loaded with sweet fruit, it doesn't skimp on structure and will have at least a decade of longevity. Think of this as a mini-La Sangre. The blend here is 75% Syrah with 7% each of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, and the balance a mix of varieties.
VM 93 (8/2015): The 2012 Todos, Jonata's Syrah-based blend, is once again delicious. A touch of appassimento gives the 2012 an extra kick of flavor and texture intensity. Sweet cherry, raspberry jam, spice, mint and licorice notes abound in this racy, bold red. Todos is Jonata's least expensive red wine, but it competes quite favorable with the higher-end bottlings. The 2012 was aged mostly in larger-format French oak barrels, with 40% new wood. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| K Vintners |
2012 |
The Creator Proprietary Blend |
$59 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 90+ (11/2015): (aged in 70% new barriques, which Leighton notes is a much higher percentage than is used for the Syrahs): Bright ruby-red. Sexy aromas of cassis, blackberry and licorice lifted by a floral topnote. Juicy, supple and perfumed, offering a fine-grained texture and a light touch to the nicely delineated dark berry and floral flavors. Firm tannins build with air. Stephen Tanzer. |
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|
2012 |
The Creator Proprietary Blend |
$65 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 90+ (11/2015): (aged in 70% new barriques, which Leighton notes is a much higher percentage than is used for the Syrahs): Bright ruby-red. Sexy aromas of cassis, blackberry and licorice lifted by a floral topnote. Juicy, supple and perfumed, offering a fine-grained texture and a light touch to the nicely delineated dark berry and floral flavors. Firm tannins build with air. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Kokumi |
2012 |
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir |
$16.15 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Lancaster |
2012 |
Nicole’s Cabernet Sauvignon |
$100 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 91-94 (12/2014): The 2012 Proprietary Red Nicole’s is a blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Malbec and Merlot put together by winemaking consultant David Ramey. This is a beauty, with blueberry, sweet camphor and charcoal notes intermixed with blackcurrant and a touch of subtle barrique aromas. It’s dense, medium to full-bodied, pure and lushly textured. About 740 cases were produced of this outstanding proprietary red. Drink now-2028.
VM 91-93 (2/2014): Lancaster's 2012 Nicole's Proprietary Red Blend bursts from the glass with rose petals, dark red berries, cinnamon, cloves and menthol. Next to the 2011, the 2012 fills out in all directions; the aromatics are wonderfully expressive, yet there is plenty of fruit and structure. Antonio Galloni. |
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| Larkmead Vineyards |
2012 |
Firebelle Proprietary Blend |
$95 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2012 |
Napa Valley Red Wine |
$50 |
9 |
|
| |
|
| Lava Vine |
2012 |
Knights Valley Syrah |
$40 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Lewis Cellars |
2012 |
Napa Valley Merlot |
$65 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Peter Michael Winery |
2012 |
Au Paradis Cabernet Sauvignon |
$195 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 95+ (12/2014): Peter Michael’s newest offering comes from the Showket Vineyard in Oakville, which sits high on the hillsides of the Vaca Mountains in eastern Napa Valley. The vineyard is next to Dalla Valle, so this is a high-rent Cabernet district. The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Au Paradis is composed of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon and 24% Cabernet Franc (1,785 cases produced). It exhibits lots of grilled meat, spice box, cedarwood, crème de cassis and vanilla characteristics, a full-bodied earthiness, stunning purity, and refined, silky tannins. It is a gorgeous 2012 red to drink over the next 25+ years. |
|
| Morlet Family Vineyards |
2012 |
Bouquet Garni Syrah |
$69 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 93 (8/2016): The 2012 Syrah Bouquet Garni, from a site in Bennett Valley, is deep, powerful and explosive, with huge fruit and terrific overall intensity. Black cherry, plum, spice, lavender and sage are front and center. Voluptuous, racy and ripe, the Bouquet Garni offers notable intensity from start to finish. Wilder, gamier notes develop with time in the glass. This is a super-classic Luc Morlet wine built on power and intensity. Antonio Galloni.
WA 96 (12/2014): Luc Morlet further demonstrates his genius with his Syrah called Bouquet Garni from Bennett Valley, which is bottled without fining or filtration. There are only around five barrels (125 cases) of this 100% Syrah that tastes like it includes some Viognier in the blend (because of the floral and lavender notes). The 2012 Syrah Bouquet Garni offers up fabulous notes of black truffles, lavender, roasted herbs, graphite, blackberries and meaty charcuterie. Other than a handful of Syrahs from Sine Qua Non, this French-tasting Syrah is the closest thing I have tasted to Guigal’s famous Côte Rôtie La Landonne. Drink this sensational Syrah over the next 10-15 years. |
|
| Myriad |
2012 |
Cabernet Sauvignon Lightly Scuffed Label; Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$89 |
1 |
|
| |
| WS 90 (9/2015): Tight, young, dense and tannic, with a rich, well-focused core of dark berry, licorice, graphite and cedar. Well-structured and expansive on the finish, even as the tannins clamp down. Best from 2016 through 2028. 200 cases made. |
|
| Next of Kyn |
2012 |
Cumulus Vyd. No. 6 Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$745 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 99 (8/2016): A wine that flirts with perfection, the 2012 Cumulus Vineyard #6 is an interesting blend of 38% Syrah, 37% Grenache, 17.4% Petite Sirah and the rest Mourvedre that saw 33 months in 54% new French oak. There’s a tiny 191 cases made, and it’s one of the most singular, exotic wines I’ve tasted. Spice, cedar, chocolate, exotic flowers and an assortment of dark fruits all emerge from this full-bodied, layered blend that hits the palate with serious richness and depth. Yet, like all truly great wines, it’s light, ethereal and never, ever heavy. There’s big structure here as well, so forget bottles for 3-4 years and enjoy over the following 15+ years.
VM 98 (9/2016): The 2012 No. 6 - Cumulus Vineyard might very well be my favorite of Manfred and Elaine Krankl's 2012s, including naturally the wines of Sine Qua Non. This is the warmest site the Krankls work with and the need to harvest on the earlier side seems to also preserve a bit more verve than is often found in some of the other Sine Qua Non wines. A host of cherry jam, pomegranate, sweet spice, rose petal and mint open up effortlessly, all with striking energy that keeps the wine vibrant and wonderfully alive. The blend is 38% Syrah, 37 % Grenache, 17.4% Petite Sirah and 7.6% Mourvèdre, done with 36% whole clusters and aged in 54% new oak. Sold in cases of 3 bottles and 1 magnum at the price of $1,200.00 per case. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Noble Estate |
2012 |
XS Pinot Noir |
$19 |
3 |
|
| |
|
|
2012 |
XS Pinot Noir Lightly Scuffed Label |
$19 |
4 |
|
| |
|
| Outpost |
2012 |
The Other Petite Sirah |
$72.25 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Ovid |
2012 |
Experiment V6.2 Proprietary Blend |
$135 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Pahlmeyer |
2012 |
Jayson Proprietary Blend |
$45 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Paloma |
2012 |
Merlot |
$45 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Peacock Family |
2012 |
Spring Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (10/2014): Winemaker Craig Becker is behind this 420-case cuvée of this sensational 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Spring Mountain. The family owns 5.6 acres on Spring Mountain and planted it with Clone 7. The vines in 2012 were 21 years of age. At 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15.3% natural alcohol and a pH of 3.89, as those numbers suggest, this is a big, fleshy, succulent style of Napa Cabernet Sauvignon with lots of cremede cassis, espresso bean, chocolate, licorice and forest floor notes. Quite full-bodied, opulent, very savory and expansive on the palate, the wine exhibits outstanding purity and density. Drink it over the next 10-15 years. |
|
| Pfeiffer |
2012 |
Blue Dot Reserve Epic 12 Pinot Noir |
$19 |
5 |
|
| |
|
|
2012 |
Blue Dot Reserve Epic 12 Pinot Noir Nicked Label |
$19 |
9 |
|
| |
|
| Pride Mountain Vineyards |
2012 |
Cabernet Franc |
$50 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 89 (12/2014): A big, dark wine, the 2012 Cabernet Franc possesses gorgeous depth. Mocha, blackberry jam, cloves and leather all wrap around the super-expressive finish. The Cabernet Franc offers the early approachability of the year along with a bit more structure than the Merlot. As always, there is a bit of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend, 17% in this vintage. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2012 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$90 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (10/2015): Pride's 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon is soft, creamy and voluptuous. Sweet cherry, rose petal, mint, plum, cinnamon, new leather and cedar open up effortlessly in the glass, with silky tannins that add to the wine's sheer appear. The Cabernet Sauvignon captures the open-knit, radiant personality of the vintage to the fullest. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2012 |
Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$225 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (10/2015): Pride's 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon is soft, creamy and voluptuous. Sweet cherry, rose petal, mint, plum, cinnamon, new leather and cedar open up effortlessly in the glass, with silky tannins that add to the wine's sheer appear. The Cabernet Sauvignon captures the open-knit, radiant personality of the vintage to the fullest. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Prisoner Wine Co. |
2012 |
The Prisoner Proprietary Blend Lightly Nicked Label |
$40 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 90 (10/2013): There are 20,000 cases of the 2012 The Prisoner, which is an interesting blend of 46% Zinfandel, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon,18% Petite Sirah, 12% Syrah, and a small amount of Charbono. Its deep ruby/purple color is followed by a big, peppery, meaty, Rhone-like bouquet with hints of bay leaf, unsmoked cigar tobacco, black currants and sweet jammy cherries. Medium to full-bodied and explosively fruity, this is a lovely, hedonistic, seriously endowed red to drink over the next 3-4 years. |
|
| Realm |
2012 |
The Falstaff Proprietary Blend |
$169 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (3/2022): The 2012 Falstaff is such a showy wine, as the best wines are in this vintage. Bright floral and savory notes give the 2012 gorgeous energy to play off the dark plummy fruit. The oak is maybe just a bit pronounced, but there is terrific density and tons of forward appeal. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Round Pond |
2012 |
Rutherford Estate Cabernet Sauvignon |
$40 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 90 (12/2014): Round Pond's 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is very pretty. Iron, smoke, tobacco, red stone fruits and plenty of Rutherford dust meld together in the glass. Forward, ripe and juicy, yet with good underlying structure and energy, the 2012 should drink beautifully for the next decade or more. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2012 |
Rutherford Proprietary Blend |
$40 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Rutherford Ranch |
2012 |
Merlot |
$20 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Sans Liege |
2012 |
en Gedi Grenache |
$45 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 92 (8/2015): The 100% Grenache 2012 Grenache en Gedi Santa Barbara Highlands spent 22 months in mostly neutral punchons and barrels, with only 7% being new. It offers lots of savoriness in its dried herbs, spice-box, licorice and black raspberry/blackberry-scented bouquet. This leads to a big, ripe, textured and character-filled red that has a big mid-palate and that firm, 2012 edge to its tannin. It's well worth checking out and has lots to love. Drink between 2015-2020. |
|
| Sequoia Grove |
2012 |
Rutherford Bench Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (3.0 L) |
$300 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Sine Qua Non |
2012 |
Stein Grenache |
$210.80 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 97 (8/2015): Starting with the Grenache release, the 2012 Grenache Stein is a blend of 76% Grenache, 16% Syrah and 8% Mourvedre, aged in 14% new French oak (15% was in concrete), that comes mostly from the estate's Eleven Confessions Vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills, but also includes grapes from the Cumulus, Third Twin (Syrah) and Bien Nacido vineyards. Checking in at 15.7% alcohol, it's no lightweight, yet it has considerable elegance in its sweet blackcurrants, white pepper, licorice, baking spices and hints of violet-like aromas and flavors. Possessing the hallmark purity of the estate, it's full-bodied, concentrated, rich and textured, with sweet tannin barely noticeable on the finish. I don't think it's one of the greatest Grenaches from the estate, yet it's still an incredible effort that will benefit from short-term cellaring and have 15-20 years or more of overall longevity.
VM 95-97 (8/2015): The 2012 Grenache Stein is incredibly refined, silky and pure, with bright red and blue-hued fruits. Today, the flavors are primary, so readers will have to be patient get the full breadth of aromas, flavors and textures. The Stein is a decidedly feminine, gracious Grenache that impresses for its textural beauty and nuance. I imagine it will provide a long and broad drinking window of pure pleasure over the next 15-20 years. This is an absolutely gorgeous wine from Sine Qua Non. The final blend is 76% Grenache, 16% Syrah and 8% Mourvèdre; 53% from Eleven Confessions, 29% from Cumulus, 9% The Third Twin and 9% Bien Nacido. The 2012 was done with 29% whole clusters and will spend around 22 months in French oak (14%) prior to its scheduled bottling this summer. |
|
| Sojourn Cellars |
2012 |
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir |
$30 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Somnium Cellars |
2012 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Spring Mountain Vineyard |
2012 |
Cabernet Francisco Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$30 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2012 |
Elivette Proprietary Blend |
$125 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2012 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$89 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2012 |
Napa Valley Pinot Noir |
$40 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Stag's Leap Wine Cellars |
2012 |
SLV Cabernet Sauvignon |
$159 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 92 (12/2015): The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon S.L.V. is a paragon of elegance and finesse, yet doesn't cheat the taster on flavor. Dense ruby/purple with round, juicy, earthy black cherry and blackcurrant fruit, underbrush and forest floor, the wine is fragrant, medium to full-bodied, soft, seductive and round. This is a lovely, juicy, pure style of wine to drink over the next 10-15 years.
VM 91 (12/2014): The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon SLV stands out in this range for its precise, chiseled fruit and overall elegance. At the same time, there is plenty of depth and density in the glass. Ash, smoke, graphite and crushed rocks add nuance, but a hint of sweetness on the finish is a bit distracting.
WS 91 (11/2015): Offers a dusty, savory, loamy mix of dried berry, herb, underbrush and dark berry flavors, ending with a long, focused finish and layers of complexity. Drink now through 2028. 5,200 cases made. |
|
| Stags' Leap Winery |
2012 |
Audentia Cabernet Sauvignon |
$109.65 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (3/2016): Another extraordinary wine is the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Audentia. This is 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Petite Sirah aged 20 months in a combination of new and neutral French oak. A very expensive wine, there are only 638 cases of it; this is meant for long-term cellaring for collectors. Notes of tobacco leaf, blueberry and blackberry liqueur, roasted coffee and spring flowers all jump from the glass of this powerful, rich wine that is singular in style and character. |
|
| T-Vine |
2012 |
Frediani Vyd. Charbono |
$45 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2012 |
Frediani Vyd. Zinfandel |
$49 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Tenor Wines |
2012 |
1:1 Proprietary Blend |
$50 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 90 (11/2015): Bright medium ruby. Blackberry, cassis, charred oak, menthol, licorice and minerals on the nose, lifted by a violet nuance. Suave, nicely delineated flavors of black fruits, spices and dark chocolate, complicated by licorice and herbs. Finishes with palate-dusting tannins and a smoky quality. This juicy, slightly dry midweight has the grip to bite into fatty meats and its finishing energy suggests it will evolve gracefully. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| The Vineyardist |
2012 |
Diamond Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon |
$169 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 96 (10/2014): The compelling 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon is produced from Clones 7, 33 and 337. It’s 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in a combination of 50% new Darnajou and the rest Taransaud. The wine hit 15.1% natural alcohol, and 285 cases were produced. This is a great mountain-style Cabernet Sauvignon with an inky purple color, a gorgeous nose of scorched earth, wet gravel, charcoal, blackberry and crème de cassis. Very full-bodied and exceptionally pure and deep, this is multidimensional with skyscraper texture in a fabulous Cabernet Sauvignon that is still young with tremendous upside. It can be approached now because it’s very much in keeping with the style of 2012, but five years of bottle age will do wonders, and I expect the wine will still be going strong in 25 or 30 years.
VM 95 (5/2024): The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon marries the richness favored by winemaker Mark Herold with the more restrained style of the year. The result is a Cabernet Sauvignon that is maturing into a delicate, elegant wine. Red-toned fruit, graphite, blood orange, rose petal and mint are some of the signatures. There's terrific freshness, and also a bit less textural opulence than most wines made here during this period. The 2012 is beautifully done. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Tournesol |
2012 |
Napa Valley Proprietor’s Blend |
$60 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Trinite Estate |
2012 |
Acaibo Proprietary Blend |
$74 |
6 |
|
| |
|
| Turley Wine Cellars |
2012 |
Dragon Vyd. Zinfandel |
$65 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 92-94 (12/2013): Nearly as good is the 2012 Zinfandel Dragon, a full-bodied, powerful Zinfandel with loads of black and red fruits intermixed with hints of blueberries and spring flowers as well as terrific intensity and richness. |
|
| Twomey Cellars (Silver Oak) |
2012 |
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir |
$30 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Verite |
2012 |
La Joie Proprietary Blend Bin-Soiled Label |
$249 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Vineyard 7 & 8 |
2012 |
Correlation Cabernet Sauvignon |
$79 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 88 (10/2015): The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Correlation is powerful, intense and jammy, with plenty of dark fruit, chocolate, oak and spice, which, despite their intensity, can't completely cover the astringent tannins. Overall, this is a solid, but formulaic, phoned in effort with no creativity, much less anything that might speak to Spring Mountain. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2012 |
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon |
$125 |
3 |
|
| |
|
|
2012 |
Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon |
$89 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 89 (5/2024): The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville is dark, powerful and super-concentrated. All things considered, the 2012 has aged well, which is a good thing, but it is not especially finessed. Black cherry, mocha, licorice, spice and bittersweet chocolate power through in this muscular, deep wine. Heavy oak emerges in hard tannins and strong torrefaction notes. I would prefer drinking this over the next 5-10 years, as more time in bottle is not going to help. (Drink between 2022-2027). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Whetstone |
2012 |
Phoenix Ranch Syrah |
$25 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| WildAire Cellars |
2012 |
Shea Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$19 |
8 |
|
| |
| WA 89 (3/2015): The 2012 Pinot Noir Shea Vineyards was picked October 9 and comes from the Wandenswil clone of Block 25, seeing one-third new French oak for ten months. It has a lifted and focused marine-influenced bouquet that is well defined, with hints of freshly shucked oyster shell infusing the brambly black fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with fleshy, sappy red berry fruit tinged with licorice, while the finish displays satisfying length end persistence. This should drink nicely over the next 4 or 6 years. |
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