Top 100 Wines of 2012 (Show Tasting Notes) Wine Spectator


Principio del formulario



1
2008
96
$60
The aromatics are full and distinct, with loads of dark berry and charcoal, then this unfolds touches of black cherry, raspberry and red and black licorice on the palate, sailing along and firming nicely on the finish. Shows all the muscle, density, richness and range of flavor found in many Shafer reds, yet takes it to another level in this vintage. The best Relentless yet. Syrah and Petite Sirah. Best from 2013 through 2023. 3,300 cases made. –JL
Country:
California
Region:
Napa
2
2010
95
$41
This is jam-packed with dark blackberry, currant and boysenberry fruit, but cuts like a knife, thanks to riveting acidity, a blaze of singed iron and a long, charcoal-studded finish. A lovely lingering note of singed bay leaf adds a mouthwatering echo. Best from 2015 through 2030. 3,330 cases made. –JM
Country:
France
Region:
Southern Rhône
3
2010
95
$69
Pepper, clove and plum flavors weave through dense dark cherry and roasted plum fruit, melding together smoothly on the complex and expansive finish. A big wine with depth and harmony. Best from 2013 through 2020. 4,000 cases made. –HS
Country:
Australia
Region:
Australia
4
2010
98
$128
Lots of cocoa powder and coffee frame a massive block of dark plum, black currant and fig fruit, while massively endowed tannins stride from start to finish. Cassis, anise and Lapsang souchong tea notes hang in the background for now, but should emerge more with extended cellaring. The very dark, almost brooding finish is dominated by charcoal-coated grip, but the purity still wins out in the end. A very, very large wine. Best from 2017 through 2035. 5,600 cases made. –JM
Country:
France
Region:
Southern Rhône
5
2009
96
$60
This is a bird of a different feather, with an exotic, vibrant aroma of toasted coconut, followed by an almond cream note that gives way to the core of green fig, papaya, Cavaillon melon and honey. There's stunning richness and mouthfeel, with the power to be one of the longer-lived wines of the vintage. Very impressive. Best from 2015 through 2040. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 11,000 cases made. –JM
Country:
France
Region:
Sauternes
6
2009
95
$105
This is powerful Cabernet, with gutsy weight, but also polished feel to the fresh plum, warm blackberry sauce, bittersweet ganache and roasted apple wood notes. Long and tarry through the finish, but still invigorating despite its heft. Needs some time to round fully into form. Best from 2017 through 2035. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 21,000 cases made. –JM
Country:
France
Region:
Bordeaux
7
2009
94
$40
Supple, rich and complex, layering its dark berry, black cherry, pink grapefruit and exotic spice flavors on a velvety frame. The finish lingering effortlessly. Drink now through 2019. 3,555 cases made. –HS
Country:
Oregon
Region:
Oregon
8
2009
94
$45
Offers rich, smooth, layered flavors of blackberry, wild berry, plum and cassis. Full-bodied, yet graceful and elegant, this is most interesting on the finish, where the flavors glide along and pick up a subtle lift of spice and mocha. Drink now through 2024. 3,602 cases made. –JL
Country:
California
Region:
Sonoma
9
2007
94
$60
Though dense and rich, this red is also sleekly proportioned and harmonious. The cherry, raspberry, licorice, earth and tobacco flavors meld with the solid structure. Offers fine length and complexity that increases with aeration. Best from 2014 through 2025. 3,750 cases made. –BS
Country:
Italy
Region:
Tuscany
10
2010
95
$120
Dark and powerful, yet elegant, with a delicious core of crushed raspberry, blackberry and damson plum notes tightly woven with silky tannins. The minerally finish lingers on with layered flavors of wildflowers, melted licorice and spice box. Drink now through 2020. 1,250 cases imported. –NW
Country:
Argentina
Region:
Mendoza
11
2009
95
$55
This red is round, generous and expressive, offering plum, loganberry, cherry and clove flavors that pick up hints of loam and floral character as the finish tightens its focus. Impressive for its length and deft balance. Best from 2013 through 2019. 1,994 cases made. –HS
Country:
Washington
Region:
Washington
12
2010
97
$58
Ripe, pure and racy, with mouthwatering anise, steeped plum and hoisin sauce notes allied to a terrific graphite spine that carries the very lengthy finish while ganache, pepper, Turkish coffee and fresh espresso fill in on the back end. Shows the powerful structure and authoritative fruit of the vintage. Best from 2015 through 2030. 1,665 cases made. –JM
Country:
France
Region:
Southern Rhône
13
2009
95
$55
Very polished and ripe, with intense mocha and spice aromas and powerful flavors of blackberry, French roast coffee and black olive. The long finish is filled with effusive dark chocolate and Asian spice notes, with hints of toast and cream. Drink now through 2020. 3,458 cases made. –KM
Country:
Portugal
Region:
Portugal
14
2009
94
$32
Sumptuous and distinctive for its range of cherry, boysenberry, floral and dark chocolate flavors, dancing suavely through the long, expressive finish. The tannins are submerged, and this has miles to go. Drink now through 2019. 1,000 cases made. –HS
Country:
Oregon
Region:
Oregon
15
2009
94
$48
Both rich and powerful, with a measure of finesse and restraint, mingling dark berry, boysenberry and huckleberry flavors, with notes of spice, cedar, tobacco and licorice. Maintains its focus and persistence on the finish. A new Syrah from Alban, coming from a younger vineyard. Drink now through 2023. 1,200 cases made. –JL
Country:
California
Region:
South Coast
16
2010
96
$66
This takes a decidedly old-school approach with its very distinctive bay leaf and juniper notes leading the way, along with roasted mesquite and alder wood. The core of steeped black currant, roasted plum and blackberry fruit waits in reserve while the long, ganache- and tar-filled finish has nice rugged grip, with a peppery echo. Should cellar wonderfully. Best from 2015 through 2030. 8,000 cases made. –JM
Country:
France
Region:
Southern Rhône
17
2007
95
$40
This concentrated, well-toned red is packed with cherry, plum, soy and spice aromas and flavors. Round and balanced, with a sweet berry and mineral aftertaste. Really builds nicely, gaining elegance and intensity. The fine aftertaste of cherry, tobacco and woodsy notes lingers. Best from 2014 through 2027. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 1,400 cases made. –BS
Country:
Italy
Region:
Piedmont
18
2002
96
$70
The definition of finesse, with a succulent, complex mouthful of lemon peel, oatmeal and subtle pear and apple flavors that soar through the elegant finish. The fine bead creates an almost creamy feel. Offers freshness and a sense of majesty. Drink now. 1,013 cases made. –HS
Country:
Oregon
Region:
Oregon
19
2010
96
$70
Features amazing richness, focus and purity of flavor, presented on a beam of acidity. Offers great aromatics and flavors to match, with tiers of blackberry, mahogany, wild berry, raspberry and black licorice that form a tight, persistent core, ending with a pleasant loamy earthiness. Drink now through 2026. 866 cases made. –JL
Country:
California
Region:
South Coast
20
2009
95
$75
Elegant, with a deep purple color and complex, refined flavors of dark currant, ginger, blackberry and dark plum. Boysenberry and licorice notes chime in as well, lingering on the suave and silky finish. Fruity and complex. Best from 2016 through 2034. 12,000 cases made. –KM
Country:
Portugal
Region:
Portugal
21
2009
97
$85
Strikingly complex, rich and fruity, this beautifully proportioned red delivers an initial burst of red berry fruit that echoes red and black licorice. This quickly gains traction and depth, with firm, layered tannins that give the spicy berry flavors a perfect foundation. Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Syrah. Drink now through 2024. 820 cases made. –JL
Country:
California
Region:
South Coast
22
2009
96
$75
Polished, effortless and juicy, with blackberry, currant, black olive and tar flavors, beautifully balanced to rotate all its facets as the finish keeps spinning. Harmonious and expressive. Drink now through 2019. 754 cases made. –HS
Country:
Washington
Region:
Washington
23
2009
96
$95
This is well-cloaked for now in roasted vanilla and espresso notes, but there's ample, fleshy fig sauce and mulled blackberry fruit in reserve. The long finish sports a melted licorice snap feel. Dense, but beautifully polished and pure. For the cellar. Best from 2015 through 2030. 5,140 cases made. –JM
Country:
France
Region:
Bordeaux
24
2008
95
$57
Hints of coffee and sandalwood mark this rich yet racy red, whose core flavors are cherry, strawberry and underbrush. There's some muscle and density, firming up on the finish, with adequate sweet fruit for balance. Best from 2015 through 2030. 1,200 cases made. –BS
Country:
Italy
Region:
Piedmont
25
2009
96
$119
The first impression of this red is purity and finesse, as black currant, raspberry and violet aromas and flavors stay focused and persistent. An earthy leather element and mineral notes chime in on the finish, backed by a vibrant structure. Sangiovese. Best from 2015 through 2032. 5,000 cases made. –BS
Country:
Italy
Region:
Tuscany
26
2009
94
$55
At first, this teases, fresh and snappy, displaying lively acidity and zesty citrus, green apple and pear notes. Turns pithy midpalate, but the flavors pour though on the finish, adding mouthwatering touches of light oak and mineral. Should only get better. Drink now through 2025. 1,974 cases made. –JL
Country:
California
Region:
Bay Area/Central Coast
27
2009
96
$95
A gorgeous wine, featuring a torrent of raspberry and blackberry fruit that blazes along, thanks to riveting acidity that just won't quit. Loads of spice, black tea and perfectly integrated toast notes hold sway on the very sleek finish for now, but this is really stunning for its beam of pure fruit. Best from 2015 through 2030. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 1,000 cases made. –JM
Country:
France
Region:
Bordeaux
28
2010
93
$24
A classy art-of-the-blend cuvée that's very ripe but still complex, relying on rich dark berry, plum, crushed rock and cedar. So young and vibrant at this stage, yet also so deep and tight, that it's both tempting to drink now but looks like a great cellar choice as well. Drink now through 2021. 7,688 cases made. –JL
Country:
California
Region:
Other California
29
2009
94
$56
Rich, layered and well-structured, with floral red currant aromas and complex flavors of black cherry, anise and toasty spice that lead to big but ripe tannins. Drink now through 2018. 1,028 cases made. –TF
Country:
California
Region:
Napa
30
2010
92
$20
Smooth and spicy, with distinctive black olive and tar overtones to the blackberry and spice flavors, finishing with supple texture and refinement. Drink now through 2018. 22,000 cases made. –HS
Country:
Australia
Region:
Australia
31
2009
92
$25
A powerful and opulent style, this red displays ripe cherry, black currant, violet and tobacco aromas and flavors. The tannins are gripping on the finish, which lingers with sweet fruit and mineral accents. Well-proportioned. Best from 2014 through 2021. 22,000 cases made. –BS
Country:
Italy
Region:
Tuscany
32
2010
93
$32
Lush and inviting, with layers of fig, persimmon, mango and creamed Jonagold apple fruit, all supported by finely beaded acidity that lends definition and length to the finish. More cut and length than just weight in the end. Drink now through 2017. 4,028 cases made. –JM
Country:
South Africa
Region:
Walker Bay
33
2009
91
$12
Dense yet lively, this expressive red shows morello cherry, floral, licorice and mineral flavors supported by light, firm tannins and fresh acidity. Mountain herb and smoke notes keep this from turning candied, but the sweet fruit lingers nicely. Drink now through 2016. 6,500 cases made. –TM
Country:
Spain
Region:
Spain
34
2010
93
$29
Powerfully rendered, with thickly layered black currant confiture, boysenberry and linzer torte flavors intertwined with bittersweet cocoa-covered coffee bean and licorice root notes. The finish is chiseled graphite, with good tension that should unwind in the cellar. Best from 2014 through 2022. 3,500 cases made. –JM
Country:
France
Region:
Southern Rhône
35
2005
92
$18
This red delivers intense flavors in a plush texture. Cherry, berry and spice notes mingle over pillowy yet supportive tannins, as bright acidity keeps this focused and fresh. Still youthful, with plenty of stuffing to age. Drink now through 2018. 2,000 cases imported. –TM
Country:
Spain
Region:
Spain
36
2008
93
$17
Sanguine flavors of roasted plum and dried cherry feature a concentrated iron note, with plenty of smoke and spice accents. Mocha and dark chocolate overtones mark the broad, ripe-tasting finish. Pure and lively. Best from 2013 through 2022. 30,000 cases made. –KM
Country:
France
Region:
Provence
37
2010
93
$30
Very balanced and lively, with well-defined flavors of red peach, melon, baked apple and spice. Well-concentrated, with a long, luscious, cream- and vanilla-filled finish. Mouthwatering. Drink now through 2040. 2,000 cases made. –KM
Country:
Germany
Region:
Germany
38
2010
90
$13
This lithe, powerful red offers concentrated cherry, plum tart and blackberry flavors that feature plenty of spicy notes. A dark chocolate accent lingers on the firm, moderately tannic finish. Best from 2014 through 2018. 35,000 cases made. –KM
Country:
France
Region:
Languedoc-Roussillon
39
2010
92
$20
Finely knit, with a vibrancy to the refined acidity that focuses the flavors of ripe peach, pear, guava and kumquat. Silky in texture, with a core of smoky minerality that pushes through on the lasting finish. Drink now through 2022. 2,100 cases imported. –AN
Country:
France
Region:
Alsace
40
2010
93
$24
Pure, rich layers of blackberry and wild fruit are intense and focused, firming with a crushed rock minerality and a long, persistent finish. Drink now through 2022. 1,459 cases made. –JL
Country:
California
Region:
South Coast
41
2010
90
$9
Vibrant and rich, this harmonious red offers cherry, strawberry and floral notes. Picks up some of the typical underbrush and tobacco accents on the lingering finish. Drink now through 2018. 25,000 cases imported. –BS
Country:
Italy
Region:
Tuscany
42
2011
90
$11
Lively, refreshing and vibrant, with mulberry and pear flavors that show a leafy hint, all on a silky texture. Syrah. Drink now. 12,000 cases made. –HS
Country:
Washington
Region:
Washington
43
2010
91
$18
A light oak influence adds roundness and a hint of spice to the apple and melon flavors in this white, which shows fine structure and a long, fresh finish. A lemon note lingers on the aftertaste. Drink now through 2016. 2,000 cases imported. –BS
Country:
France
Region:
Burgundy
44
2007
96
$125
A pure, ethereal Barolo, boasting rose, cherry and strawberry aromas and flavors, with a touch of tar. Very harmonious and elegant, with firm yet well-delineated tannins supporting the whole. Old-school and refined. Best from 2016 through 2035. 1,830 cases made. –BS
Country:
Italy
Region:
Piedmont
45
2010
90
$12
A ripe and luscious red, with rich flavors of dark cherry and dark chocolate that echo with plenty of spiciness. Features a sculpted finish of cocoa powder and raspberry. Drink now through 2018. 15,000 cases made. –KM
Country:
France
Region:
Southwest France
46
2010
90
$13
Smoke and straw notes mix with tropical mango and pineapple fruit and an exotic hint of jasmine in this exuberant white, which is medium- to full-bodied without being weighty, offering good cut throughout. Drink now through 2017. 40,000 cases made. –AN
Country:
Italy
Region:
Veneto
47
2009
90
$15
Sweet blackberry, plum and pomegranate fruit is fresh and vibrant as this red unfolds across the palate. Hints of flowers and spices intermingle, but this is more about the juicy fruit. Drink now through 2018. 19,000 cases imported. –BS
Country:
Italy
Region:
Piedmont
48
2010
92
$20
This has weight and depth, but remains stylish, with ginger and glazed pear notes in reserve while persimmon, green almond and piecrust notes lead the way. Lovely cut on the finish keeps the ginger edge echoing. Should develop nicely in the cellar. Drink now through 2020. 1,200 cases imported. –JM
Country:
France
Region:
Loire
49
2009
92
$24
This red is meaty and graphite-tinged, offering sweet cherry, licorice and spice flavors. Balanced, with dense tannins and a long, tar- and spice-filled aftertaste. Best from 2014 through 2028. 2,000 cases imported. –BS
Country:
Italy
Region:
Tuscany
50
2006
96
$125
Graceful, elegant and stylish, offering a pleasant touch of maturity, with a complex array of anise, cherry, raspberry, red licorice and fresh porcini flavors leading to a medium body. Shows the benefits of cellaring. Drink now through 2018. 960 cases made. –JL
Country:
California
Region:
Sonoma
51
2010
90
$18
A ripe red, offering ample acidity to support the jammy kirsch, plum sauce and wild berry coulis notes that are framed by medium tannins, with the finish pumping out hints of smoke, spice box and graphite. Drink now through 2017. 60,000 cases imported. –NW
Country:
Argentina
Region:
Mendoza
52
2009
90
$14
Base notes of chocolate and coffee liqueur enrich smoke, tea leaf, roasted plum and black currant candy flavors in this well-honed red, while a supple juiciness and a hint of dried mint linger on the finish. Teroldego, Lagrein and Merlot. Drink now through 2018. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 6,500 cases imported. –AN
Country:
Italy
Region:
Trentino/Alto Adige
53
2011
92
$20
This intriguing white delivers a complex aromatic note that includes whiffs of petrol, oolong tea, mineral and lanolin, giving way to an equally complex flavor profile. Crunchy green apple, Meyer lemon and melon flavors are refreshing, balanced, and persistent on the finish. Drink now. 1,500 cases imported. –MW
Country:
New Zealand
Region:
New Zealand
54
2009
90
$16
A very aromatic red, offering floral and spice overtones to the flavors of cassis, ripe cherry, damson plum and smoky mineral. Firm tannins structure this muscular red, but it's balanced, and should show more with time. Garnacha Tintorera and Monastrell. Best from 2014 through 2019. 10,000 cases made. –AN
Country:
Spain
Region:
Spain
55
2011
91
$17
A structured, complex and intense-tasting white, with flavors of white cherry, quince, mineral, beeswax and hints of tarragon. A smoky essence runs through as well, which carries into to the finish, with notes of dried basil. Jacquère. Best from 2013 through 2021. 4,000 cases made. –KM
Country:
France
Region:
Jura/Savoie
56
2011
91
$18
Vibrant, bracing and compelling, this white aims pear, pineapple and lime flavors straight to the palate. Persists impressively on the finish. Drink now through 2018. 1,600 cases imported. –HS
Country:
Australia
Region:
Australia
57
2010
91
$22
This plush red delivers black cherry, licorice, mineral and smoke flavors. Harmonious and focused, supported by well-integrated tannins and firm acidity. Not a showy wine, but has complexity and depth. Drink now through 2018. 50,000 cases made. –TM
Country:
Spain
Region:
Spain
58
2010
91
$22
Dense and layered, but very refined, with a violet note stitching the crushed black cherry, steeped blackberry and anise flavors together, while an iron note adds range to the finish. Drink now through 2018. 4,000 cases imported. –JM
Country:
France
Region:
Southern Rhône
59
2011
91
$23
This bright, juicy white delivers succulent notes of passion fruit, honeydew melon, Key lime and Asian pear, which together make a clear, focused and intense chorus that persists on the long finish. Drink now. 27,000 cases made. –MW
Country:
New Zealand
Region:
New Zealand
60
2009
96
$135
Pure and impressively expressive, with focused currant, plum, blackberry and black olive aromatics turning on the palate to a more complex profile, weaving in coffee, crème brûlée and chai tea notes, all wrapped in a polished texture. The finish doesn't want to quit. Best from 2015 through 2024. 3,985 cases made. –HS
Country:
Washington
Region:
Washington
61
2004
92
$28
A dense, plush texture carries ripe flavors of plum, raisin, tar and tobacco in this bold red. Full tannins and bright acidity give this a youthful character. Expressive and harmonious. Drink now through 2018. 4,000 cases made. –TM
Country:
Spain
Region:
Spain
62
2009
91
$19
This dark, ripe red delivers jammy layered flavors of plum paste, fig and kirsch. Full-bodied, with well-embedded acidity and fine tannins, joined by hints of spice box, flint and olive on the long, driving finish. Drink now through 2015. 6,000 cases made. –NW
Country:
Chile
Region:
Rapel
63
2010
93
$29
Notably rich and creamy, yet elegant and refined, this Chardonnay delivers a supple, fleshy beam of white peach, nectarine and fresh-cut flower flavors, with a creamy vanilla edge. Drink now through 2018. 5,500 cases made. –JL
Country:
California
Region:
Carneros
64
2011
90
$17
This offers a very tasty mix of red and black cherry fruit, along with muddled strawberry, light spice and tea shadings. A flash of tobacco marks the full-bodied finish. Solid Tavel. Drink now. 30,000 cases made. –JM
Country:
France
Region:
Southern Rhône
65
2010
92
$29
This powerful, plush-tasting Grüner boasts concentrated flavors of apple tart, baked peach, ruby grapefruit and gooseberry. Unctuous in the midpalate, with a lingering finish of smoke and spice notes. Very expressive. Drink now through 2020. 879 cases imported. –KM
Country:
Austria
Region:
Niederösterreich
66
2011
90
$12
A dark, succulent red, exuding black cherry, blackberry and violet aromas and flavors. Pure and focused, with a long aftertaste of sweet fruit, flowers and spice. Drink now through 2016. 4,250 cases imported. –BS
Country:
Italy
Region:
Piedmont
67
2011
94
$32
Intense aromas and flavors of peach strudel and apple pie feature notes of custard and gooseberry. The vibrant finish echoes with long, pure glazed citrus notes. A powerful style. Drink now through 2030. 500 cases imported. –KM
Country:
Germany
Region:
Germany
68
2010
92
$25
This dark red balances racy wild berry and cassis flavors with full yet fine tannins, showing layers of toasty oak, smoke and baking spice. Polished, with a long, savory aftertaste of spice, cured olive and underbrush. Drink now through 2017. 10,700 cases made. –NW
Country:
Chile
Region:
Rapel
69
2011
92
$25
A suave white, with a creamy edge to the ripe melon, citrus and blanched almond notes that build with intensity, as the finish lingers with an aftertaste of underbrush, citrus zest and chalk. Drink now through 2016. 1,500 cases made. –NW
Country:
Italy
Region:
Campania
70
2009
92
$31
Offers a very solid core of black Mission fig, blackberry preserves and freshly roasted espresso flavors, woven nicely with hints of alder wood, tar and pastis. The long finish shows polish, with nice grip in reserve. Best from 2013 through 2022. 12,083 cases made. –JM
Country:
France
Region:
Bordeaux
71
2009
91
$24
Supple and vibrant, this is distinctive for the white pepper and mascarpone notes that weave through the refreshing plum and currant fruit. Lingers impressively, with gentle intensity. Drink now through 2015. 4,800 cases made. –HS
Country:
Washington
Region:
Washington
72
2010
93
$35
That rare Zin that shows both richness and a sleek sense of elegance. Briary and floral black raspberry aromas lead to delicately complex flavors of smoky cherry, wild anise and white peppercorn. Drink now through 2020. 900 cases made. –TF
Country:
California
Region:
South Coast
73
2011
90
$15
This expressive white shows pear, lanolin, almond and herbal flavors that are lean yet polished, with crisp acidity and a light tannic grip. A traditional style. Drink now through 2016. 10,000 cases made. –TM
Country:
Spain
Region:
Spain
74
2007
93
$38
Seamless from start to finish, both rich and elegantly sleek. Floral Asian pear and creamy almond aromas lead to complex and delicately balanced flavors of lively lemon and raspberry, plus ginger and spice. The finish lingers beautifully. Drink now through 2016. 1,000 cases made. –TF
Country:
California
Region:
Sonoma
75
2005
91
$25
A silky red, offering fresh fruit flavors of plum and blackberry, with espresso and licorice notes. Firm, bright and balanced, with a perfumed, floral finish. Drink now through 2018. 10,000 cases imported. –TM
Country:
Spain
Region:
Spain
76
2010
93
$42
This red exhibits pure, rich, ripe and concentrated layers of blackberry, boysenberry and black licorice, with tannins that give the flavors depth and traction. Drink now through 2022. 1,175 cases made. –JL
Country:
California
Region:
South Coast
77
2010
93
$44
Very dense and superconcentrated, this offers an impressive mix of dense blackberry, raspberry and huckleberry, holding its focus and maintaining its supple texture. Drink now through 2023. 3,475 cases made. –JL
Country:
California
Region:
South Coast
78
2008
93
$45
This is pure and driven, with beautiful red currant, blackberry and plum fruit coursing along, laced with supple but substantial tannins and backed by iron and pepper on the sleek finish. Should cellar nicely. Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Merlot. Drink now through 2018. 2,125 cases made. –JM
Country:
South Africa
Region:
Coastal Region
79
2010
93
$45
Light and silky, this is beguiling for the way it deftly plays its polished red berry and black cherry fruit against glints of mineral and white pepper. The finish brings it all together seamlessly. Drink now through 2018. 1,158 cases made. –HS
Country:
Oregon
Region:
Oregon
80
2009
96
$145
This beautifully crafted red is marked by a distinctively complex and subtle mix of dried herb, baking spices and floral scents, with a tight core of currant and blackberry flavors. Finishes with a surge of flavors that build and expand. Best from 2014 through 2028. 2,992 cases made. –JL
Country:
California
Region:
Napa
81
2007
93
$48
This rich red shows plenty of bass notes, in the form of sweet plum and wood smoke, as the wine plays out across the palate. Balanced and juicy, with a moderately firm structure. Fine accents of spice, smoke and tea mark the finish. Best from 2014 through 2028. 3,500 cases made. –BS
Country:
Italy
Region:
Tuscany
82
NV
90
$16
A more flattering style, with an off-dry edge to the walnut paste, hazelnut, date and clove-studded orange notes, which show nice focus and zip on the finish. Drink now. 2,000 cases imported. –JM
Country:
Spain
Region:
Spain
83
2010
92
$32
Well-crafted, tight and structured, with firm, gripping tannins keeping the zesty, tart wild berry, blackberry and date-nut bread flavors in check. Drink now through 2020. 10,000 cases made. –JL
Country:
California
Region:
Bay Area/Central Coast
84
NV
93
$50
Elegant, with rich base notes of toasted brioche and smoke adding depth, this integrates finely honed acidity, detailed texture and flavors of black cherry puree, apple tarte Tatin, kumquat and grated ginger. Provides a creamy, mineral-tinged finish. Drink now through 2022. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 50,000 cases made. –AN
Country:
France
Region:
Champagne
85
2009
93
$49
This gorgeous wine is rich and supple, displaying ripe, plummy black cherry and blackberry fruit that's intense and spicy, pure and focused, with a long, pure, lingering finish. Drink now through 2020. 584 cases made. –JL
Country:
California
Region:
Sonoma
86
2010
94
$60
This is pure and oh-so-silky, featuring flavors of black currant, violet and sweet spice, with a hint of tobacco. The supple texture is offset by refined tannins as this cruises to a long aftertaste of black currant and spice. Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2014 through 2024. –BS
Country:
Italy
Region:
Tuscany
87
2010
90
$18
A fresh, harmonious white, featuring pineapple, citrus and spice notes backed by juicy acidity and creamy texture. Well-integrated, with a lingering aftertaste of fruit and chalk. Drink now. 8,000 cases made. –NW
Country:
Chile
Region:
Coquimbo
88
2008
92
$32
Exuberant flavors of currant, blackberry, cola and licorice mingle in this racy red, which has light, firm tannins and vibrant acidity, with plenty of fruit to balance the evident oak. A lively modern style. Drink now through 2018. 2,000 cases imported. –TM
Country:
Spain
Region:
Spain
89
2009
92
$40
Dense and tight, exhibiting a firm core of loamy earth, dried dark berry, spice and cedar. Opens up to black licorice and anised notes, ending with chewy tannins. Best from 2013 through 2023. 15,000 cases made. –JL
Country:
California
Region:
Napa
90
2011
90
$15
A rapierlike white, delivering apple, pear and grapefruit flavors flanked by plenty of mineral and slate notes. Ripe orange accents linger as plenty of spicy hints mark the vibrant, long-lasting finish. Drink now through 2018. 5,000 cases made. –KM
Country:
Greece
Region:
Greece
91
2010
93
$58
Rich and expressive, with bold layers of ripe blueberry, plum and wild berry flavors that show touches of spice and espresso. At points open-knit, yet tightening on the finish. Best from 2013 through 2023. 4,742 cases made. –JL
Country:
California
Region:
Sonoma
92
2009
94
$85
Striking, rich and opulent, elegant and refined, with ripe, dense blackberry, melted black licorice and touches of cinnamon and baking spice. Ends with fine-grained, detailed tannins. Best from 2013 through 2027. 3,500 cases made. –JL
Country:
California
Region:
Napa
93
2009
96
$150
Tight and backward, this has dense, almost chewy layers of fig, currant and plum cake behind a very solid wall of cedar, roasted vanilla and charcoal notes. There's serious grip on the finish, with an iron edge that won't quit. Best from 2015 through 2035. 31,500 cases made. –JM
Country:
France
Region:
Bordeaux
94
2009
95
$150
Taut and structured, with cedar-laced currant, dark berry and dried berry notes joining a mix of minerally fresh earth and tobacco flavors, offering a wide range of tight-knit fruit overall. Firmly tannic on the finish, yet the ripe purity pushes through. True to form Monte Bello in a classic style. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2014 through 2030. 2,800 cases made. –JL
Country:
California
Region:
Bay Area/Central Coast
95
2009
90
$20
Dark crushed cherries, cassis and graphite notes are supported by a full-bodied frame of fine tannins and fresh acidity, as the compact finish unwinds with hints of cured olive, grilled herb and spice. Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Carmenère and Merlot. Drink now through 2017. 16,000 cases made. –NW
Country:
Chile
Region:
Rapel
96
2009
94
$75
Plush and richly structured, but with a dense, structured core, offering aromas of red currant and toasty mocha that lead to complex flavors of black cherry and Asian spice. Loamy, ripe tannins sneak in on the finish. Drink now through 2018. 1,600 cases made. –TF
Country:
California
Region:
Napa
97
2011
91
$27
This white is still tight, exhibiting a very chiseled feel to the flint and gooseberry notes. The mouthwatering, rapier finish lets chive flower and fleur de sel notes chime in. Could have some staying power in the cellar. Drink now through 2015. 5,000 cases made. –JM
Country:
France
Region:
Loire
98
2010
94
$90
Dense, rich and distinctive, this is superplush and complex, yet also approachable, wrapping its black cherry, cassis, licorice and roasted meat flavors on a supple, velvety frame. Finishes long and creamy in texture. Drink now through 2020. 6,328 cases made. –HS
Country:
Australia
Region:
Australia
99
2010
90
$22
Generous, with vanilla, plum and black cherry flavors that are rich and lush, joined by plenty of echoes of cedar, tobacco and spice notes in the background. The finish reveals plenty of floral, herb and mineral details. Drink now through 2019. 6,100 cases imported. –MW
Country:
New Zealand
Region:
New Zealand
100
2008
90
$20

Final del formulario
http://www.winespectator.com/wines/top100archivelist/year/2012