2012
Lindstrom Wines 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District
Bright cherry and mocha open with a ripe, expressive character. With air, darker notes of sandalwood and almond emerge alongside warm raspberry and subtle earth. The palate is fresh and fruit-driven, with supple texture and well-integrated oak supporting natural Cabernet depth through a balanced, gently savoury finish.
Contino 2012/18 Rioja Gran Reserva
Contino Gran Reserva is a harmonious wine, with a great balance between silkiness and roundness in the mouth. On the nose it is fragrant, reminiscent of ripe black fruit, with floral and balsamic notes that provide freshness. All well balanced with subtle toasted notes from its ageing in barrel. On the palate it is fine, subtle, with pleasant tannins and perfect acidity, which make it a persistent wine with a long finish.
Louis Roederer 2012 Cristal Rose Champagne
Citrus peel and yuzu rise first, followed by red forest fruit and a fine mineral note. The palate is precise and finely layered, combining delicate fragrance with real power and structure. A persistent mousse and vivid acidity keep the finish focused, long and quietly complex. Serve in generous white-wine glasses with lobster, salmon, roast poultry or delicate mushroom dishes.
Silver Oak 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley
Chocolate and graphite lead, with cassis and blackberry adding a quieter dark-fruit core. The palate is smooth and composed, layering blackcurrant, raspberry and orange zest with nuanced vanilla, cocoa and a gentle savoury edge. Fine tannins keep the Cabernet measured as the fruit and oak detail settle into a lingering finish.
Macauley 2012 Beckstoffer To Kalon Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville Napa Valley
Black fruit and cherry rise from the glass with wet stone, blackberry jam, raspberry and finely judged oak spice. The palate is warm and viscous yet remarkably balanced, bringing ripe cherry, clove and layered spice into focus. Stately, refined tannins give the Cabernet shape and carry its dark fruit through a long, composed finish.
Domaine Pierre Usseglio & Fils Cuvée de Mon Aïeul 2012 Châteauneuf-du-Pape 750 mL
Lush red fruit and bramble open with black pepper, garrigue and warm spice. With air, plum, black cherry, leather and sandalwood broaden the aromatic profile. The palate is full-bodied and velvety, with integrated tannins and enough acidity to keep the ripe fruit measured. Liquorice and roasted herbs add savoury depth, while a saline edge brings focus. The finish is long and layered, carrying cherry, spice and Provençal herbs.
Voyager Estate 2012 Girt by Sea Cabernet Merlot 750 mL
Blackcurrant, dark cherry and mulberry open with cedar, tobacco and measured spice. The palate is savoury and medium-bodied, with the dark fruit carried by beautifully integrated, fine-grained tannins. Cedar and tobacco add mature complexity without drying the fruit, while the texture remains composed and approachable. The finish is medium to long, leaving blackcurrant, mulberry, spice and a persistent cedary note.
Pelassa 2012 Barolo DOCG 1.5 L
Garnet red opens with dried flowers, mineral notes and an earthy touch of tar. Rich and balanced, the palate carries mature tannins with a velvety texture and measured intensity. Dark cherry, tobacco and savoury spice develop through the middle, maintaining a classical, austere frame. The finish is persistent and composed, leaving mineral detail, dried rose and firm, polished tannin.
Elio Grasso 2012 Barolo Gavarini Chiniera 750 mL
Floral perfume and ripe plum open with cherry, strawberry and darker fruit, followed by smoke, ash, crushed mineral, tobacco and tar. The palate is full and concentrated, yet fresh and agile, with bright acidity sharpening the dense fruit. Firm, finely structured tannins provide a serious frame. The finish is long and energetic, balancing creamy texture, mineral detail, dark fruit and measured spice.
Prats & Symington 2012 Chryseia Douro 750 mL
Currant and lifted dark fruit meet dried flowers, tobacco and a cool mineral note. The palate is concentrated yet supple, with fresh acidity giving the wine clarity and energy. Fine-grained tannins provide shape without heaviness, while savoury earth and a faint saline edge add detail through the long, focused finish. Decant before serving with roast lamb, braised beef, grilled mushrooms or firm aged cheese.
Brezza 2012 Barolo Sarmassa 750 mL
Rose, red cherry and raspberry open with star anise, clove and a gentle earthy note. The palate is savoury and tightly shaped, balancing ripe black cherry with bright acidity, mineral detail and firm, fine-grained tannins. Hints of tar, cigar box and dried herbs emerge with air, bringing mature complexity without losing freshness. The finish is persistent and poised. Decant carefully and serve with braised beef, truffle dishes or aged hard cheese.
Cailleteau Bergeron 2012 Tradition
A rich, fruit-forward Bordeaux blend with ripe blackberry, plum and black cherry, complemented by subtle spice. The palate is medium-bodied and smooth, with soft tannins and balanced acidity carrying the juicy dark fruit into a lingering finish. Approachable but composed, it is a natural match for roast beef, burgers, mushrooms or firm cheese.
Cune Imperial Rioja 2012
A mature, classical Rioja with blackberry, dried cherry, cedar, tobacco, vanilla, leather and warm spice. The palate brings ripe dark fruit together with savoury earth and a fresh mineral lift, supported by polished tannins and measured structure. Graceful rather than heavy through the persistent finish, it suits roasted meats, grilled lamb or aged hard cheeses.
Poplar Grove 2012 Cabernet Franc Okanagan Valley
Smoky tobacco and black plum lead with mocha, cherry and blackberry. The palate is round and softly textured, carrying generous dark fruit over a savoury, lightly resinous line. Fine density and steady freshness keep the finish composed. Decant briefly and serve with grilled lamb, roast beef, mushroom ragout or firm aged cheese.
Poplar Grove 2012 Benchmark
Ripe plum, blueberry and dark cherry lead, with fruitcake and brown sugar bringing a mellow, developed sweetness to the aroma. The palate is dry and medium-full, with plush tannins, steady acidity and a measured frame of French oak. Mature but still fruit-led, it suits braised beef, roast lamb, lentils or firm cheese, with a short decant before serving.
Poplar Grove 2012 The Legacy Okanagan Valley
Earthy cassis and red fruit meet leafy herbs and a distinctly savoury edge. Round and soft on entry, the palate is shaped by accommodating chalky tannins and enough freshness to keep the mature fruit composed. The finish is balanced and gently persistent. Decant carefully, then serve with a rare steak, roast lamb, lentils or a mushroom gratin.
Arnoux & Fils 2012 Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise
Orange blossom, peach, ripe apple and pear rise from an intensely aromatic profile, with a clean mineral note adding definition. Sweet and full-flavoured, the palate layers stone fruit and floral detail over a smooth, rounded texture. A faint bitter edge refreshes the finish, keeping the lingering fruit poised enough for fruit desserts, blue cheese or solo sipping.
Château d’Aydie 2012 Maydie Vintage Tannat
Sweet plum and ripe dark fruit wrap around firm Tannat structure, while contrasting acidity keeps this fortified red lively and clear. Generous and fruity rather than heavy, the palate carries supple sweetness, fresh lift and a gentle savoury grip into a balanced finish. A natural partner for dark chocolate, blue cheese or slow after-dinner sipping.
Burrowing Owl 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Okanagan Valley
Cassis, damson plum, blueberry and dark cherry form a generous aromatic core, edged by cedar, sweet spice and dark chocolate. Full-bodied and structured, the palate carries blackberry and plum through fine, firm tannins. A restrained savoury note adds lift before the long, polished finish. Decant and serve with grilled beef or lamb.
Chapoutier 2012 Côte-Rôtie La Mordorée
Raspberry and dark berry lead a fragrant aroma, joined by violet, rose petal and peppery spice. The palate is ample and elegant, with ripe fruit carried by fine structure and steady freshness. Black olive and a light touch of rosemary add savoury depth without overwhelming the fruit. The finish is balanced and persistent, leaving florals, spice and a composed mineral impression.