2012
Scarecrow 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
Spiced plum, blackberry, mocha and cassis create a dark, concentrated aromatic profile, with floral lift and wet-stone minerality adding contrast. The palate is opulent yet balanced, placing dense black fruit inside a finely structured frame. Gravelly detail and integrated tannins carry the Cabernet through a powerful, remarkably composed 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.
E. Guigal 2012 Ermitage Ex-Voto Rouge
Crème de cassis and black raspberry lead, layered with crushed rock, liquorice and a subtle savoury note. The palate is powerful and full-bodied, with concentrated dark fruit wrapped in ripe, steadily building tannins. Vanilla and spice add depth without softening the wine's mineral focus or its exceptionally long finish.
Yalumba 2012 The Caley Cabernet Shiraz
A composed Cabernet–Shiraz blend with cassis, violet and rose petal, followed by iodine, cedar and a fine mineral note. The palate is deep and seamless, bringing Cabernet structure together with the breadth of Shiraz. Chalky tannins and fresh acidity shape the long finish, giving the wine the balance for roast beef, lamb or slow-cooked dishes.
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.
Gemstone Vineyard 2012 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Yountville Napa Valley
Blackberry, cassis and violet lead with crushed rock, liquorice and warm spice. Dense Cabernet fruit and plum move across a finely grained palate, balanced by energetic acidity and a distinctly gravelly mineral edge. Dark chocolate, espresso, smoke and tobacco build underneath, while mature tannins carry the layered fruit through a long, resonant finish.
Veuve Clicquot 2012 La Grande Dame
White flowers, jasmine and honeysuckle open into apple, pear and ripe peach. Fresh almond and frangipane add quiet richness before dried apricot, hazelnut and a light honeyed note emerge on the palate. Silky in texture yet firmly structured, it balances depth and power with fine mineral tension, finishing long, elegant and remarkably composed.
Guigal 2012 Ermitage Ex Voto Blanc
White flowers, acacia honey and hawthorn blossom lead a powerful, aromatic nose, with toasted notes adding depth. The palate is rich and concentrated, layered with white peach, melon, citrus and gentle nuttiness. A dense, rounded texture is balanced by mineral tension, carrying subtle spice through the long, persistent finish.
Bauchet 2012 Saint-Nicaise Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru Champagne Magnum
White flowers, lemongrass and white stone fruit open with a mature, quietly savoury edge. Fine, chiselled bubbles carry the palate, where freshness balances gentle notes of woodland and fresh mushroom. The texture is composed and persistent rather than showy, finishing clean and dry. Serve with roast poultry, mushroom dishes, scallops or aged Comté.
Chateau Talbot 2012 Saint-Julien
Cassis, blackcurrant and red currant lead a polished aroma, joined by plum, roasted herbs and a restrained tarry note. The palate is juicy and rounded, with soft tannins, fresh acidity and a medium-bodied sense of balance. Cedar, liquorice and spice add savoury depth. The finish is persistent and composed, leaving dark berries, dried herbs and gentle mineral lift.
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.
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.
Champagne Gardet 2012 Millésime Extra Brut Magnum
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.
Charles Heidsieck 2012 Brut Millésimé Champagne
Gold in the glass with a fine, persistent mousse. Candied citrus, baked apple and white flowers lead into toasted brioche, roasted hazelnut and a touch of clear honey. The palate is broad and creamy yet held taut by lemony acidity and mineral freshness. A long, saline finish brings almond, smoke and quiet spice.
Corra Winery 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
Dark baked cherry opens with perfumed raspberry and blueberry, followed by a light touch of sweet tobacco and sage. The palate is bright, juicy and rich on entry, with generous berry fruit carried by a complex, silky texture. Freshness keeps the concentration poised, leading to a long, polished finish of dark fruit and savoury herbs.
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.
Keever Vineyards 2012 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
Blackberry and black cherry lead an elegant bouquet, joined by floral lift, vanilla and mocha as it opens. The palate is soft yet densely flavoured, with darker fruit carrying into a smooth finish. Fine, well-integrated tannins provide length without domination, making this a composed match for roast beef or lamb.
Keever Vineyards 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
Fresh plum and blackberry lead an intense, complex Cabernet, joined by grilled fig and a light thread of sweet pipe tobacco. The fruit is fully ripe, but the opening remains bright rather than heavy. Dark berry richness and savoury tobacco hold the centre, carrying the generous aromatic profile into a composed, lingering close.
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.