Category: 2012

Susana Balbo Malbec 2012

96
Susana Balbo
Varietal: Malbec
Vintage: 2012
Country of Origin: Argentina
Appellation: Mendoza
Retail Price: $37

Tasting Notes: Argentina’s flying winemaker shows her talents with this one. Malbec and 8% cabernet make this a uniquely styled wine. Aromas of violets, black cherries, and plums dominate. Rich and supple, with a strong tannic backbone, this wine finishes with vanilla, tobacco, and dark chocolate flavors.
Susana Balbo Malbec 2012

Print Label

Salentein Numina Malbec 2012

92
Salentein Numina
Varietal: Malbec
Vintage: 2012
Country of Origin: Argentina
Appellation: Uco Valley
Retail Price: $43

Tasting Notes: A Bordeaux blend from Argentina’s Uco Valley that is 62% malbec, this wine is smooth and elegant, with fine tannins, complex black fruit notes and a long finish that would indicate ageability.
Salentein Numina Malbec 2012

Print Label

Layer Cake Malbec 2012

92
Layer Cake
Varietal: Malbec
Vintage: 2012
Country of Origin: Argentina
Appellation: Mendoza
Retail Price: $17

Tasting Notes: A classic malbec: Big, brooding, black fruit, then rich earth, truffles and dark cocoa are at the front. The vineyard is at its core, always evident with the thread of minerality that the deep alluvial cobblestones lend. This wine is so elegant in the mouth, with fresh-picked blackberries, hints of chocolate and wisps of smoked bacon.
Layer Cake Malbec 2012

Print Label

Colome Malbec 2012

92
Colome
Varietal: Malbec
Vintage: 2012
Country of Origin: Argentina
Appellation: Salta
Retail Price: $28

Tasting Notes: This is definitely the whole milk of malbec, with some of the highest-elevation fruit on the planet. The grapes have a rich concentration of flavors that show dramatically through every sip. Savor this malbec with a grilled steak or simply after dinner by a fire on a cold winter night.
Colome Malbec 2012

Print Label

Albert Bichot Bourgogne Vignes de Pinot Noir 2012

95
Albert Bichot Bourgogne
Fanciful Name: Vieilles Vignes
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2012
Country of Origin: France
Appellation: Burgundy
Retail Price: $20

Tasting Notes: The “old vine” grapes for this consistently stylistic and superb wine come from four estates across Burgundy. A bright ruby color. Aromas of not-quite-ripe berry and cherry meld with hints of chalk, loam and flint, which says “Burgundy”! Delicate flavors of red fruits coat the palate, showing strong in the middle, and finishing with firm tannins and more terroir. This is a classic old-world Bourgogne Rouge. The 2012 vintage will develop beautifully for five more years―easily. An excellent value.
Albert Bichot Bourgogne Vignes de Pinot Noir 2012

Print Label

Achaval Ferrer Malbec 2012

93
Achaval Ferrer
Varietal: Malbec
Vintage: 2012
Country of Origin: Argentina
Appellation: Mendoza
Retail Price: $31

Tasting Notes: Full, bright ruby red. Porty, yet high-pitched aromas of blackberry, kirsch, blueberry and violet are complicated by balsamic and black olive nuances. Dense, thick and super ripe, but still with noteworthy clarity to its dark fruit and fresh fig flavors. A nutty oak element is leavened by insinuating acidity. The wine ultimately displays a very attractive sugar/acid balance and finishes with good lift.
Achaval Ferrer Malbec 2012

Print Label

Heron Sauvignon Blanc 2012

95
Heron
Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
Vintage: 2012
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Mendocino County
Retail Price: $15

Tasting Notes: Whole-cluster pressing and a three-week cold fermentation in stainless steel results in a refreshing, fruit-forward style with no oak aging. A lush bouquet of peach and pear with a whiff of lemongrass gets your attention. On the palate, you’ll taste melon, apricot, and citrus with a hint of sweet anise. The finish is long and not-quite dry. A simply lovely style.
Heron Sauvignon Blanc 2012

Print Label

Castello Banfi Florus Muscadello 2012

97
Castello Banfi
Fanciful Name: Florus
Varietal: Dessert
Vintage: 2012
Country of Origin: Italy
Appellation: Moscadello di Montalcino
Retail Price: $31 per 500-ml.

Tasting Notes: Golden yellow in color, with great viscosity. The nose is highlighted by its dried fruit aspects, with a touch of spice. Good weight and a smooth texture on the palate are just part of its long, balanced, exquisite finish.
Castello Banfi Florus Muscadello 2012

Print Label

Wine Stars © 2024