2012

The 2012 vintage was highly praised in many of the world's top wine regions. With favorable weather conditions for most, it produced some exceptional wines that are still showing excellent aging potential. Here’s a detailed overview of the 2012 vintage, including the best wines to buy for your collection.

Bordeaux 2012:

In Bordeaux, 2012 was a vintage of balance and quality despite some challenges from the weather, including a cool summer and some late-season rain. The red wines of Bordeaux from this vintage have a classic profile, with good structure, ripe tannins, and aromas of dark fruits such as blackcurrant and blackberry. The wines are often described as being slightly less concentrated than other vintages but have great finesse and balance. The white wines from Graves and Pessac-Léognan were particularly successful, with bright acidity and freshness, showing citrus and floral notes. The best grand crus from Bordeaux, such as those from Saint-Émilion and Pauillac, have aging potential of 10 to 20 years.

Burgundy 2012:

The 2012 vintage in Burgundy was exceptional, producing wines of great finesse and concentration. The reds from this year are showing wonderful aromas of ripe red fruits, such as cherry and strawberry, with fine tannins and a refreshing acidity. Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune both excelled, with Pinot Noir wines offering a good balance of power and elegance. The white wines of Burgundy from this vintage were equally successful, particularly in the Côte de Beaune where the Chardonnay wines have a beautiful minerality and a refreshing citrus character. The best wines of this vintage have a significant aging potential, ranging from 10 to 25 years, with Chablis and Puligny-Montrachet standing out.

Rhône Valley 2012:

In the Rhône Valley, 2012 was a vintage of rich, intense wines. The red wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pape were particularly impressive, offering a deep concentration of black fruit, spices, and earthy flavors, while the Côte-Rôtie wines were complex, with aromas of licorice, blackberry, and subtle floral notes. The white wines from the Rhône Valley, particularly from Condrieu, are elegant and well-balanced, with a rich texture and aromatic complexity. These wines have an aging potential of around 10 to 20 years, with the reds evolving beautifully over time.

California 2012:

The 2012 Napa Valley vintage produced wines of remarkable depth and concentration. The Cabernet Sauvignon wines were full-bodied, with rich aromas of black fruit, chocolate, and tobacco. The Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines from the Sonoma Coast were also of high quality, showcasing balance, complexity, and elegance. Napa Valley's wines from 2012 are often described as well-structured and are perfect for aging, with the best examples having a 15 to 25 years aging potential.

Tuscany 2012:

In Tuscany, the 2012 vintage was a success, particularly for Brunello di Montalcino, where the wines show a beautiful balance of fruit and acidity. The wines are concentrated with aromas of cherry, plum, and spices, offering great aging potential. Chianti Classico wines from the 2012 vintage are also very successful, showing ripe red fruit flavors, good acidity, and a smooth texture. Both the Brunello di Montalcino and Chianti wines have an aging potential of 10 to 20 years.

Australia 2012:

The 2012 vintage in Australia was strong, especially for Shiraz from the Barossa Valley and Cabernet Sauvignon from Margaret River and Coonawarra. The Shiraz wines were powerful, with black fruit and spice flavors, while the Cabernet Sauvignon wines were elegant, with aromas of blackberry and mint. These wines are structured for aging, with a potential of 10 to 25 years.

Best Wines to Buy from 2012:

1. Bordeaux:
   • Château Margaux, Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Haut-Brion
2. Burgundy:
   • Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Domaine Leflaive, Domaine Comte Georges de Vogüé
3. Rhône Valley:
   • Château de Beaucastel (Châteauneuf-du-Pape), Domaine Jean-Luc Colombo (Côte-Rôtie)
4. California:
   • Opus One, Silver Oak (Cabernet Sauvignon), Kistler (Chardonnay)
5. Tuscany:
   • Brunello di Montalcino by Casanova di Neri, Chianti Classico by Castello di Ama
6. Australia:
   • Penfolds Grange, Henschke Hill of Grace

These wines from the 2012 vintage will continue to evolve with age and improve in complexity. The grand cru wines from this vintage are excellent additions to your cellar and will provide enjoyment for years to come.