En Primeur Bordeaux 2012

Dark crimson. Simple and all about framework not fruit. Hard work, very chewy.

Score: 15 Jancis Robinson MW, Jancisrobinson.com Maturity: 2017-2025

The plum and cassis notes get a gentle push from a red licorice accent, with a light vanilla frame.

Score: 85 - 88 James Molesworth, Wine Spectator

Cantemerle’s ethereal elegance and racy, classy style are unmistakable in this understated yet pretty, dark ruby-colored 2012. Offering lots of cherry, raspberry and black currant fruit, this is a wine of unmistakable finesse and delicacy. Enjoy it over the next 10-12 years.

Score: 89 - 91 Robert Parker, Wine Advocate Maturity: 2013-2025

Supple and friendly, with plum and cassis fruit imparting a caressing feel while lightly singed vanilla accents guide the finish.

Score: 86 - 89 James Molesworth, Wine Spectator

Deep dark crimson. Sweet cherry chocolate on the nose. Rich but fluid. Lively, juicy, fresh and harmonious. Very attractive in a lighter style but has very good length too.

Score: 16 - 17 Julia Harding MW, Jancisrobinson.com Maturity: 2016-2023

I appreciate the balance of dark fruits and fine tannins in this young wine. Medium-to-full body, with chewy yet polished tannins and a pretty finish. All in finesse for the vintage.

Score: 90 - 91 James Suckling, Jamessuckling.com

This is an excellent effort from this estate at the southern end of the Medoc. A tell-tale, seductive, round, medium to full-bodied style is present in this forward, precocious, delicious wine with plenty of charm and finesse. Medium-bodied with sweet tannin and plenty of toasty, black currant and loamy soil notes intermixed with hints of spice box and vanillin are present in this nicely textured, complete, attractive effort. Drink it over the next 12-15 years.

Score: 90 - 92 Robert Parker, Wine Advocate Maturity: 2013-2028

The plum and cherry notes show a light dusting of vanilla. Clean, but soft and lean.

Score: 82 - 85 James Molesworth, Wine Spectator

Dark and glossy. Quite rich - richer than you would expect for the property and vintage. Pretty severe. Over ambitious.

Score: 16 Jancis Robinson MW, Jancisrobinson.com Maturity: 2018-2030

Features fresh-cut plum and crushed blackberry fruit married to a sleek iron edge and a hint of lightly singed vanilla bean on the finish.

Score: 87 - 90 James Molesworth, Wine Spectator

Very good and clean fruit with currants and minerals and hints of flowers. Medium body with fine tannins and a pretty finish.

Score: 88 - 89 James Suckling, Jamessuckling.com

A noteworthy success for this conscientiously run property that has overperformed for much of my 35-year career, the black/purple-hued 2012 Sociando Mallet reveals notes of camphor, black truffles, asphalt and abundant blue and black fruits. Layered, rich and concentrated with sweet tannin and a more forward, precocious personality than is normal for this estate, it should drink well for 10-12 years.

Score: 88 - 90 Robert Parker, Wine Advocate Maturity: 2013-2025

Delivers a solid core of blueberry and blackberry fruit, with an ample coating of toast. A graphite edge courses through the finish.

Score: 88 - 91 James Molesworth, Wine Spectator

Inky core. Cedary cassis. Herbaceous. Pretty dry on the palate, leafy but the tannins are attractive - fine and dry. Very nice if you like leafy.

Score: 16 Julia Harding MW, Jancisrobinson.com Maturity: 2016-2023