En Primeur Bordeaux 2012

The second wine, which has gone from strength to strength over recent years, the 2012 Alter Ego de Palmer, is a blend of 51% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 9% Petit Verdot. Spicy and earthy, displaying notes of new saddle leather, roasted herbs and meaty barbecue, it is a medium-bodied, fleshy, attractive wine to drink over the next 10-12 years. Thomas Duroux produced a brilliant 2012 Palmer that is unquestionably one of the stars of the vintage. High levels of tannin were up there with their best vintages, at least analytically. The final blend of 48% Merlot, 46% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Petit Verdot results in a style of wine that is totally different than that of its nearby neighbors, Chateau Margaux, Rauzan-Segla and Malescot St.-Exupery.

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

18% press wine, pH 3.65. Quite strong leafy Cabernet aromas, but lovely freshness and round tannins. Is this like Palmer of old? I don’t think I would guess this was majority Merlot… Just slightly green on the end. 13.4%

Score: 17 Jancis Robinson MW, Jancisrobinson.com Maturity: 2019-2027

Offers notes of smoke, roasted herb and cassis bush, with solid plum fruit. Shows grace on the palate, delivering dark, silky fruit and caressing tannins lined with an iron edge. Tasted non-blind.

Score: 90 - 93 James Molesworth, Wine Spectator

This has incredible length for a second wine. Full body, with dark berry and raspberry character, ultra-fine tannins, and a long, long finish. Tiny grape yields for the vintage. 51% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 9% Petit Verdot.

Score: 92 - 93 James Suckling, Jamessuckling.com

Some bright and fresh blackberry and licorice character. Medium body with integrated tannins and a fresh finish. A little hollow but very clean.

Score: 89 - 90 James Suckling, Jamessuckling.com

A beauty from Henri Lurton, the 2012 Brane Cantenac exhibits classic notes of spring flowers intermixed with black raspberries, black currants and damp forest floor. This medium-bodied, sweet, ripe, quintessentially elegant, medium-bodied Margaux is nicely concentrated as well as sexy. Enjoy it over the next 10-12 years.

Score: 90 - 92 Robert Parker, Wine Advocate Maturity: 2013-2025

Dark crimson. Firm, fully ripe palate (contrasts with the lesser appellations of the southern Médoc). Spreads across the palate. Quite lip smacking and well judged. Not too sweet and, just, not too oaky. Broad.

Score: 17 Jancis Robinson MW, Jancisrobinson.com Maturity: 2020-2034

Plush, with a legitimate structure buried in the core of steeped plum and blackberry fruit. A warm stone note lurks in the background. Well-rendered.

Score: 90 - 93 James Molesworth, Wine Spectator

A wine with currant and berry character. Full body, with chewy tannins that are polished and juicy. Solid core of fruit yet harmonious for the vintage. Like it better than 2011.

Score: 90 - 91 James Suckling, Jamessuckling.com

Dark crimson. Hint of wood shavings on the nose. Well-melded fruit and great balance on the palate. Nothing forced, with real zest and great balance. Something a little meat flavoured about this - a welcome change from all the obvious sweetness.

Score: 17 Jancis Robinson MW, Jancisrobinson.com Maturity: 2020-2035

A polished, silky style, with cashmere tannins that let the supple plum and boysenberry fruit glide along. Suave black tea chimes in on the finish. Appears easygoing at first, but there’s ample stuffing here. Solid.

Score: 90 - 93 James Molesworth, Wine Spectator

Plenty of delicious fruit in this wine with strawberry and raspberry. Full body, with creamy tannins and a fresh and clean finish. Gorgeous. Fine. 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, and 4% Cabernet Franc.

Score: 91 - 92 James Suckling, Jamessuckling.com

A touch of herbaceousness and abundant underbrush characteristics kept my score from going higher. Nevertheless, the wine offers an attractive fragrance of herbs, blue and red fruits and loamy soil undertones. Medium-bodied with an angular mouthfeel, it should drink well for a decade or more.

Score: 87 - 89 Robert Parker, Wine Advocate Maturity: 2013-2023

67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot. 50% new oak. Much deeper crimson than Blason. Again, slightly strange (oak?) note on the nose. Deep and concentrated, very Cabernet. Gentle and appetising. Good oak management. Long and good savour.

Score: 17 Jancis Robinson MW, Jancisrobinson.com Maturity: 2021-2034

A subtle style, with singed cedar and espresso hints guiding the lightly mulled plum and blackberry fruit. A warm paving stone note emerges on the finish.

Score: 89 - 92 James Molesworth, Wine Spectator

A wine that shows a firm tannin structure with coffee, nuts and currants. Medium body, with chewy tannins. Medium finish.

Score: 89 - 90 James Suckling, Jamessuckling.com