2012 Bordeaux Tasting Standouts

Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux members showed off many wines from the 2012 vintage at the Museum of Flight in Santa Monica. Thanks to Wally's Wine & Spirits for hosting the event. It was a packed event, full of colorful personalities, many of whom made individual exhibitions of an unfortunate array of perfumes and colognes. I tasted my way through fifty-six wines in two hours. While many were light, even thin for their youth, and had an overriding grassiness, there were several standouts. Here are the best tasting Chateau to me, their appellation, highest En Primeur critics ratings as available, and current, still-futures (expected delivery summer, 2015) prices.

Bordeaux bargain

Clarke, Listrac-Medoc - Layers of flavors, yet smooth and approachable, and great for the price. 16-Decanter, $32

Great Whites

Malartic-Lagraviere Blanc, Pessac-Leognan - Rich and powerful fruits and acidity, stoney, with toasty edges. 91-94-Parker, $66

Larrivet Haut-Brion Blanc, Pessac-Leognan - $50

Red and ready

Haut-Bailly, Pessac-Leognan - Full and ripe, with tobacco spice and length of finish. 91-93-Parker, $90

Pape Clement, Pessac-Leognan - 92-95-Parker, $95

Lagrange, Saint-Julien - 17 Decanter, $50

Langoa-Barton, Saint-Julien - 87-90-Wine Spectator, $65

Saint Pierre, Saint-Julien - 91-93-Parker, $59

Rest of the best

Le Bon Pasteur, Pomerol - $70

Lascombes, Margaux - 90-92-Parker, $73

Trotte Vielle, Saint-Emilion - 90-93-Parker, $83

Grand Puy-Lacoste, Pauillac - 89-92-Wine Spectator, $67

Leoville Barton, Saint-Julien - 90-93-Wine Spectator, $95