Chateau Margaux 2012

Lobenberg: 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc. Wie alle 1er Crus über elektronische Sortierung final aussortiert. Sehr feine Waldbeerennase, viel rote Frucht, etwas Kirsche. Ätherisch. Sehr delikat mit feinem Salz. Toller Spannungsbogen. Köstlicher Mund, gigantisches Aromenspiel, mit grandioser salzig-mineralischer Länge. Für einen sensationellen Wein wie 2005 oder 2010 fehlt ein bisschen wuchtiges Fleisch, in der Mitte fehlt außerdem ein bisschen sattes Tannin, aber der Wein ist lecker, wie es nur die ganz großen Weine in diesem Jahr sind. Vielleicht ganz leicht hinter Chateau Palmer, Leoville Las Cases, Haut Brion und Latour, aber auf jeden Fall ein toller Wein. Bei einem höchstwahrscheinlich hohen Preis. 95-96/100

Parker: The 2012 Château Margaux is showing much differently from bottle than it did from cask. Seemingly much fuller and richer, it has a dense ruby/purple color, representing a blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest mostly Merlot, as well as only 33% of their harvest. It possesses hints of spring flowers intermixed with blueberries, blackberries and cassis fruit, moderate tannin, a multi-dimensional mouthfeel, and a long, structured finish. This 2012 was charming, up-front and precociously styled from barrel, but in bottle it is more masculine, dense and rich. This wine needs a good 5-7 years of cellaring, and should keep well for 25 or more years. This is a great effort from Château Margaux, and should handsomely repay those who buy it. Anticipated maturity: 2023-2040. 95/100

Tim Atkin: Just in case you’re tempted to dismiss 2012 as a light vintage, Paul Pontallier points out that this impressive Margaux has "significantly more tannin than the 1986”. This is certainly dense, with plenty of toasty oak backed up by perfumed, leafy fruit, fresh acidity and a herbal undertone. The acidity is quite marked at the moment, but will ensure that the wine ages gracefully in bottle. Serious, elegant and refined, this is priced appealingly, too.95/100