Pape Clément Pessac-Léognan 2012

97 points Robert Parker: "The iconic 2012 Pape Clement is a candidate for near-perfection as well as one of the wines of the vintage. From proprietor Bernard Magrez, this is a blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc. This extraordinary vineyard (a few miles to the west of Haut Brion and La Mission Haut Brion) has hit all the highlights of this vintage. Interestingly, the quality of the Pomerols and Graves wines in 2012 is closer to what one would consider a great vintage than the general image of 2012. This is truly great wine and not far off their magnificent 2005 and 2010. Full-bodied, with rich cassis, subtle burning embers and spice followed by velvety, well-integrated tannins, the wine is lush, expansive, savory and profound. This is a remarkable wine that could be drunk at a reasonably young age, but should cellar brilliantly for a quarter-century. Yields were modest at 37 hectoliters per hectare from this 132-acre estate. The alcohol level came in at 13.5%. Drink: 2015-2040. (Apr 2015)"

94 points Jeb Dunnuck: "Offering perfumed notes of spice box, dried red and black currants, cigar wrapper, toasted bread and leather, the 2012 Pape Clement is medium to full-bodied, silky, elegant, and beautifully pure on the palate, with no hard edges, a seamless, voluptuous texture and a classy finish. It's already approachable, but it should evolve nicely on its overall balance. Drink: 2019-2042. (1/10/18)"

94 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2012 Pape Clement is one of racier, more voluptuous wines of the year. Deep, supple and flamboyant, the 2012 is laced with expressive dark stone fruit, game, cured meats and dried flowers. This is one of the more extroverted wines of the year. It should drink well with minimal cellaring and drink well to age 20-25. The blend is 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Merlot. This is another strong 2012 from proprietor Bernard Magrez and Michel Rolland. Drink: 2018-2032. (Jan 2016)"

94 points Wine Spectator: "Densely packed, with lots of dark steeped currant, fig and blackberry fruit, slowly melding with muscular licorice snap, bramble, singed bay and ganache notes. The long, dark, ganache-coated finish isn't shy, but an enticing rusticity keeps this honest. A large-scaled wine that has really powered up since the barrel tasting. Best from 2018 through 2027. (3/31/15)"

93 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown (The Wine Independent): "The 2012 Pape Clement is a blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot, and 1% Cabernet Franc. Medium to deep garnet colored, it charges out with plum preserves, blackcurrant pastilles, and raspberry leaves scents with touches of cedar chest and bay leaves. Medium-bodied, with juicy black fruit coating the mid palate and soft tannins, it finishes with a lively lift. Alcohol 13.5%. Drink: 2022-2036. (2/16/23)"

93 points Wine Enthusiast: "Concentrated and rich, this has fine tannins that are integrated into the big plum fruits. It's a black-fruited wine that has both the fruit and the structure to allow it to age well. Drink from 2020. (May 2015)"

93 points Chris Kissack (Winedoctor): "The 2012 from Bernard Magrez’s flagship estate presents a rather dark and introverted style on the nose, with some lightly roasted fruits and plenty of toasty elements. The palate follows this lead, revealing a slightly muscular style, with a bold midpalate of rich but tightly compacted fruits and a bright twist of tannin. There is plenty of substance here, in a dense but nicely built construct. A classic Pape-Clément, oozing confidence and promise, but it needs time. I would leave it another five years. Hold for now. The alcohol is declared as 13.5% on the label. (Mar 2022)"

93 points Jeff Leve (The Wine Cellar Insider): "Earth, truffle, tobacco and smoke work perfectly with the lush, sweet, ripe blackberries and espresso character that this soft, plush wine serves up in spades. There is good freshness and character to the fruit from start to finish. The wine was produced from a blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc. (Mar 2015)"