97 Robert Parker
As for the 2012 La Mission Haut Brion, this wine (41% of the total production) continues to perform as it has for nearly a century. At first-growth levels of quality, this is s stunning wine that is full-bodied and very concentrated with notes of graphite, subtle charcoal embers, crème de cassis, blackberry and underlying subtle earthiness. The wine is full and powerful, rich and concentrated. And sure enough, the alcohol level tips the scales at 15% from a blend 62% Merlot and 38% Cabernet Franc. This is a big, blockbuster La Mission Haut Brion that should age effortlessly for 30-40+ years. However, the tannins suggest that this wine should not be touched for another 5-6 years, as its one of the more backward of the 2012 Pessac-Léognans. Bravo!
96 Vinous
One of the clear wines of the vintage, the 2012 La Mission Haut-Brion shows off a vertical sense of structure along with imposing tannins and serious depth. The flavors are dark, bold and extremely vivid. Dark red cherry, smoke, grilled herbs, graphite and blackberry jam are some of the many notes that come alive on the finish. This brooding La Mission needs a few years to settle down after which it will offer spectacular drinking for several decades. In a word: magnificent!
18 Rene Gabriel
62 % Merlot, 38 % Cabernet Sauvignon. Sattes Purpur-Granat, dicht in der Mitte, lila Schimmer aussen. Warmes, pflaumiges Bouquet, dominikanischer Tabak und frisch gerösteter Kaffee, Nussmehl und Pumpernickel. Konzentrierter Gaumen, auch hier wieder eine wunderschöne Wärme in den Tanninen ausstrahlend, erst im Nachklang kommen recht strenge, sehnige Tannine zum Tragen. Aussen weich - innen mit gewisser Härte. Das wird kein leichter Spaziergang für seine Zukunft. Ungeduldige sollten eh gleich die Finger davon lassen. Aus Zuversicht aufgerundet, denn ein solches Potential ist immer ein zuverlässiger Garant für viel später.
93 Wine Spectator
The rigid tar and bramble frame should eventually meld with the core of plum, blackberry and macerated black currant fruit, featuring ample energy and a graphite note through the finish. Just a little bit of patience required here. Best from 2018 through 2025. 5,176 cases made. –JM