95+ Stephen Tanzer - Vinous Media

Bright ruby-red. The nose offers a panoply or aromas without any sign of excess ripeness: huckleberry, alpine raspberry, plum and coriander, with sexy oak tones and a hint of medicinal lift. Wonderfully elegant, silky and tactile, with compellingly sweet currant and black cherry fruit perfectly balanced by harmonious acidity. A complete wine with great texture and energy. Still a bit tight on the back, but already spreads out to saturate the palate. The noble tannins should carry this wine for a long time.

95 Jeb Dunnuck - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2012 Columbia Valley Red Wine is another rock star Bordeaux blend that’s made from 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Cabernet Franc, 13% Merlot, and the balance Petit Verdot and Malbec. It was aged 28 months in 65% new French oak. Notes of cassis, tobacco leaf, lead pencil shavings and black currants all emerge from this rich, full-bodied and concentrated effort that has a big, layered texture, no hard edges and impeccable balance. It’s slightly more approachable than the straight Cabernet, yet should nevertheless evolve for just as long.