Allen Meadows - Score: 94 (2015 Jan.)

There is gorgeous complexity to the tea and floral-scented aromas of spice, earth and sauvage infused dark berry fruit. The punchy and intense big-bodied flavors possess a subtle touch of minerality as well as fine concentration, all wrapped in a linear and wonderfully long finish. This is a seriously powerful yet refined wine that should amply repay long-term cellaring and in fact it will demand it as it won't be a good candidate for early consumption. In a word, terrific.

Vinous - Score: 93-95 (2014 Jan.)

Today, the 2012 Clos de la Roche comes across as tight and very much closed in on itself. Cherry pit, plum, flowers, spices and iron emerge over time, but only with great reluctance. The tannins are firm, but there is plenty of depth and pure resonance just waiting to emerge over time. A dense, authoritative finish rounds things out in style The Clos de la Roche was done with 60% whole clusters and it is going to need time to fully come together.