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Wine Search Results
You Searched For: Wine Keyword: %
| Vint | Description | Cl | ? | Cs | Bt | Cs (£) | Bt (£) | + |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tasting Notes for Chateauneuf du Pape Collection Charles Giraud - St Prefert, 2010: A magnificent offering that is not far off the perfect 2007 is the 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Collection Charles Giraud. While it exhibits a touch of spicy oak and a distinctive loamy earthiness, it is dominated by creme de cassis, kirsch, lavender, licorice, steak tartare and Provencal herb notes. Peppery, spicy, rich, pure and impressively well-delineated, it is a superb example of Chateauneuf du Pape made in a quasi-modern style that also represents an hommage to past traditions as well as some of the innovative advantages of blending and harvesting ripe fruit. It should drink well for 20-25 years. The Wine Advocate Oct '12. Parker Points: 98 Drinking Period: 2012-2037 |
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Tasting Notes for Chateauneuf du Pape Collection Charles Giraud - St Prefert, 2010: A magnificent offering that is not far off the perfect 2007 is the 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Collection Charles Giraud. While it exhibits a touch of spicy oak and a distinctive loamy earthiness, it is dominated by creme de cassis, kirsch, lavender, licorice, steak tartare and Provencal herb notes. Peppery, spicy, rich, pure and impressively well-delineated, it is a superb example of Chateauneuf du Pape made in a quasi-modern style that also represents an hommage to past traditions as well as some of the innovative advantages of blending and harvesting ripe fruit. It should drink well for 20-25 years. The Wine Advocate Oct '12. Parker Points: 98 Drinking Period: 2012-2037 |
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Tasting Notes for Haut Bailly, 2009: The greatest Haut-Bailly ever made? One canÕt speak enough of the job Veronique Sanders has done in 2009, allied with the owner, the American banker Robert Wilmers, who has given her carte blanche authority. Tiny yields have resulted in the most concentrated Haut-Bailly I have ever tasted. Eclipsing even the 2005, the 2009 (a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, and 3% Cabernet Franc) possesses 13.9% natural alcohol. Dense purple to the rim, it exhibits a precise, nuanced nose of mulberries, black cherries, black currants, graphite, and a singular floral component. A wine of profound intensity and full-bodied power, yet stunningly elegant, and never heavy or massive, it builds incrementally on the palate, and the finish lasts over 45 seconds. Remarkably, there is not a hard edge to be found in this beauty. The Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc were harvested between October 7 and 14, which explains their phenolic maturity. The wineÕs extraordinary freshness, elegance, and precision are nearly surreal. This tour de force should age brilliantly for 40+ years. (Tasted two times.) Parker Points: 96-98+ Drinking Period: 2010-2050 |
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Tasting Notes for Petrus, 2009: Harvested between September 17 and the beginning of October, the 2009 Petrus reminds me of what the 1982 tasted like at a similar age. Sweet tannins along with extraordinarily pure mulberry and black cherry fruit intermixed with hints of licorice and truffle are found in this 2009 in addition to a voluptuous mouthfeel, an unctuous texture, and, for Petrus, relatively high alcohol of 14.2%. Stuffed, rich, and creamy-textured with a full-bodied, powerful, exuberant personality, it should be approachable in a decade, and last for 40-50 years. (Tasted once.) Parker Points: 96-100 Drinking Period: 2020-2070 |
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Tasting Notes for La Tour Carnet, 2009: The finest wine made here since the 2005, the 2009 (a blend of 53% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot) was harvested between September 29 and October 22. Its dense purple color is followed by abundant aromas of camphor, charcoal, barrique, blackberries, and creme de cassis. Dense, structured, and full-bodied with high, but sweet, well-integrated tannins, and tremendous precision as well as freshness, this 2009 should evolve for 20-25 years. (Tasted three times.) Parker Points: 91-93 Drinking Period: 2010-2035 |
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Tasting Notes for Le Crock, Magnums, 2009: The 2009 Le Crock is the finest wine I have tasted from this vineyard owned by the Cuvelier family (who also own Leoville Poyferre). A picture postcard chateau sandwiched between Cos dÕEstournel and Montrose, it is good to see this under-performing St.-Estephe finally producing better wines. A blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, the 2009 displays an inky/purple color in addition to an opulent nose of black and blue fruits intermixed with licorice, crushed rocks, and flowers. Fat, plush, and fleshy, with terrific fruit purity and a long, layered finish, this sleeper of the vintage can be enjoyed over the next 15+ years. (Tasted two times.) Parker Points: 90-92 Drinking Period: 2010-2025 |
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Tasting Notes for Potensac, 2009: A sleeper of the vintage, the 2009 is probably the finest Potensac ever made, eclipsing even the stunning 1982. This blend, dominated by both Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, hit 13.9% alcohol, but the pH is a normal 3.58. Dense, rich, and full-bodied with lots of freshness, the wine reveals abundant red and black currant fruit, a distinctive minerality, and a plush, full-bodied mouthfeel. It should drink well for 10-15+ years. (Tasted once.) Parker Points: 89-91 Drinking Period: 2010-2025 |
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Tasting Notes for La Croix de Beaucaillou, 2009: DucruÕs second wine, the 2009 Croix de Beaucaillou, is a thrill to taste. Made from a single vineyard, it exhibits a dense purple color along with a creamy texture and loads of creme de cassis fruit intertwined with notions of charcoal, incense, and spice. Round, generous, and opulent, it can be drunk now or cellared for 15+ years. (Tasted once.) Parker Points: 88-90 Drinking Period: N/A |
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Tasting Notes for Langoa Barton, 2009: Aromas of black cherry, blackberry and balsamic over damp loam and tar. The medium to full bodied palate has a high amount of acidity and firm, chewy tannins with just enough fruit, tough is lacking slightly in the mid-palate. Long finish. Parker Points: 91-93 Drinking Period: N/A |
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Tasting Notes for Chateauneuf du Pape - Clos St Jean, 2009: A sleeper of the vintage, the 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape is much less expensive than the other cuvees and represents a noteworthy buy. Classic kirsch liqueur, roasted Provencal herb and sandy, loamy soil characteristics are found in this dense, opulent, voluptuously textured wine that is on a much faster evolutionary track than the 2010. It should drink well for a decade. The Wine Advocate Oct '11. Parker Points: 93 Drinking Period: 2011-2021 |
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Tasting Notes for Lafite Rothschild, 2008: The 2008 Lafite Rothschild is one of the most profound young wines I have ever tasted. From a tasterÕs perspective, it is reminiscent of a blend of the 1996 and 2003, but when you compare those vintages analytically, that makes no sense whatsoever. Representing only 40% of the production, this blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, and 4% Cabernet Franc boasts an opaque ruby/purple color (one of the darkest Lafites I have seen in 30 years) as well as an extraordinary, blockbuster aromatic profile of lead pencil shavings, forest floor, black fruits, licorice, and a hint of unsmoked, high-class cigar tobacco. In the mouth, a massive richness is accompanied by a freshness, delineation, nuance, delicacy, and mind-boggling density. Even after three decades of tasting, I am still astonished when tasting such a prodigious wine as this. Full, inky, and rich with creme de cassis and spice box characteristics as well as a length that I stopped measuring after a minute, the wine reveals a sweetness to the tannin and an opulence to the fruit that suggests a hot, sunny vintage, but again, that was not the case. There wasnÕt a great deal of heat, but there was more sunshine than the negative press reported at the beginning of September. This is a great, great wine. The harvest at Lafite took place between October 1-7 for the Merlot grapes, the Cabernet Franc was picked in mid-October, and the Cabernet Sauvignon between October 7-14 - an unbelievably late harvest for this estate. This wine should evolve for 30-40 years and last 50 or more. As I have indicated before, LafiteÕs second wine is now one of BordeauxÕs finest second wines, and is made very much in the Lafite style. Interestingly, Lafite RothschildÕs manager, Charles Chevalier, told me there was not much flavor in the grapes in mid-September, but a month later, after four weeks of extraordinary weather, they believed something profound may have happened given the flavor development. Again, the historically long period between flowering and harvest, and very low yields are part of the secret to the great success of wines such as this. Robert Parker Wine Advocate April 2009 Parker Points: 98-100 Drinking Period: |
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Tasting Notes for Lafite Rothschild, 2008: The 2008 Lafite Rothschild is one of the most profound young wines I have ever tasted. From a tasterÕs perspective, it is reminiscent of a blend of the 1996 and 2003, but when you compare those vintages analytically, that makes no sense whatsoever. Representing only 40% of the production, this blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, and 4% Cabernet Franc boasts an opaque ruby/purple color (one of the darkest Lafites I have seen in 30 years) as well as an extraordinary, blockbuster aromatic profile of lead pencil shavings, forest floor, black fruits, licorice, and a hint of unsmoked, high-class cigar tobacco. In the mouth, a massive richness is accompanied by a freshness, delineation, nuance, delicacy, and mind-boggling density. Even after three decades of tasting, I am still astonished when tasting such a prodigious wine as this. Full, inky, and rich with creme de cassis and spice box characteristics as well as a length that I stopped measuring after a minute, the wine reveals a sweetness to the tannin and an opulence to the fruit that suggests a hot, sunny vintage, but again, that was not the case. There wasnÕt a great deal of heat, but there was more sunshine than the negative press reported at the beginning of September. This is a great, great wine. The harvest at Lafite took place between October 1-7 for the Merlot grapes, the Cabernet Franc was picked in mid-October, and the Cabernet Sauvignon between October 7-14 - an unbelievably late harvest for this estate. This wine should evolve for 30-40 years and last 50 or more. As I have indicated before, LafiteÕs second wine is now one of BordeauxÕs finest second wines, and is made very much in the Lafite style. Interestingly, Lafite RothschildÕs manager, Charles Chevalier, told me there was not much flavor in the grapes in mid-September, but a month later, after four weeks of extraordinary weather, they believed something profound may have happened given the flavor development. Again, the historically long period between flowering and harvest, and very low yields are part of the secret to the great success of wines such as this. Robert Parker Wine Advocate April 2009 Parker Points: 98-100 Drinking Period: |
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Tasting Notes for Lafite Rothschild, 2008: The 2008 Lafite Rothschild is one of the most profound young wines I have ever tasted. From a tasterÕs perspective, it is reminiscent of a blend of the 1996 and 2003, but when you compare those vintages analytically, that makes no sense whatsoever. Representing only 40% of the production, this blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, and 4% Cabernet Franc boasts an opaque ruby/purple color (one of the darkest Lafites I have seen in 30 years) as well as an extraordinary, blockbuster aromatic profile of lead pencil shavings, forest floor, black fruits, licorice, and a hint of unsmoked, high-class cigar tobacco. In the mouth, a massive richness is accompanied by a freshness, delineation, nuance, delicacy, and mind-boggling density. Even after three decades of tasting, I am still astonished when tasting such a prodigious wine as this. Full, inky, and rich with creme de cassis and spice box characteristics as well as a length that I stopped measuring after a minute, the wine reveals a sweetness to the tannin and an opulence to the fruit that suggests a hot, sunny vintage, but again, that was not the case. There wasnÕt a great deal of heat, but there was more sunshine than the negative press reported at the beginning of September. This is a great, great wine. The harvest at Lafite took place between October 1-7 for the Merlot grapes, the Cabernet Franc was picked in mid-October, and the Cabernet Sauvignon between October 7-14 - an unbelievably late harvest for this estate. This wine should evolve for 30-40 years and last 50 or more. As I have indicated before, LafiteÕs second wine is now one of BordeauxÕs finest second wines, and is made very much in the Lafite style. Interestingly, Lafite RothschildÕs manager, Charles Chevalier, told me there was not much flavor in the grapes in mid-September, but a month later, after four weeks of extraordinary weather, they believed something profound may have happened given the flavor development. Again, the historically long period between flowering and harvest, and very low yields are part of the secret to the great success of wines such as this. Robert Parker Wine Advocate April 2009 Parker Points: 98-100 Drinking Period: |
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Tasting Notes for Gigondas Le Poste - St Cosme, Ch de, 2008: The 2008 Gigondas Le Poste reveals slightly more evidence of new oak, a soft, berry style and darker fruit intermixed with hints of graphite and earth. This serious wine may rival the Hominis Fides as one of the two top Gigondas produced in this vintage. The Wine Advocate Oct '10. Parker Points: 90 Drinking Period: 2010-2018 |
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Tasting Notes for Vieux Chateau Certan, 2008: The 2008 Vieux Chateau Certan was still going through * malolactics when I tasted it, so my score is probably on the low side. Yields were a strikingly low 34 hectoliters per hectare, and the harvest was slightly earlier than at most properties, starting on September 28 and ending on October 8. The final blend had not yet been determined, but what I tasted was 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. As one might expect, this wine was among the least evolved and judge-able wines I tasted in late March. Nevertheless, it reveals outstanding potential, and once malo is finished, I would expect the wine to put on more weight and flesh. It reveals a dense purple color, plenty of depth, beautiful sweet, pure blue and red fruits, and notes of camphor as well as incense. The wineÕs striking freshness, length, and overall potential are promising. Production is off by 25% as there will be 3,000 rather than the normal 4,000 cases of the 2008.Given the structure, acids, and overall concentration, this wine should evolve for 25-35 years. Robert Parker Wine Advocate April 2009 Parker Points: 92-94 Drinking Period: 2009-2044 |
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Tasting Notes for Vieux Chateau Certan, 2008: The 2008 Vieux Chateau Certan was still going through * malolactics when I tasted it, so my score is probably on the low side. Yields were a strikingly low 34 hectoliters per hectare, and the harvest was slightly earlier than at most properties, starting on September 28 and ending on October 8. The final blend had not yet been determined, but what I tasted was 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. As one might expect, this wine was among the least evolved and judge-able wines I tasted in late March. Nevertheless, it reveals outstanding potential, and once malo is finished, I would expect the wine to put on more weight and flesh. It reveals a dense purple color, plenty of depth, beautiful sweet, pure blue and red fruits, and notes of camphor as well as incense. The wineÕs striking freshness, length, and overall potential are promising. Production is off by 25% as there will be 3,000 rather than the normal 4,000 cases of the 2008.Given the structure, acids, and overall concentration, this wine should evolve for 25-35 years. Robert Parker Wine Advocate April 2009 Parker Points: 92-94 Drinking Period: 2009-2044 |
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Tasting Notes for Pavie Macquin, 2008: I tasted this wine on four occasions, on one of which I was convinced it was still going through malolactic fermentation. It is another superb effort from this property that was elevated to premier grand cru classe status until a judge in Libourne, for unknown reasons, threw out the classification, a decision beyond belief, that is now under appeal. A number of exceptional wines have emerged from Pavie Macquin, which is managed by Nicolas Thienpont and Stephane Derenoncourt, and the 2008 boasts a whopping 14.5% natural alcohol, higher than in 2005, 2000, or 1998. While extremely high in tannin and very unevolved, for those with patience and cold cellars, or who plan to pass on their wines to their children, this is a worthwhile choice. It is that backward, concentrated, and impressive. It exhibits a black/purple color in addition to stunning notes of graphite, black fruits, underbrush, chocolate, and roasted coffee beans. Full-bodied, powerful, and rich, the high but sweet tannins, combined with the freshness of the acids make for a remarkably youthful, nuanced wine that should easily age for three decades. Robert Parker Wine Advocate April 2009 Parker Points: 93-95 Drinking Period: 2009-2039 |
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Tasting Notes for Calon Segur, 2008: Perhaps that explains the elegant, but rich style of the 2008 Calon Segur, which is dominated more than usual by Cabernet Sauvignon. Cropped at 40 hectoliters per hectare, it is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, and 2% Petit Verdot. Its sweet perfume of black currants, tobacco leaf, and licorice is followed by a wine with superb purity, good freshness, and a full-bodied style with ripe tannin as well as a long finish. Somewhat reminiscent of the 1996, although this vintage carries a much higher percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2008 should be relatively approachable given the sweetness of the tannins, and will evolve for 20-25 years. Calon SegurÕs harvest took place between October 1-16, not particularly late in the context of this vintage. Robert Parker Wine Advocate April 2009 Parker Points: 90-93 Drinking Period: 2016+ |
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Tasting Notes for Latour, 2007: Rated - No tasting note given. Wine Advocate # 176 Apr 2008 Parker Points: 90-93 Drinking Period: |
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Tasting Notes for Chateauneuf du Pape Tradition - Usseglio, Pierre, 2007: The 4,400-case blend of 80% Grenache and the rest Syrah, Mourvedre, and Cinsault, the 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape boasts a dense plum/purple color as well as a wonderfully sweet nose of fresh black truffles, incense, blue and black fruits, roasted herbs, and earth. The wine is full-bodied and pure with fresh acids, silky tannins, and a voluptuous mouthfeel. Drink this beauty over the next 10-12 years. Brothers Jean-Pierre and Thierry Usseglio have been accomplishing amazing things To reiterate, the 2007s are the most profound wines Thierry and Jean-Pierre have ever produced. Parker Points: 93 Drinking Period: |
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Tasting Notes for Chateauneuf du Pape Tradition - Usseglio, Pierre, 2007: The 4,400-case blend of 80% Grenache and the rest Syrah, Mourvedre, and Cinsault, the 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape boasts a dense plum/purple color as well as a wonderfully sweet nose of fresh black truffles, incense, blue and black fruits, roasted herbs, and earth. The wine is full-bodied and pure with fresh acids, silky tannins, and a voluptuous mouthfeel. Drink this beauty over the next 10-12 years. Brothers Jean-Pierre and Thierry Usseglio have been accomplishing amazing things To reiterate, the 2007s are the most profound wines Thierry and Jean-Pierre have ever produced. Parker Points: 93 Drinking Period: |
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Tasting Notes for Haut Bailly, 2007: Rated - No tasting note given. Wine Advocate # 176 Apr 2008 Parker Points: 90-92 Drinking Period: |
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Tasting Notes for Haut Bailly, 2007: Rated - No tasting note given. Wine Advocate # 176 Apr 2008 Parker Points: 90-92 Drinking Period: |
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Tasting Notes for Priorat - Llach, Vall, 2007: The flagship 2007 Vall-Llach is 70% Carinena, 15% Merlot, and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in new French oak for 14 months. Much of the Carinena is from estate vines over 100 years of age. It reveals an already complex perfume of fresh herbs, underbrush, slate, incense, and brooding black fruits that soars from the glass. Considerably more structured than its siblings, it has the stuffing to evolve for 8-10 years. Savory, plush, and built for pleasure, it will reward extended cellaring and deliver prime drinking from 2018 to 2035. The Wine Advocate April '10. Parker Points: 94 Drinking Period: 2018-2035 |
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Tasting Notes for Penfolds RWT Shiraz - Penfolds, 2006: The 2006 RWT Shiraz was aged for 14 months in 70% new French oak hogsheads. The winery describes its style as opulent and fleshy compared to Grange's muscular and assertive personality. Opaque purple in color, it offers aromas of Asian spices, beef juice, toast, blueberry, and licorice. Rich, fleshy, and round, it has plenty of underlying tannin, impeccable balance, and a long, pure finish. It will deliver prime drinking from 2014 to 2030. The Wine Advocate Dec 09. Parker Points: 95 Drinking Period: 2014-2030 |
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Tasting Notes for Chateauneuf du Pape Fiancee - Barroche, Domaine La, 2006: The substantial, modern-styled, dense ruby/purple-tinged 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape Fiancee is a rich, internationally-styled effort that is at complete odds with the other Chateauneufs from proprietor Julien Barrot. Well-made with outstanding purity, richness, and texture, full-bodied density, and sweet tannins, it should drink well for 10+ years. The Wine Advocate Oct 08 Parker Points: 91 Drinking Period: 2008-2018 |
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Tasting Notes for Chateauneuf du Pape Fiancee - Barroche, Domaine La, 2006: The substantial, modern-styled, dense ruby/purple-tinged 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape Fiancee is a rich, internationally-styled effort that is at complete odds with the other Chateauneufs from proprietor Julien Barrot. Well-made with outstanding purity, richness, and texture, full-bodied density, and sweet tannins, it should drink well for 10+ years. The Wine Advocate Oct 08 Parker Points: 91 Drinking Period: 2008-2018 |
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Tasting Notes for Chateauneuf du Pape Fiancee - Barroche, Domaine La, 2006: The substantial, modern-styled, dense ruby/purple-tinged 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape Fiancee is a rich, internationally-styled effort that is at complete odds with the other Chateauneufs from proprietor Julien Barrot. Well-made with outstanding purity, richness, and texture, full-bodied density, and sweet tannins, it should drink well for 10+ years. The Wine Advocate Oct 08 Parker Points: 91 Drinking Period: 2008-2018 |
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Tasting Notes for Chateauneuf du Pape Pure - Barroche, Domaine La, 2006: The 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape Pure looks to be nearly as brilliant as the 2007. One of the vintageÕs most compelling wines, it should be drunk now and over the next 12-14 years. Deep ruby-colored much lighter than the Fiancee, with beautiful notes of sweet kirsch liqueur, loamy soil, licorice, spice box, and high quality cigar tobacco, this wine is opulent, fleshy, and flamboyant with great purity. It serves as a riveting statement to the greatness of old vine Grenache grown in sandy soils. The Wine Advocate Oct '08. Parker Points: 95 Drinking Period: 2008-2022 |
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Tasting Notes for Chateauneuf du Pape Clos des Papes - Avril, 2006: The 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape is one of the two or three candidates for the wine of the vintage. An extraordinarily great wine, the 2006 is far superior to the 2005, which was amazing, and while made in a different style, is as great as the 2003, and such legends as 1990 and 1978. Fashioned from a minuscule 21 hectoliters per hectare, and tipping the scales at 15.2% natural alcohol, the 2006 boasts a dense ruby/purple color to the rim, in addition to an extraordinary bouquet of melted licorice, spring flowers, raspberries, black currants, spice box, and earth. In the mouth, it is utterly profound Ñ full-bodied and multidimensional with astonishing purity, length, equilibrium, and intensity. This is a superb vintage for the Avrils, and Vincent deserves huge accolades for producing a wine of such incredible intensity and complexity. Think of Clos des Papes as a Chateauneuf du Pape with the complexity of a top-notch grand cru Burgundy from the Cote de Nuits. Wine Advocate # 179 Oct 2008 Robert Parker 98 points. Parker Points: 98 Drinking Period: |
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Tasting Notes for Chateauneuf du Pape Clos des Papes - Avril, 2006: The 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape is one of the two or three candidates for the wine of the vintage. An extraordinarily great wine, the 2006 is far superior to the 2005, which was amazing, and while made in a different style, is as great as the 2003, and such legends as 1990 and 1978. Fashioned from a minuscule 21 hectoliters per hectare, and tipping the scales at 15.2% natural alcohol, the 2006 boasts a dense ruby/purple color to the rim, in addition to an extraordinary bouquet of melted licorice, spring flowers, raspberries, black currants, spice box, and earth. In the mouth, it is utterly profound Ñ full-bodied and multidimensional with astonishing purity, length, equilibrium, and intensity. This is a superb vintage for the Avrils, and Vincent deserves huge accolades for producing a wine of such incredible intensity and complexity. Think of Clos des Papes as a Chateauneuf du Pape with the complexity of a top-notch grand cru Burgundy from the Cote de Nuits. Wine Advocate # 179 Oct 2008 Robert Parker 98 points. Parker Points: 98 Drinking Period: |
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Tasting Notes for Costers de Vinyes Velles - Mas Doix, 2006: The 2006 DOIX Costers Vinyes Velles is displaying an attractive perfume, more floral than mineral, along with spicy red and black fruits. On the palate it is quite intense with more elevated acidity than its colleagues. The Wine Advocate May '11. Parker Points: 94 Drinking Period: |
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Tasting Notes for Sociando Mallet, 2006: Classic aromas of black currants, graphite, powdered wet rocks, and earthy undertones compete with the intense black currant fruit present in this structured, medium to full-bodied, concentrated 2006. Always an over-achiever, Sociando Mallet is built for 20-30 years of longevity. Parker Points: 90 Drinking Period: 2012-2025 |
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Tasting Notes for La Croix St Georges, 2006: Although not quite the blockbuster I expected from the barrel samples I tasted, this is, nevertheless, an outstanding effort from a vineyard situated next to the garagiste superstar, Le Pin. A dense ruby/purple color is accompanied by sumptuous aromas of truffles, chocolate, kirsch, fig, coffee, and toasty oak. Deep and full-bodied with a broad, savory mouthfeel, and a layered finish, this beauty will provide pleasure over the next 15-20 years. Kudos to Jean-Philippe Janoueix! Robert Parker- Wine Advocate #181 Feb 2009 Parker Points: 91 Drinking Period: 2009-2029 |
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Tasting Notes for La Mission Haut Brion, 2006: One of the vintage's top wines is the 2006 La Mission-Haut-Brion. From bottle, it reminds me of the 1998, given its structure and backward style. Dense ruby/purple-colored, it possesses a boatload of tannin, but with coaxing, tobacco leaf, sweet black currant, burning ember, and blue fruit characteristics emerge. While thick and full-bodied, the tannins seem more elevated than I remember from barrel. It is going to be a beauty, but like many of the top 2006s, considerable patience is required. Only 55% of the production made it into the grand vin as Jean-Philippe Delmas made a severe selection. The final blend was 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the 2006 has one of the highest natural alcohols ever achieved at La Mission, averaging around 14.3%, which is astonishingly high for a Graves. Robert Parker Wine Advocate #181 Feb 2009 Parker Points: 95 Drinking Period: 2018-2035 |
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Tasting Notes for Leoville Barton, 2006: This classically made, dense purple-hued wine exhibits enormous potential, but currently it is forebodingly backward, dense, and broad. Once again, proprietor Anthony Barton delivers a wine with superb concentration, a classic style, and the possibility of three decades or more of ageability. Like most of the finest Leoville Bartons, considerable patience will be required. The 2006 will need 8-10 years of cellaring, and may even rival the 2005. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2035. Wine Advocate # 170 Apr 2007. Parker Points: 92-94 Drinking Period: 2016-2035 |
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Tasting Notes for Langoa Barton, 2006: Much like its more famous sibling, Leoville Barton, the 2006 Langoa Barton is a heady, ripe, dense, tannic, powerful wine possessing a deep ruby/purple color as well as aromas of underbrush, damp earth, creme de cassis, and licorice. Rich, layered, and impressive, it will be drinkable between 2013-2030. Wine Advocate # 170 Apr 2007. Parker Points: 90-92 Drinking Period: 2013-2030 |
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Tasting Notes for Pontet Canet, Magnums, 2006: One canÕt say enough about the extraordinary quality proprietor Alfred Tesseron has achieved at Pontet-Canet over the last decade. The 2006 is another massive wine that may be as backward and concentrated as its nearby neighbor, Mouton Rothschild. Boasting a dense purple/black color in addition to aromas of creme de cassis, incense, burning embers/charcoal, and pain grille, it is monstrous in the mouth with huge flavor concentration, extremely high tannins, and significant extract. TesseronÕs goal appears to be a 50+ year wine. The 2006 requires a decade of patience. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2040+. Wine Advocate # 170 Apr 2007. Parker Points: 93-95 Drinking Period: 2016-2040 |
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Tasting Notes for Montrose, 2006: This is the first vintage produced under the full control of Jean-Bernard Delmas, the person responsible for so many of the great Haut-Brions between 1961 and 2003. Yields were kept low (41 hectoliters per hectare), and for the first time, the entire vineyard was crop-thinned. About 60% of the production made it into the final blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon and 28% Merlot and Petit Verdot. The deep ruby/purple-hued 2006 possesses classic aromas of creamy blackberries, cassis, flowers, and crushed rocks. It is medium-bodied with a multilayered texture, sweeter, more finely tuned tannin than past vintages, and a powerful finish. There has been no compromise to the wineÕs massive richness and density, but rather an emphasis on taming some of the huge tannins Montrose produces. It is an outstanding, fresh, lively effort that appears to be a brilliant achievement for the vintage. The tannin level ranks alongside such great Montrose vintages as 2005, 1990, and 1989, but they are noticeably sweeter. It should age handsomely for 30 or more years. Wine Advocate # 170 Apr 2007. Parker Points: 92-95 Drinking Period: 2007-2037 |
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Tasting Notes for Pichon Baron, 2006: A strong effort from this well-run estate, Pichon BaronÕs 2006 exhibits an inky/purple color as well as a sweet, pure nose of black currants, cedar, and smoky new oak. Full-bodied with ripe tannin, impressive concentration, and a layered mouthfeel, this is another noteworthy offering from an estate that has been remarkably successful over the last 15+ years. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2025+. Wine Advocate # 170 Apr 2007. Parker Points: 92-94 Drinking Period: 2012-2025 |
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Tasting Notes for Pichon Lalande, Magnums, 2006: Pichon LalandeÕs new owner, the Roederer champagne firm, appears to have produced one of the finest Pichon Lalandes made in recent years. Administrator Thomas Do-Chi-Nam, assisted in 2006 by consultant Hubert de Bouard, declared only 41% of the production as the grand vin, resulting in a wine that should rival both the 2003 and 2000. The final blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon and 36% Merlot was cropped at 41 hectoliters per hectare. This gorgeous wine represents an updated version of the 1996. It boasts a dense purple color as well as a beautiful nose of espresso roast, chocolate, creme de cassis, cedar, and spice. Full-bodied and powerful with high tannin, an attractive mouthfeel, and a multilayered texture, it will be a backward-styled Pichon Lalande, but it is significantly better than the 2005, recalling some of the finest vintages produced over the last 20-35 years. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030+. Wine Advocate # 170 Apr 2007. Parker Points: 94-96 Drinking Period: 2015-2030 |
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Tasting Notes for Mouton Rothschild, 2006: This extraordinary Mouton should turn out to be the finest they have made since the monumental 1982 and 1986. In early tastings, Mouton often seems to tag along behind the other first-growths. Yet in 2006, there is no question that the Baronne Philippine de Rothschild gave carte blanche authority to her talented administrator, Philippe Dalhuin, to turn up the heat in 2006. Yields were a tiny 32 hectoliters per hectare, the harvest took place between September 20 and October 15, and a minuscule 44% of the crop made it into the grand vin (the lowest percentage in more than half a century). The final blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon and 13% Merlot is unusually high in Cabernet Sauvignon, but it possesses MoutonÕs hallmarks of pure creme de cassis and flowers in addition to a toasty oak character. Profoundly concentrated, super-textured, and rich, MoutonÕs powerful, full-bodied 2006 is unquestionably a strong candidate for the Ùwine of the vintage.Î Kudos to MoutonÕs winemaking team for fashioning this brilliant wine. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2050. Wine Advocate # 170 Apr 2007. Parker Points: 96-100 Drinking Period: 2018-2050 |
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