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| Bordeaux |
| Red Wine |
CHÂTEAU BARDE-HAUT 2004
St-Émilion Grand Cru |
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| 62646 (XD) 750 mL $59 |
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| TASTING NOTE: A gorgeous nose of ripe raspberry, with hints of vanilla and blackberry. Intense yet subtle. Full-bodied, with lots of fruit, yet refined and layered with silky tannins. Long and caressing. Gets better and better. I like it more than the 2003 or the 2000. Best after 2012. Score - 91. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, March 31, 2007) |
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CHÂTEAU BEAUREGARD 2004
Pomerol |
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| 671727 (XD) 750 mL $49 |
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| TASTING NOTE: Perfumed and complex, with floral, chocolate and fruit aromas. Full-bodied, with silky tannins, layers of subtle fruit and a long finish. A pretty wine already. Best after 2011. Score - 89. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, March 31, 2007) |
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CHÂTEAU BEAUSÉJOUR DUFFAU 2004
Saint-Émilion Grand Cru |
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| 663740 (XD) 750 mL $64 |
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| TASTING NOTE: Wonderful blackberry and crushed raspberry aromas follow through to a full-bodied palate, with velvety tannins and a long, caressing finish. Balanced and long, with a lot in reserve. I like it as much as the 2000. Best after 2011. Score - 91. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, March 31, 2007) |
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CHÂTEAU BEYCHEVELLE 2004
St-Julien, 4e Cru |
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| 670026 (XD) 750 mL $57 |
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| TASTING NOTE: Shows gorgeous aromas of crushed raspberry and mineral. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long, caressing finish. A very pretty wine. The best Beychevelle since 2000. Best after 2009. Score - 91. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, March 31, 2007) |
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CHÂTEAU CERTAN DE MAY 2004
Pomerol |
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| 672147 (XD) 750 mL $84 |
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| TASTING NOTE: Tannic, rough-hewn, and backward, but also dense and promising, this dark plum/purple-tinged 2004 offers notes of forest floor, roasted herbs, asphalt, sweet black cherries, and minerals. The complex aromatics are followed by a medium-bodied, tannic, muscular Pomerol that requires 3-4 years of bottle age. It should drink well for 15+ years. Score - 89. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, June 2007) |
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CHÂTEAU CLERC MILON 2004
Pauillac, 5e Cru |
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| 664029 (XD) 750 mL $59 |
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| TASTING NOTE: This outstanding effort displays loads of cassis fruit interwoven with notions of espresso roast, white chocolate, and menthol. It possesses a terrific front end, good mid-section, and moderately high tannin in the finish. Approximately 15,000 cases were produced. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2025. Score - 90. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, June 2007) |
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CHÂTEAU DUHART MILON 2004
Pauillac, 4e Cru |
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| 670166 (XD) 750 mL $54 |
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| TASTING NOTE: Another sleeper of the vintage for this property that has been doing impressive work over recent vintages, the 2004 (a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot) displays a dark ruby/purple color along with classic aromas of cedar, creme de cassis, earth, spice, and wood. Medium to full-bodied, ripe, long, and impressively endowed, it should be at its peak between 2010-2022. Score - 91. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, June 2007) |
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CHÂTEAU FIGEAC 2004
Saint-Émilion, Ier Grand Cru Classé |
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| 671511 (XD) 750 mL $99 |
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TASTING NOTE: Intense, smoky oak, minerality. Firm, very mineral fruit, good structure, fine, multi-faceted, textured palate. Very young, excellent balance. Delicious, long, complex. Drink 2012-22. Score -  (out of 5). www.decanter.com, June 2007) |
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CHÂTEAU GRAND-MAYNE 2004
St-Émilion Grand Cru |
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| 663799 (XD) 750 mL $59 |
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| TASTING NOTE: Another sleeper of the vintage from this over-achieving estate, the fleshy, dark ruby/purple-tinged 2004 offers plenty of creme de cassis, mulberry, and cherry fruit as well as a notion of graphite. Medium to full-bodied, opulent, fleshy, and straightforward, this well-made St.-Emilion should drink nicely for 10-12+ years. Score - 89. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, June 2007) |
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CHÂTEAU LA FLEUR DE GAY 2004
Pomerol |
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| 670992 (XD) 750 mL $115 |
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| TASTING NOTE: A tiny production of only 343 cases (as opposed to 600+) were produced from this 7.5-acre vineyard located in the heart of Pomerol's famed plateau. The deep ruby/purple-tinged 2004 La Fleur de Gay offers raspberry, blueberry, floral, graphite, and toasty oak characteristics, medium to full body, beautiful richness and purity, and a nicely layered texture. With low acidity, outstanding concentration, and a long finish, this beauty should age effortlessly for 12-15 years. Score - 91. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, June 2007) |
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CHÂTEAU LA FLEUR-PETRUS 2004
Pomerol |
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| 672220 (XD) 750 mL $99 |
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| TASTING NOTE: Very attractive chocolate, black olive, berries and even tobacco on the nose. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins, a refined texture and a long, caressing finish. All here. Best after 2012. Score - 92. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, March 31, 2007) |
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CHÂTEAU LAFLEUR 2004
Pomerol |
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| 672121 (XD) 750 mL $550 |
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| TASTING NOTE: Subtle yet complex aromas of raspberry, dark chocolate and flowers follow through to a full-bodied palate, with ultrafine tannins and a long, caressing finish. Very refined and pretty, with a solid core of fruit. Hard not to drink now. This is really seamless in texture, with fabulous tannins. Best after 2010. Score - 94. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, March 31, 2007) |
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CHÂTEAU LATOUR À POMEROL 2004
Pomerol |
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| 671768 (XD) 750 mL $69 |
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| TASTING NOTE: Aromas of sweet fruit and chocolate follow through to a medium body, with fine tannins and a fresh finish. Very balanced, yet there's a solid core of fruit underneath. Best after 2008. Score - 90. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, March 31, 2007) |
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CHÂTEAU LE BON PASTEUR 2004
Pomerol |
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| 671446 (XD) 750 mL $85 |
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| TASTING NOTE: A strong effort from proprietors Dany and Michel Rolland, the 2004 Bon Pasteur exhibits caramel and mocha-infused black cherry fruit intermixed with earth, spice box, and subtle herb notes. A lush, velvety texture, outstanding ripeness, fine purity, and a fruit-driven, round finish suggest it will drink well during its first 10-15 years of life. Score - 90. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, June 2007) |
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CHÂTEAU LYNCH BAGES 2004
Pauillac, 5e Cru |
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| 663989 (XD) 750 mL $110 |
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| TASTING NOTE: As always, Lynch-Bages comes in with an impressive performance. It is rich, dense and ripe with black fruit flavors. The texture is solid, the intense fruits complemented by ripe tannins. And, to finish, there is the freshness of currant fruit acidity. A really fine wine. An Editors' Choice. Score - 94. (Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast, June 1, 2007) |
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CHÂTEAU LÉOVILLE POYFERRÉ 2004
St-Julien, 2e Cru |
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| 670117 (XD) 750 mL $95 |
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| TASTING NOTE: Along with Leoville Las Cases and a few others, this is among the stars of the appellation. Made in a more floral, supple, Margaux-like style, the deep ruby/purple-hued 2004 Leoville Poyferre exhibits sweet, broad flavors, and plenty of tannin lurking beneath the surface. However, the abundant cherry, black currant, licorice, and smoke notes obscure the tannic clout. This rich, powerful, broad beauty should be drinkable in 2-3 years, and last for two decades. Score - 93. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, June 2007) |
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CHÂTEAU MAGDELAINE 2004
St-Émilion Grand Cru |
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| 671776 (XD) 750 mL $67 |
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TASTING NOTE: Bright and perfumed aromas of plum, lilac and toast. Full-bodied, with layers of ultrafine tannins and a long, caressing finish. Cashmere. Beautiful. Best after 2012.
Score - 91. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, March 31, 2007) |
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CHÂTEAU MALESCOT ST. EXUPÉRY 2004
Margaux, 3e Cru |
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| 675884 (XD) 750 mL $55 |
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TASTING NOTE: Interesting aromas of dried flowers and currant on the nose. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a round, caressing finish. Very balanced and stylish. Best after 2011.
Score - 90. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, March 31, 2007) |
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CHÂTEAU MONTROSE 2004
St-Estèphe, 2e Cru |
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| 669689 (XD) 750 mL $99 |
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| TASTING NOTE: Dark-colored, with beautiful spice, blackberry and licorice aromas. Full-bodied, round and velvety, with wonderful balance and a long, long finish. This is a Montrose that caresses your palate. Best after 2011. Score - 92. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, March 31, 2007) |
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CHÂTEAU PAVIE 2004
St-Émilion Ier Grand Cru Classé |
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| 671560 (XD) 750 mL $209 |
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| TASTING NOTE: A brilliant effort from proprietors Chantal and Gerard Perse, Pavie's 2004 (7,050 cases) exhibits an inky/ruby/purple color, a surprisingly soft, forward style for this hallowed terroir, full-bodied, and concentrated creme de cassis flavors intermixed with cherries, truffles, and subtle smoky wood notes. Beautifully-textured as well as expansive, this may be the most developed and forward Pavie made by Perse since his acquisition of the property in 1998. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2025+. Score - 95. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, June 2007) |
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CHÂTEAU SMITH HAUT LAFITTE 2004
Pessac-Léognan, Cru Classé |
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| 664300 (XD) 750 mL $75 |
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| TASTING NOTE: A sensational effort and one of the stars of the vintage, Smith-Haut-Lafitte's 2004 possesses an inky/blue/purple-tinged color as well as a sumptuous nose of lead pencil shavings, spring flowers, blueberries, and blackberries. Surprisingly full-bodied for the vintage with stunning concentration, purity, and overall harmony, this is another brilliant wine from the proprietors, the Cathiards, who have done such a spectacular job at this estate since the early 1990s. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2022. Score - 93. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, June 2007) |
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CHÂTEAU TALBOT 2004
St-Julien, 4e Cru |
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| 663914 (XD) 750 mL $55 |
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| TASTING NOTE: Shows blackberry, with some meat and smoke character. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and a chocolate, berry and light vanilla aftertaste. Balanced. Best after 2008. Score - 89. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, March 31, 2007) |
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CHÂTEAU TROPLONG MONDOT 2004
St-Émilion Grand Cru |
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| 663963 (XD) 750 mL $73 |
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| TASTING NOTE: Aromas of blackberry, with hints of tobacco. Full-bodied, with fine tannins, good length and a delicate, fruity aftertaste. Much more refined than I remember from barrel. Caressing. Best after 2007. Score - 90. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, March 31, 2007) |
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CHÂTEAU TROTANOY 2004
Pomerol |
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| 671750 (XD) 750 mL $119 |
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| TASTING NOTE: Aromas of crushed fruit and flowers, with hints of vanilla. Full-bodied, with a solid core of ripe fruit, ultrafine tannins and light toasty oak. Best after 2012. Score - 92. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, March 31, 2007) |
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CLOS L'EGLISE 2004
Pomerol |
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| 63073 (D) 750 mL $179 |
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| TASTING NOTE: Made in a very forward style, the 2004 Clos l'Eglise offers sweet mocha-infused black raspberry and chocolate cherry-like fruit in its intense aromatics. In the mouth, it is pure silk, medium-bodied, and beautifully concentrated with no hard edges. Filled with sensual fruit, glycerin, and body, this is a delicious, food and consumer-friendly, complex Pomerol that should drink beautifully for 12-14 years. Score - 91. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, June 2007) |
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COS D'ESTOURNEL 2004
St-Estèphe, 2e Cru |
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| 670968 (XD) 750 mL $145 |
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| TASTING NOTE: A beautiful example of the vintage, proprietor Michel Reybier and his top-notch winemaker, Jean-Guillaume Prats, have fashioned an exceptional wine displaying a dense ruby/purple color as well as a sweet perfume of boysenberries, black currants, cherries, pain grille, roasted herbs, and licorice. Medium-bodied with impressive density for the vintage, sweet tannin, and outstanding richness and length, it should be at its finest between 2009 and 2020+. Score - 92. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, June 2007) |
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GÉRARD DEPARDIEU CONFIANCE 2004
Ier Côtes de Blaye |
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| 61762 (XD) 750 mL $59 |
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"Bordeaux's Bernard Magrez made his fortune as a négociant ... Over the years, he also acquired many estates, and in 2005 he sold his négociant firm to concentrate on winemaking. Magrez now owns 10 Bordeaux properties and contracts for special cuvées at 10 more in Bordeaux and 5 in Languedoc-Roussillon ... Wherever he goes, Magrez sets the highest standards." (Robert Parker Jr., Business Week, May 14, 2007) This wine is from the impressive Magrez portfolio and, yes, it is produced in partnership with the famous French actor.
TASTING NOTE: This elegant 500-case blend of 95% Merlot and 5% Malbec exhibits gorgeous aromatics of sweet berries intermixed with smoke, flowers, and forest floor. An attractive, medium-bodied effort with tremendous richness, texture, and concentration, it should be consumed during its first 7-8 years of life. Score - (89-91). (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, June 2006) |
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LE PETIT CHEVAL 2004
St-Émilion Grand Cru, 2nd Wine of Cheval Blanc |
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| 671081 (XD) 750 mL $99 |
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| TASTING NOTE: Bright ruby-red. Blueberry, violet and mint on the nose. A smooth, suave midweight, with slightly medicinal blueberry and bitter chocolate flavors. Finishes with smooth but firm tannins. Score - 87-89. (Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, May/June 2005) |
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PAVILLON ROUGE 2004
2nd wine of Château Margaux |
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| 663930 (XD) 750 mL $99 |
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| TASTING NOTE: Margaux's second wine, the 2004 Pavillon Rouge du Chateau Margaux, may turn out to be outstanding. Its deep ruby/purple hue is accompanied by fleshy notes of black currants, cherries, smoke, earth, and spring flowers. Lovely, ripe, and opulent, it is best consumed during its first 10-15 years of life. Score - 89. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, June 2007) |
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PENSÉES DE LAFLEUR 2004
Pomerol, 2nd Wine of Château Lafleur |
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| 672113 (XD) 750 mL $95 |
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TASTING NOTE: Silky and fruity, with berry, plum and mineral character. Full-bodied, with well-integrated tannins and a long, caressing finish. Well done for the second wine of Lafleur.
Score - 89-91. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, June 30, 2005) |
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CHÂTEAU L'ENCLOS 2003
Pomerol |
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| 71993 (XD) 750 mL $45 |
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| TASTING NOTE: This family winery is one of the appellation's sure values. The vineyard is planted on a mixture of stony, sandy and clay soil and is located in the Moulinet area between the roads to Lyon and Paris. The wine displays a bright deep ruby colour. Its expressive bouquet offers a mixture of crushed red berries, vanilla toasted wood and light tobacco. Powerful on the palate, it's supple and fruity. Well balanced and supported by soft and fine tannins. Already very attractive, this wine will be at its best in two years. Score - (out of 3). Guide Hachette, 2007) |
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CLOS L'EGLISE 2003
Pomerol |
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| 63123 (D) 750 mL $165 |
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| TASTING NOTE: Lots of violet and floral character with plum and berry. Full, round and juicy, with plummy vanilla and chocolate character. Yummy wine. Best after 2008. Score - 93. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, March 31, 2006) |
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CHÂTEAU CLOS DE SARPE 2001
St-Émilion Grand Cru |
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| 579599 (XD) 750 mL $179 |
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| TASTING NOTE: This may be the biggest, richest, most intensely concentrated wine of the vintage in St-Emilion (much like it was in 2000). Sadly, there are only 900 cases of this unfined/unfiltered 85% Merlot / 15% Cabernet Sauvignon blend (made from yields of 23 hectoliters per hectare), most of which comes from 60-80-year old vines. Made in a huge, nectar of the vine-like style, it is incredibly pure and rich, but is very uncompromising. It appears to be a modern day version of a wine made in the 1800s. Enormously concentrated, massive on the palate, with excruciatingly high levels of tannin, but also high levels of extract, it is meant for patient connoisseurs. It will have a fascinating evolution, lasting 30-40 years, but being conservative, I will just say drink it between 2010-2025. In all respects, this admirable effort is a throwback to days long gone. Score - 95. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, June 2004) |
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CHÂTEAU DUCRU-BEAUCAILLOU 2001
St-Julien, 2e Cru |
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| 732230 (XD) 750 mL $159 |
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| TASTING NOTE: Loads of crushed berries on the nose, with hints of flowers and minerals. Very aromatic. Full-bodied, with fine tannins and a long, cappuccino and berry aftertaste. Really refined. Best after 2009. Score - 92. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, March 31, 2004) |
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CHÂTEAU LÉOVILLE-LAS CASES 2001
St-Julien, 2e Cru |
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| 603902 (XD) 750 mL $259 |
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| TASTING NOTE: This is very floral and perfumed with lots of violets, roses and berries. Full-bodied, with ultrafine tannins and a racy finish. Superfresh and long. Focused and clean. Best after 2010. Score - 94. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, March 31, 2004) |
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CHÂTEAU MONBOUSQUET 2001
St-Émilion Grand Cru |
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| 71977 (XD) 750 mL $139 |
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| TASTING NOTE: The home estate of Chantal and Gerard Perse, the 2001 Monbousquet (a 7,500-case blend of 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon bottled unfined and unfiltered) is a big, flamboyant, sexy offering with a dense ruby/purple color as well as a big, sweet nose of licorice, dried herbs, smoke, black currants, and blackberries. Beautifully textured, medium to full-bodied, opulent, and forward, this is a juicy, succulent, seductive claret to drink over the next 10-12 years. Score - 91. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, June 2004) |
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CHÂTEAU CADET-PIOLA 2000
St-Émilion Grand Cru |
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| 72033 (XD) 750 mL $69 |
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| TASTING NOTE: Subtle aromas of ripe fruit and Indian spices follow through to a full-bodied palate, yet reserved, with well-integrated tannins. Racy red. Best after 2008. Score - 90. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, March 31, 2003) |
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CHÂTEAU DU TERTRE 2000
Margaux, 5e Cru |
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| 72157 (XD) 750 mL $109 |
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| TASTING NOTE: A dense purple color is followed by layers of concentrated blackberry fruit intertwined with damp earth, mushroom, and sweet, toasty barrique smells. With ripe tannin, medium to full body, a layered texture, and a concentrated, impressively endowed finish, this is the finest Du Tertre since their 1979. This is a property on the move ... up! Anticipated maturity: 2004-2018. Score - 91. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, April 2003) |
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CHÂTEAU FERRIÈRE 2000
Margaux, 3e Cru |
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| 72330 (XD) 750 mL $129 |
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| TASTING NOTE: This shows lots of coffee, tobacco, currants and berry character. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a medium, silky finish. One of the great success stories in the Medoc of recent. And going strong as ever. Best after 2008. Score - 93. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, March 31, 2003) |
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CHÂTEAU HAUT-BAGES LIBÉRAL 2000
Pauillac, 5e Cru |
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| 72165 (XD) 750 mL $115 |
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| TASTING NOTE: Lots of currant and berry aromas and flavors. Full-bodied, with compacted fruit and a silky tannin structure. Best of Haut-Bages-Libéral ever. Best after 2009. Score - 92. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, March 31, 2003) |
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CHÂTEAU HAUT-BERGEY 1999
Pessac-Léognan |
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| 62810 (XD) 750 mL $65 |
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| TASTING NOTE: The 1999 Haut Bergey is a classic Graves. It is extraordinarily complex aromatically, light on its feet in the mouth as well as a model of elegance and symmetry. The color is dark ruby, and the splendid nose reveals notes of cigar tobacco intermixed with plum, cherry, and currant fruit, grilled herbs, and roasted nuts. It is medium-bodied, with sweet fruit on the attack, and an expansive Burgundian-like finish with light tannin and enough acidity to provide grip, freshness, and delineation. This terrific effort needs to be consumed during its first 7-12 years of life. Score - 90. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, April 2002) |
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CHÂTEAU LAGRANGE 1999
St-Julien, 3e Cru |
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| 72090 (XD) 750 mL $84 |
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| TASTING NOTE: Good bright medium ruby. Full-blown, expressive nose combines spiced black plum and strong torrefaction notes of smoke, coffee and mocha. Offers lovely freshness in the mouth, with flavors of dark berries and flowers enlivened by juicy acidity. Easy to drink now owing to its fine tannins, but this attractive midweight should offer another eight to ten years of pleasure. Score - 89. (Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, Sept./Oct. 2004) |
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CHÂTEAU MONTROSE 1999
St-Estèphe, 2e Cru |
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| 72082 (XD) 750 mL $119 |
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| TASTING NOTE: The black/purple-colored 1999 Montrose offers up notes of pure black fruits intermixed with minerals, smoke, and earth. It is extremely concentrated, surprisingly powerful and dense, with moderate tannin. Its size, strength, and medium to full-bodied personality are atypical for the vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2025. Score - 90. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, April 2002) |
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CHÂTEAU GRUAUD LAROSE 1998
St-Julien, 2e Cru |
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| 72074 (XD) 750 mL $115 |
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| TASTING NOTE: Perfumed sweet fruit nose with berry, liquorice and spice. Very young, very wonderful and great depth. Lovely long and complex. Fantastic. Score - (out of 5). www.decanter.com, 2001) |
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CHÂTEAU MONTROSE 1998
St-Estèphe, 2e Cru |
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| 72066 (XD) 750 mL $115 |
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| TASTING NOTE: A classic effort, the 1998 Montrose exhibits a dense purple color in addition to a sweet nose of jammy cassis, licorice, earth, and smoke. It is a powerful and full-bodied wine with well-integrated tannin. Given Montrose's tendency to shut down, it is performing better out of bottle than I expected. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2030. Score - 90. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, April 2001) |
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CHÂTEAU LAFON-ROCHET 1996
St-Estèphe, 4e Cru |
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| 17855 (XD) 750 mL $109 |
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| TASTING NOTE: One of the sleepers of the 1996 vintage, Lafon-Rochet has turned out an atypically powerful, rich, and concentrated wine bursting with black currant fruit. The opaque purple color gives way to a medium to full-bodied, tannic, backward wine with terrific purity, a sweet, concentrated mid-palate, and a long, blockbuster finish. This wine remains one of the finest values from the luxury-priced 1996 vintage, and is well-worth purchasing by readers who are willing to invest 5-6 years of patience; it should keep for two decades. Score - 90. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, April 1999) |
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| Bordeaux |
| White Wine |
Y DE CHÂTEAU D'YQUEM 2005
Bordeaux |
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| 74146 (D) 750 mL $375 |
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'Y' is Château d'Yquem's rarely produced dry white wine.
TASTING NOTE: Has lovely vanilla and tropical fruit character. Full, rich and long, yet elegant and racy, with dried pineapple and white peach. Gorgeous. This is two-thirds Sauvignon and one-third Semillon. Score - 92-94. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, Web Only, 2007) |
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CHÂTEAU HAUT-BERGEY BLANC 2004
Pessac-Léognan |
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| 62794 (XD) 750 mL $53 |
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Neal Martin's Wine Journal is a relatively recent addition to Robert Parker's website.
TASTING NOTE: A lovely grassy nose with great definition and vitality. The palate has well-integrated oak with fresh apple and lime. Rounded with a crisp finish. Very fine, one of my favourite white Pessac wines. Score - (90-92). (Neal Martin, Wine Journal, www.erobertparker.com, April 2005) |
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CHÂTEAU SMITH HAUT LAFFITE BLANC 2004
Pessac-Léognan |
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| 669937 (XD) 750 mL $75 |
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Robert Parker Jr. awarded this wine a score of 94 but provided no tasting note. (www.erobertparker.com, June 2007)
TASTING NOTE: Aromas of honey, pineapple, cream and piecrust follow through to a full body, with lots of caramel and tropical fruit character. Long and layered. Rich and delicious. Drink now. Score - 92. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, Web Only, 2008) |
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| Sauternes |
| White Wine |
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CHÂTEAU D'YQUEM 2004
Sauternes, Ier Cru Supérieur |
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| 670059 (S) 375 mL $195 |
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| TASTING NOTE: Wonderful aromas of pineapple, apple and lemon, with loads of botrytis. Full-bodied, but very refined, superfresh and racy. Goes on and on. Fabulous. Incredible purity and brightness. Like a perfectly cut diamond. Pierre Lurton, the manager of Yquem as well as Cheval-Blanc, really wanted to mark his arrival at the legendary estate, so he went to draconian lengths to deliver something superb in 2004. Score - 95-100. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, June 30, 2005) |
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CHÂTEAU GUIRAUD 2003
Sauternes, Ier Cru |
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| 63107 (S) 750 mL $105 |
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This wine was ranked #14 on Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2006.
TASTING NOTE: This is very sweet and rich on the nose, with toffee, honey and spices. Full-bodied, with thick honey, spice, dried apricot and syrup flavors. Lasts for minutes on the palate. Big botrytis bomb. Love it. Best after 2010. Score - 95. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, March 31, 2006) |
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CHÂTEAU RAYMOND-LAFON 2003
Sauternes |
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| 72017 (MS) 750 mL $99 |
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Robert Parker awarded this wine a score of 92 but provided no tasting note. (www.erobertparker.com, April 2006).
TASTING NOTE: Tasted twice - last time in April 2006. Every time I taste this wine, it gains more and more nuances. Light golden, extremely intense tropical fruit aromas, botrytis was simply fantastic with incredible depth and intensity. It was extremely sophisticated and refined on the palate with gobs of nuances and 2 minute aftertaste. 99.9% of entire harvest became Grand Vin. Wow - this one is close to [being] a legend!!! (www.greatbordeauxwines.com, 2008) |
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CHÂTEAU D'YQUEM 1999
Sauternes, Ier Cru Supérieur |
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| 579623 (S) 375 mL $196 |
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Robert Parker Jr. awarded this wine a score of 92 but provided no tasting note. (www.erobertparker.com, April 2005)
TASTING NOTE: And finally a particularly forward vintage of this superlative wine which showed all the richness and concentration that Yquem can muster even if not much nerve or tension. It stood up beautifully to the Roquefort served with it, cleverly and successfully sandwiched in sweet apple slices. Drink 2006-2035. Score - 17.5 (out of 20). (Jancis Robinson M.W., www.jancisrobinson.com, Dec. 3, 2007) |
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CHÂTEAU D'YQUEM 1998
Sauternes, Ier Cru Supérieur |
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| 686519 (S) 375 mL $209 |
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| TASTING NOTE: Pale gold. Knockout aromas of creme brulee, coconut, vanilla bean, honey and orange peel. Lush and seductively silky in the mouth; its creamy, seamless texture makes it seem deceptively accessible today but sound acid structure should keep it going for 20 years or more. Not hugely sweet or tropical but very complex and fine. Firm, hazelnutty finish offers great length, if not quite the grip of the '89. Score - 95. (Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, July/Aug. 2000) |
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CHÂTEAU RIEUSSEC 1996
Sauternes, Ier Cru |
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| 72173 (S) 750 mL $109 |
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| TASTING NOTE: This wine offers an orange, caramel, and honeyed nose with intriguing quince/kumquat fruit flavors, a complex personality, and a low level of glycerin in the mouth. This medium to full-bodied, long wine will be at its peak between 2000-2020. Score - 89. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, April 1999) |
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| Burgundy |
| Côte de Nuits |
| Red Wine |
DOMAINE DES LAMBRAYS CLOS DES LAMBRAYS 2005
Grand Cru |
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| 588566 (XD) 750 mL $195 |
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Two of Morey St. Denis' four Grand Crus are monopoles (i.e., a vineyard wholly owned by a single proprietor), which is a rarity in Burgundy, and both are in this Classics Collection. This Clos de Lambray and Mommesin's Clos de Tart (683649) are regarded as jewels in the crown of their respective owners.
TASTING NOTE: Medium red. Riper, darker nose features blueberry, spices and a sexy earthy perfume. Supple and juicy, with excellent spicy lift to the blackberry, blueberry, game and mineral flavors. Sweeter and denser than the village example but more noteworthy for its insinuating soil tones than for sheer size-or is this simply in a shell today? The long, resounding, dry finish features very fine-grained tannins and lovely lift. This, too, seems to be shutting down in the bottle. But it should be long-lived. Score - 93(+?). (Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, March/April 2008) |
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ARMAND ROUSSEAU CHAMBERTIN CLOS DE BÈZE 2005
Grand Cru |
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| 708271 (XD) 750 mL $235 |
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| TASTING NOTE: The 2005 Chambertin Clos de Beze offers alluring aromas of licorice, mint, vanilla, plum paste, cherry preserves and rose petals, and seduces the palate with silky, incredibly refined texture and several octaves of fruit, herbal, floral and mineral notes, leading to a reverberative finish in which fruit pit and stony, chalky elements lend a sense of dark, weighty authority and an umami-like, meaty savor promotes uncontrollable salivation. No layering or mixing of metaphors can hope to do justice to the layering and concatenation of flavors on display. Score - (96-98). (David Schildknecht, www.erobertparker.com, April 2007) |
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ARMAND ROUSSEAU CHARMES-CHAMBERTIN 2005
Grand Cru |
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| 675710 (XD) 750 mL $125 |
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TASTING NOTE: This too is quite ripe though by no means surmature, offering a mix of black cherry and blue berry accompanied by ample earth and game hints that continue onto the rich, sweet, textured and fleshy flavors that are generous but not soft on the opulent and deep finish. Like the Gevrey, this is more expressive and accessible than usual at this stage though there is an underlying tannic spine that will enable to improve for up to a decade.
Score - 89-92. (Allen Meadows, www.burghound.com, Jan. 2007) |
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ARMAND ROUSSEAU CLOS DE LA ROCHE 2005
Grand Cru |
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| 675702 (XD) 750 mL $135 |
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| TASTING NOTE: Rousseau's 2005 Clos de la Roche offers a nose of ripe cherries, cedar and brown spices, a rich and expansive palate, and a sweet, pure, juicy finish of cherry, boysenberry, toasty, crusty pastry, hints of caramel, a whiff of wood smoke and a lick of salt. For purity of fruit and intensity allied to formidable extract and superb, lattice-like structure, it's hard to beat this wine as a candidate for at least a couple of decades in the cellar, one to check up on in eight or ten years. Score - (92-94). (David Schildknecht, www.erobertparker.com, April 2007) |
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ARMAND ROUSSEAU GEVREY-CHAMBERTIN CLOS ST. JACQUES 2005
Ier Cru |
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| 675686 (XD) 750 mL $189 |
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| TASTING NOTE: With the 2005 Gevrey-Chambertin Clos St.-Jacques (which by its position in tastings here the Rousseaus conspicuously rate as grand cru) we arrive at the first wine that is matured in new wood. Pure, sweet, fresh black cherry fruit, marrowy and enveloping carnal richness, mysteriously enticing florality, low-toned, chalky minerality and accents of black tea and star anise are featured in this remarkably seamless wine. Meat, minerals and mystery dominate a finish that is profoundly layered yet preserves sheer palate-cleansing refreshment and positively vibrates with vividly fresh fruit intensity ... Score - (94-96). (David Schildknecht, www.erobertparker.com, April 2007) |
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| DOMAINE ALAIN JEANNIARD MOREY-ST-DENIS VIEILLES VIGNES 2005 |
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| 62885 (D) 750 mL $50 |
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| Alain Jeanniard assumed the reins of his family's domaine in 2000. With fruit sourced from 80-year-old vines, only five half-barrels of this wine were made. From its garnet-hued mantle and openly fragrant nose (reminiscent of crushed red fruits) to its well-structured palate and silky tannins, this lovely wine will charm any Burgundy enthusiast, especially those hunting for superb value. |
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DOMAINE LAMBRAYS MOREY ST. DENIS LES LOUPS 2005
Ier Cru |
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| 596916 (XD) 750 mL $115 |
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| TASTING NOTE: Here there is more aromatic elegance as well as depth with a broader spectrum of fruit aromas nuanced by spice and mineral hints that continue onto the rich, vibrant and intense medium full flavors underpinned by suave tannins and a detailed and wonderfully pure finish. Recommended. Drink: 2013+. Score - 91. (Allen Meadows, www.burghound.com, Jan. 1, 2008) |
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DOMAINE MOMMESSIN CLOS DE TART 2004
Grand Cru |
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| 683649 (XD) 750 mL $245 |
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Two of Morey St. Denis' four Grand Crus are monopoles (i.e., a vineyard wholly owned by a single proprietor), which is a rarity in Burgundy, and both are in this Classics Collection. This Clos de Tart and Domaine Lambrays' Clos de Lambray (588566) are regarded as jewels in the crown of their respective owners.
TASTING NOTE: A discreetly oaky overlay frames ripe spicy blackberry, dark cherry and a hint of forest floor aromas that lead to rich, full, sweet, thick and powerful flavors that culminate in a linear and penetrating finish. This is a relatively big and concentrated effort that offers a really attractive sense of underlying tension and energy. Score - 91. (Allen Meadows, www.burghound.com, Jan. 1, 2007) |
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JOSEPH DROUHIN CHARMES-CHAMBERTIN 2000
Grand Cru |
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| 957043 (XD) 750 mL $109 |
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| Joseph Drouhin's winemaking technique remains strictly traditional. The grapes are hand-picked, and no fertilizers or weed-killers are used. Fermentation takes place in wooden vats, after which the wine ages 18 months in oak barrels. This is a silky and harmonious effort, with tart cherry dominating the nose, tempered by hints of earth and woody oak at the edges. Silky smooth and balanced by racy acidity, it offers flavours of dried cherry and sweet spices that linger on the long, long finish. |
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| Burgundy |
| Côte de Beaune |
| Red Wine |
DOMAINE ANTONIN GUYON VOLNAY CLOS DES CHÊNES 2005
Ier Cru |
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| 73650 (D) 750 mL $67 |
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| TASTING NOTE: An absolutely gorgeous nose blends red, black and blue berry fruit aromas plus notes of violets, earth and hints of spice and smoke that complement perfectly the rich, full and admirably powerful big-boned flavors supported by dense but fine tannins and outstanding length. This is a classic Clos des Chênes, which means that it's a powerful wine by the usual standards of Volnay and built to age for the better part of a decade. Score - 90-92. (Allen Meadows, www.burghound.com, April 2007) |
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CHATEAU DE LA MALTROYE CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET CLOS SAINT-JEAN 2005
Ier Cru |
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| 63594 (XD) 750 mL $54 |
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| TASTING NOTE: This is definitely more elegant with airy and pure red pinot aromas nuanced by hints of minerality, earth and a touch of smoke that complements the ripe, concentrated and firm but not hard flavors that deliver excellent length and punch. This is a refined Chassagne. Drink 2011+. Score - 89-91. (Allen Meadows, www.burghound.com, April 2007) |
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DOMAINE ANTONIN GUYON CORTON-BRESSANDES 2005
Grand Cru |
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| 73668 (D) 750 mL $89 |
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| TASTING NOTE: As it should be, this is finer, more elegant and more sophisticated though interestingly there is a touch of menthol here too on the otherwise pure red and black pinot fruit nose that introduces finely detailed and intensely mineral flavors that possess driving power on the superbly long finish. This is a near perfect alliance of power and refinement and certainly as Corton goes, this is an elegant example. Score - 91-94. (Allen Meadows, www.burghound.com, April 2007) |
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JOSEPH DROUHIN CLOS DES MOUCHES 2005
Ier Cru |
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| 507939 (XD) 750 mL $99 |
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| TASTING NOTE: Representing huge domaine holdings and in effect the Drouhin flag ship, their 2005 Beaune Clos des Mouches displays aromas of roasted meat, wood smoke, black truffles, plum and black raspberry. Persistently meaty in the mouth, with plum pit and wet stone adjuncts, this is archetypal 2005: richly ripe yet with an invigorating tart fresh edge and quite dark, even somber in flavor shadings. The long savory finish, while pouring out a generous helping of top quality fruit and meat juices, also offers a veritable catalog of mineral nuances ... if only one had names for them all. This should be terrific in 5-7 years. Score - 92. (David Schildknecht, www.erobertparker.com, June 2007) |
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JOSEPH DROUHIN CLOS DES MOUCHES 2003
Ier Cru |
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| 950386 (XD) 750 mL $95 |
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| TASTING NOTE: Plums and black cherries can be found in the aromatic profile of the 2003 Beaune Clos des Mouches (red). Revealing impressive amplitude, a silky, expansive nature, this medium-bodied effort is lush, deep, and dense. Bottled unfined, it displays spiced dark cherry and blackberry flavors as well as a structured backbone. Incidentally, while I long thought that Drouhin's famous Clos des Mouches was produced entirely from estate vineyards, I learned that it is in fact a blend that includes purchased wine. Drink it between 2006 and 2012. Score - 89. (Pierre Rovani, www.erobertparker.com, April 2005) |
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|
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| Burgundy |
| Côte de Beaune |
| White Wine |
| CHÂTEAU DE MELIN MEURSAULT LES GRANDS CHARRONS 2005 |
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| 62836 (XD) 750 mL $47 |
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| Compare this wine to Colin-Morey Meursault Les Charmes 2005 (53066). Set up a miniature tasting of 2005 Meursaults and see what a near perfect vintage can do to the wines. Explore the nuances, similarities and differences and determine which of these wines, or both, fits your tastes. |
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| DOMAINE GUY ROULOT MEURSAULT LES MEIX CHAVAUX 2005 |
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| 52928 (XD) 750 mL $85 |
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| TASTING NOTE: Reticent aromas of crushed stone and menthol. Tactile and perfumed in the mouth; a step up in concentration and grip from the Vireuils. Flavors of lime skin and hazelnut are nicely lifted by a floral element. Plenty of texture and sweetness here. Finishes with lovely persistence. Roulot prefers the 2004 vintage to 2005, but not for this wine, as the normally high acidity here favored the '05. Score - 91. (Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, Sept./Oct. 2007) |
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DOMAINE THIERRY ET PASCALE MATROT MEURSAULT-CHARMES 2005
Ier Cru |
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| 748939 (XD) 750 mL $95 |
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| TASTING NOTE: Notes of orange blossom, lemon rind and spice hints can be found on the expressive and relatively high-toned nose that merges into exceptionally tight and backward flavors that possess ample dry extract that confers an almost chewy texture on the strict finish. While this is quite linear today, the underlying material is such that it will probably turn the palate impression to one of opulence and generosity with age. Outstanding! Drink: 2010+. Score - 91. (Allen Meadows, www.burghound.com, July 1, 2007) |
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JOSEPH DROUHIN CLOS DES MOUCHES 2005
Ier Cru |
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| 958769 (XD) 750 mL $109 |
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| TASTING NOTE: Bright and fruity, featuring spring blossom, citrus and apricot notes matched to a fleshy texture. Beautifully balanced and very appealing now, but should also age well. Best from 2008 through 2015. Score - 91. (Bruce Sanderson, www.winespectator.com, July 31, 2007) |
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JOSEPH DROUHIN MEURSAULT-PERRIÈRES 2005
Ier Cru |
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| 932087 (XD) 750 mL $95 |
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| TASTING NOTE: Very ripe aromas of nectarine, peach pit and hazelnut. Rich and very ripe but backward, with dense, smooth flavors of peach, minerals and powdered stone. The impression of full ripeness continues on the very long, almost pineappley finish. The highest in alcohol of these 2005s along with the Montrachet, at 14.2%. Score - 92. (Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, Sept./Oct. 2007) |
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JOSEPH DROUHIN PULIGNY-MONTRACHET FOLATIÈRES 2005
Ier Cru |
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| 959254 (XD) 750 mL $89 |
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TASTING NOTE: This has a firm spine of acidity, but also good richness, providing a backdrop for the lemon, hazelnut and vanilla flavors to stretch out across the palate. There's nice harmony, followed by a long aftertaste of toast and spice. Best from 2008 through 2018.
Score - 92. (Bruce Sanderson, www.winespectator.com, Sept. 30, 2007) |
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PIERRE-YVES COLIN-MOREY MEURSAULT LES CHARMES 2005
Ier Cru |
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| 53066 (XD) 750 mL $129 |
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| Influential wine critic Jancis Robinson MW did a two-part series earlier this year on Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey, describing this tiny négociant as "a new white wine producer who has impressed me a great deal" and as a "remarkable producer [who] is not particularly well known in France but his dense, pure whites are rapidly forging a reputation in both the UK and US". (www.jancisrobinson.com, March 1/3, 2008) At press time there were no reviews available, but it's worth noting that The Wine Advocate has also been duly impressed as it has consistently awarded previous vintages of this wine scores in the 90s. This rich, satin-textured Meursault exhibits aromas and flavours of pears and minerals as well as intriguing mint notes. Like Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey's other wines, this wine is produced in extremely limited numbers. If you can get your hands on one then enjoy it over the next 8 years. |
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PIERRE-YVES COLIN-MOREY PULIGNY-MONTRACHET LES REFERTS 2005
Ier Cru |
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| 53058 (XD) 750 mL $129 |
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| Not reviewed at press time, this single-vineyard Puligny-Montrachet is from the spectacular 2005 vintage, considered one of the finest in many years for Burgundy. Other 2005 wines from this producer, including other single-vineyard Pulignys, received scores of 90 and above from Wine Spectator. Expect similar excellence. |
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| JOSEPH DROUHIN CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET MARQUIS DE LAGUICHE 2004 |
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| 959007 (XD) 750 mL $86 |
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| TASTING NOTE: As it always is, this is bigger and richer with an expressive and very ripe nose of orchard fruit that leans toward the exotic that is followed by impressively dense and sappy full-bodied flavors that coat the mouth and culminate in a powerful finish. Like the Chassagne villages, this is a serious wine but it's not one that I would age for very long as it risks becoming unduly heavy with time. Drink: 2009+. Score - 89. (Allen Meadows, www.burghound.com, July 2007) |
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| Burgundy |
| Chablis |
| White Wine |
DOMAINE WILLIAM FÈVRE CHABLIS BOUGROS 2006
Grand Cru |
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| 941229 (XD) 750 mL $66 |
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| TASTING NOTE: Pale, green-tinged color. Highly aromatic nose offers lime, menthol and powdered stone, plus a touch of gingery spice. Rich, fat and suave, with lovely ripe acidity framing the sweet peach flavor. Doesn't have the cut of a more classic year but this is nonetheless in a fairly delicate style. William Fevre owns half the surface of this grand cru (6 of 12 hectares), and winemaker Seguier notes that this wine has been stronger in recent years owing to earlier picking. Score - 90-92. (Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, July/Aug. 2007) |
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