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Ratings & Reviews
Château Bourgneuf
Château Bourgneuf 2009
Wine Spectator - James Molesworth - March 31, 2012
91 Points "This is all rounded, enticing flesh, with succulent boysenberry, cherry preserves, blackberry and fig notes melded together and supported by subtle spice and anise shadings through the finish."
Wine Spectator - James Molesworth - March 31, 2012
91 Points "This is all rounded, enticing flesh, with succulent boysenberry, cherry preserves, blackberry and fig notes melded together and supported by subtle spice and anise shadings through the finish. Ready to go, but with the stuffing to linger for a while in the cellar."
JamesSuckling.com - James Suckling - February 15, 2012
92 Points "A juicy wine with plum and chocolate character. Full body, with soft and velvety tannins and fruity finish. Subtle and delicious already."
Wine Journal - Neal Martin - December 20, 2011
90 Points "Tasted at the Syndicat de Pomerol. Understated elegant bouquet with crisp red fruits, cassis and a touch of dark plum with well-integrated oak. The palate is medium-bodied with a little hardness on the entry, firm grip, quite a masculine Pomerol that deserves some ageing. Saline finish."
Château Certan de May
Château Certan de May 2009
Wine Spectator - James Molesworth - March 31, 2012
92 Points "Bright and ripe, with mouthfilling linzer torte and blackberry preserves pushed by black tea and toasty spice. This has the racy grip of the vintage, which builds steadily through the finish. Turns darker and denser with air."
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - February 2012
93+ Points "A bruising, black/purple-hued, full-bodied wine, the 2009 Certan de May displays notes of charcuterie, smoked game, herbs, black truffles, roasted meats, cassis and black cherries. This backward, robustly-styled Pomerol is loaded with tannin as well as extract. Give this full, powerful 2009 a decade of cellaring and drink it over the following 30+ years. I’m sure it is not better than the immortal 1982 Certan de May."
Wine Journal - Neal Martin - December 20, 2011
94 Points "The Certan-de-May 2009 has a lovely, composed bouquet with crisp blackberry, raspberry and wild strawberry with engaging underlying mineralité – very contained and focused. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, very composed with well-integrated if prominent new oak towards its long sweet finish. There is a lot of substance to this wine, but it will need 5-6 years to really come into its own."
Château Certan de May 2008
Neal Martin's Wine Journal - Neal Martin - March 05, 2012
94 Points "I would focus my wallet on... Chateau Certan-de-May 2008... the “dark horse” of the vintage: a brilliant wine that surpasses all expectations and proof of the pudding is its performance in blind conditions. Now, this is a great Certan-de-May. Very focused, classy..."
Château Certan de May 2008 Archived REVIEWS
JamesSuckling.com - James Suckling - December 20, 2010
92 Points "Wonderful nose of blueberries, spices and light meat, with hints of chocolate as well. Full bodied, with a beautiful structure of ultra-soft tannins and subtle yet rich fruit. Loads going on here."
Wine Enthusiast Online - Roger Voss - December 31, 2009
92-94 points "It may seem surprisingly light to begin with. But this wine has depth, richness, hinting at wood straining through the sweet fruit. It is firm, fresh, but properly tannic."
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar - Ian D'Agata - May 2009
90-92 points "Quite suave on entry, then densely packed and vibrant, with mouthcoating flavors of blackberry, blueberry jam and licorice. Finishes with ripe, integrated but still noticeable tannins and a lingering violet perfume. Always a supple, flamboyant wine..."
eRobertParker.com - Neal Martin - May 2009
92-94 points "The bouquet is adorable: wonderful definition with maraschino, wild strawberries, a touch of orange liqueur and violets. The palate is full-bodied, very powerful and focused with fine tannins, very good backbone and wonderful purity. Blackberry, wild strawberry and blueberry pie. ... Superb."
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - April 2009
91-93 points "A classic Certan de May, the 2008 reveals notes of cedarwood, roasted herbs, graphite, underbrush, and copious amounts of creme de cassis and sweet black cherries. Muscular and full-bodied with sensationally ripe tannins as well as purity..."
Château Certan-Marzelle
Château Certan-Marzelle 2008 Archived REVIEWS
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - April 2009
90-92 points "Made from 100% Merlot, this sexy Pomerol reveals a deep ruby/purple color along with intense, pleasing, sweet raspberry, black cherry, and berry fruit notes, terrific purity, moderate to light tannin, and a fleshy, flamboyant personality. It should drink beautifully young, and evolve for 10-12 years."
Château Certan-Marzelle
Château Certan-Marzelle 2006 Archived REVIEWS
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - February 2009
89+ points "Another tightly knit wine, despite the fact it is made from 100% Merlot and was showing an opulent, flamboyant character from barrel, this wine now displays excellent density, sweet black cherry fruit intermixed with pain grille, hints of crushed rock, and a distinct earthiness."
Château Certan-Marzelle
Château Certan-Marzelle 2005 Archived REVIEWS
International Wine Cellar - Stephen Tanzer - May 2008
88 points "Moderately saturated medium red. Sexy redcurrant, plum and mocha on the nose. Smooth and sweet, with good depth and nicely integrated acidity. Rather sensual on the front half, but today the wine's tannins cut off the fruit. I'd give this a couple years of cellaring before pulling the cork."
Château Certan-Marzelle
Château Certan-Marzelle 2004 Archived REVIEWS
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - June 2007
Outstanding, 90 Poin "This 100% Merlot cuvee has put on weight since I tasted it last year. It reveals a beautiful, exotic, coffee bean, sweet cherry, and cassis-scented bouquet as well as superb charm, lushness, and fruit. Reminiscent of a lighter-weight Le Pin, this beauty can be drunk now or cellared for a decade. It will not make old bones."
Château Certan-Marzelle
Château Certan-Marzelle 2001 Archived REVIEWS
Spirit Journal - F. Paul Pacult - September 2004
Highly Recommended "The plumpness of the juicy merlot/ cabernet duo is tempting right now, but I believe that more time in the bottle will potentially bring about a seamless character that will prove amazing. Give it until 2010."
Wine News - May 2004
91 Points "Medium ruby hue. Very fragrant aromas of ripe berries, cedar and dust. Juicy, balanced flacors of black currant and mocha. Soft, sweet finish."
Wine Spectator - J.S. - March 31, 2004
90 Points "A solid Pomerol with plum, berry and light vanilla character. Medium- to full-bodied, with fine tannins and a fresh and caressing finish. Much better than from barrel. Lovely. Best after 2007."
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - June 2001
92 Points "Certan-Marzelle, Christian Moueix’s garage operation, is a 1,000 case, 100% Merlot produced from a plot of wines carved out of the original vineyard, Certan-Giraud. The old wine production is made separately, and sold under the name Hosanna. The 2001 Certan-Marzelle is performing even better out of bottle than it did from cask. It exhibits Le Pin like exotic opulence and headiness in its succulent, upfront, formidable display of plum, black liquor, truffle, toffee, mocha, chocolate and espresso characteristics. This low acid, plump, fleshy, fat effort will not make old bones, but for drinking over the next decade, it is about as sexy as wine readers are likely to find."
Château Hosanna
Château Hosanna 2009
Wine Spectator - James Molesworth - March 31, 2012
93 Points "There is a lovely plush feel here, with roasted tobacco and fig notes carried by velvety tannins. Deceptively dense, with darker currant and anise notes blossoming through the finish, which still manages to stay supple and rounded. This steadily opens in the glass."
JamesSuckling.com - James Suckling - February 15, 2012
98 Points "Stunning aromas of blackberries, dark chocolate, hazelnut and black olive skin. Full- bodied, with ultra-fine tannins that feel fine silky on my palate. Long finish of coffee bean, chocolate and dark fruits. Best Hosanna ever."
Wine Enthusiast - Roger Voss - February 2012
95 Points Cellar Selection "Impressively weighty wine, with a fine combination of tannins, full fruit and a solid, chunky core. The wine is rich, but it also has a sweet acidity. Powerful ageworthy wine, never losing sight of elegance."
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - February 2012
99 Points "This is the finest Hosanna that proprietor Christian Moueix has yet made, produced from a 15-acre parcel that usually yields about 1,500 cases. The 2009, a prodigious blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc, offers up an exquisite aromatic concoction of blackberries, plums, Asian soy, forest floor, truffles and graphite. Along with its stunning concentration, remarkably thick, juicy mid-palate and unbelievable complexity, its viscosity and opulence take this wine to new heights. This extraordinary wine is one of the superstars of 2009 and one to enjoy over the next three decades."
Wine Spectator Insider - James Molesworth - January 18, 2012
93 Points "There is a lovely plush feel here, with roasted tobacco and fig notes carried by velvety tannins. Deceptively dense, with darker currant and anise notes blossoming through the finish, which still manages to stay supple and rounded."
Wine Journal - Neal Martin - December 20, 2011
95 Points "The Hosanna 2009 certainly repays a little patience. Allowing three of four minutes to open up, it offers a very complex bouquet with crushed strawberry, violet, a touch terracotta tiles and a little white pepper. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine tannins but real weight and dimension. Quite sturdy and stout, one of Christian’s 'grippier' Pomerol wines with enormous persistency towards the finish with a peacock’s tail of gorgeous spicy notes. This is one of the finest wines from Hosanna that I have tasted."
Château Hosanna 2008
Neal Martin's Wine Journal - Neal Martin - March 05, 2012
91+ Points "The Hosanna 2008 has a sweet and sour note that dissipates with time, coalescing into the classic liquorice-tinged, dark berried fruit laced with mint after time in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with dry tannins, a little tough at the moment and the Cabernet Franc is very expressive. Sinewy and introspective at the moment, this is a long-term Pomerol."
Wine Enthusiast - Roger Voss - April 2011
93 Points Cellar Selection -- "Austere wine, its tannins pushing forward to give power and structure. It is dense, concentrated, with layer upon layer of bitter coffee and dark fruit flavors, acidity and sweet tannins."
Neal Martin's Wine Journal - Neal Martin - January 2011
93+ Points "Tasted at JP Moueix. The Hosanna 2008 outstrips my expectations out of barrel. As suggested back then, it is much more "classic" and even "austere" on the nose than recent vintages of Hosanna in their youth. Red-berried fruits, a touch of cigar box, smoke, liquorice and later some attractive mint aromas emerge. The terroir is more transparent compared to recent vintages. The palate is medium-bodied with firm, dry but supple tannins, very good fruit intensity with great weight and density towards the finish."
Château Hosanna 2008 Archived REVIEWS
JamesSuckling.com - James Suckling - December 20, 2010
92 Points "Lovely nose of Merlot with milk chocolate and raspberry aromas. Lots of mineral character too, but subtle. Full body, with fine and silky tannins and an already delicious dark chocolate and berry aftertaste. Balanced and pretty. Give it two or three years. Hard not to drink now."
International Wine Cellar - Ian D'Agata - May 2009
91-93 Points "Massively rich wine, featuring ripe black fruit flavors, tobacco and sweet spices. Finishes very long and seamless, with silky tannins."
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - April 2009
96-98 Points "The outstanding 2008 Hosanna...possesses the extraordinary complexity and aromatic intensity of a great vintage of Cheval Blanc. Unctuously-textured with a dense purple color, excellent richness, and dense black fruits intermixed with forest floor notes, this sensational wine will merit close to a three digit score when released. The tannins are high, but very ripe and melted, and the wine’s purity is awesome."
Château Hosanna 2007 Archived REVIEWS
Wine Spectator - James Suckling - March 31, 2010
90 Points Outstanding 2007 Red at 90 points: "Aromas of chocolate, toasted almond and dark fruits follow through to a full body, with soft, silky tannins and a pretty finish. There's lots of delicate fruit, with outstanding length."
Wine spectator - James Suckling - June 08, 2008
88-91 points James Suckling's Top-Scoring 2007 Bordeaux Barrels: "This very good ripeness and concentration for the vintage."
International Wine Cellar - Stephen Tanzer - May 2008
88-91 points "Deep ruby red. Pure aromas of cassis, blackberry ans licorice. Nicely dense and supple, with ripe, fine-grained darkfruit flavors and noteworthy volume and baby fat for the year. Quite primary today. Finishes ripe and persistent, with enticing sweetness to the dark berry flavors."
Château Hosanna 2006 Archived REVIEWS
Wine Enthusiast - Roger Voss - March 01, 2009
93 points, Cellar Se "Big and dense, this is a wine that also shows a firm side. Its opening richness is given a mineral edge that structures the ripe, foursquare texture and gives shape to spice and blueberry flavors."
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - February 2009
94 Points "Dense plum/ruby to the rim, with a sweet nose of roasted coffee, caramel, mocha, and lavish quantities of black cherry and black currant fruit, this wine has a lush, sensual texture, full-bodied depth, and stunning length and purity. This is a beauty to drink now and over the next 12-15 years."
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar - Stephen Tanzer - May 2007
90-92 points "Ruby-red. Cherry liqueur, espresso and menthol on the nose. Rich, lush and ripe, with the volume and breadth of a ripe vintage. The wine's superb sweetness is nicely buffered by an intriguing Indian spice component. Very suave tannins here. A lovely example of the vintage."
Château Hosanna 2005 Archived REVIEWS
International Wine Cellar - Stephen Tanzer - May 2008
94 points "Good deep red. Quintessential merlot aromas of raspberry, plum, espresso and sexy oak, with a whiff of mushroom. Big, rich, seamless and sweet, but with beautifully integrated acidity giving the wine excellent thrust. The intense but utterly suave red fruit flavors power straight through the substantial ripe tannins. Finishes with lovely aromatic persistence and excellent grip. Gorgeous, refined wine: Christian Moueix refers to this as "the feminine version of Petrus."
Wine Spectator - James Suckling - March 31, 2008
96 Points "Dark color, with blackberry, jam and dark chocolate aromas. Full-bodied and tight, yet powerful, with velvety tannins, caressing finish."
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - April 2007
94-96 Points "As I have written so many times before, this is a wine of extraordinary nobility and complexity whose aromatics frequently resemble those of its near-by neighbor, the famed St.-Emilion, Cheval Blanc. ...[I]ts fruit comes from the finest parcels of what used to be known as the Certan Giraud vineyard (the remaining parcels go into Certan Marzelle). The dense plum/purple-tinged 2005 Hosanna offers up sweet aromas of mocha, black raspberries, cherries, cassis, smoke, and flowers. Luscious, opulent, and medium to full-bodied with exceptional class and potential, it should be at its peak between 2012-2025+."
Château Hosanna 2004 Archived REVIEWS
QRW - Richard Elia - September 2010
A Four-Star Vintage: "...the wine resembles its prestigious neighbors, Pétrus and Cheval Blanc, with its engaging blueberry nose, its anise and rich current flavors. The silkiness so important to Hosanna is enticing. It's still evolving, still intense, with sensuous texture and a marvelously long finish. It's Pomerol for the serious."
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - June 2007
90 Points Outstanding "More structured and tannic than usual, the 2004 Hosanna reveals a noble bouquet of spring flowers, cedar, menthol, and caramelized sweet black cherries and currants. The flavors are rich, savory, and medium to full-bodied, but strong tannins appear in the finish, suggesting 3-4 years of bottle age will be beneficial. It should drink nicely for 12-15+ years thereafter."
Wine Enthusiast - Roger Voss - June 2007
93 Points "The style of the property seems to hone in on structure and tannins, but the fruit, dense and black, is also there."
International Wine Cellar - Stephen Tanzer - May 2007
90 Points "Good bright, deep red. Fresh, nuanced nose combines red cherry, tobacco, truffle, smoke and earth. Plump but fresh and intense, with an attractive restrained sweetness and firm underlying structure. This rather sexy and accessible Pomerol spreads out nicely to coat the palate, and finishes suave and lively, with firm tannic spine."
Château Hosanna 2001 Archived REVIEWS
Neal Martin's Wine Journal - Neal Martin - February 13, 2008
89 Points "Ripe cherry and a touch of dried orange rind...Smooth entry, good extraction...Opulent, tannic finish – modern in style..."
International Wine Cellar - Steve Tanzer - May 2004
91 Points "Bright, deep red. Sexy, quintessential Pomerol aromas of raspberry, redcurrant, cherry, leather and smoke. Lush, pliant and seamless; round, broad and shapely but classically dry. Finishes with noble tannins and excellent length. Very suave and stylish wine."
Wine Spectator - J.S. - March 2004
92 Points "Subtle aromas of chocolate, berry and mineral follow through to a medium-to-full bodied palate, with very well-integrated tannnins and a long berry and fresh herb finish. Very long and refined. Builds on your palate. A relatively new wine from Christian Moueix of Petrus, and on the rise. Best after 2007."
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - June 04, 2001
93 Points "Sadly, there are only about 1,000 cases of this offering produced from the finest parcels of old wines carved from the vineyard previously known as Certan-Giraud. A wine of admirable complexity, elegance and purity, it possesses a deep ruby/purple color as well as wonderful notes of blueberries, mint, acacia flowers, espresso, and white chocolate. Opulent, rich and pure, with a seamless integration of acidity, tannin and wood, it is a beautiful offering that is not far off the pace of the exceptional 2000. Kudos to proprietor Christian Moueix. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2014."
Château Lafleur Gazin
Château Lafleur Gazin 2009
Wine Spectator - James Molesworth - March 31, 2012
92 Points "Nicely packed and well-delineated, this shows a lovely beam of linzer torte and cassis running through the middle, with mouthwatering spice and mesquite filling in on the side. Rock-solid on the finish."
Wine Spectator - James Molesworth - March 31, 2012
92 Points "Nicely packed and well-delineated, this shows a lovely beam of linzer torte and cassis running through the middle, with mouthwatering spice and mesquite filling in on the side. Rock-solid on the finish."
Château Lafleur Gazin 2008
Château Lafleur Gazin 2008 Archived REVIEWS
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - April 2009
88-89 points "A deep ruby color is followed by notes of licorice, damp earth, forest floor, and red as well as black fruits. Medium to full-bodied with excellent purity, sweet tannin, and a plump, fleshy mouthfeel, the excellent 2008 Lafleur-Gazin should drink well for 10-12 years."
Château Lafleur Gazin 2007 Archived REVIEWS
Château Lafleur Gazin 2005 Archived REVIEWS
Château Lafleur Gazin 2004 Archived REVIEWS
Château Lafleur Gazin 2001 Archived REVIEWS
Washington Post - Ben Giliberti - December 15, 2004
"The 2001 establishes Chateau Lafleur-Gazin as a legitimate member of the near-Petrus fraternity. With aromas of smoky oak, blackberry, and cherry, this succulent medium-to full-bodied Pomerol is delicious now but has the stuffing to benefit from three to five years of cellaring."
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - June 2004
89 Points "Lafleur-Gazin is making better and better wines, and their 2001 is probably as good as their 2000. Exhibiting more structure and tannin than it did prior to bottling, it possesses a deep ruby color with purple nuances as well as aromas of licorice, plums, cherries, incense, and earth. Medium-bodied, with a ripe attack, this elegant effort's structure and tanning closes down the finish. Give it 2-3 years of cellaring, and drink it over the following 10-12."
Château Le Prieuré
Château Le Prieuré 2002 Archived REVIEWS
Château Le Prieuré
Château Le Prieuré 2001 Archived REVIEWS
Washington Post - December 15, 2004
"The wine displays an expressive bouquet of black currants, flowers, and a hint of chocolate. On the palate, pure flavors of lamb and berry are followed by a silky, lingering finish. This is a wine for drinking, not for storing long term. Enjoy it now and over the next two to three years."
Château Magdelaine
Château Magdelaine 2009
Wine Spectator - James Molesworth - March 31, 2012
92 Points "...core of raspberry and cherry preserves framed by a healthy dose of lightly firm roasted vanilla. Very well-built, with sleek edges and good buried charcoal and tobacco, so cellar for harmony down the road."
JamesSuckling.com - James Suckling - February 15, 2012
93 Points "Ripe plum, with hints of sanded oak. Full-bodied, with a pretty core of raspberry and blueberry character. Silky and pretty. Balanced and subtle, yet intense."
Wine Enthusiast - Roger Voss - February 2012
94 Points "There is dense, ripe fruit here, although with an austere, serious edge. The wine has firm yet juicy blackberry fruits along with concentrated tannins. It is firm, dark, with the potential for good red berry fruits."
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - February 2012
94 Points "A property that has largely been replanted over the last 25 years, the 2009 is one of the best the firm of Jean-Pierre Moueix has yet released from this estate. Eighty percent of this vineyard sits on the limestone plateau and 20% on the hillsides, and the 2009 displays a classic confiture of black cherries, some crushed rocks and spring flowers in a full-bodied, yet at the same time, ethereal and rather elegant style. The wine has gorgeous fruit purity, a broad, luscious texture, and more density and richness than one normally finds in this somewhat finesse-styled wine, which seems to have achieved more depth and potential in 2009."
Wine Journal - Neal Martin - December 20, 2011
90 Points "...the Magdelaine 2009 is pure and very rounded on the nose, "spherical" you might say. Small dark cherries and a hint of Indian ink. Fine definition. The palate is well balanced with a powdery texture on the entry, a nice lifted of acidity and very silky on the finish that has a peppery kiss on the aftertaste. Mellow."
Château Magdelaine 2008
Château Magdelaine 2008 Archived REVIEWS
Wine Enthusiast Online - Roger Voss - December 31, 2009
90-92 points "As often, Magdelaine is a wine that is on the austere side, emphasizing minerality... opening slowly to blackcurrant flavors."
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar - Ian D'Agata - May 2009
90-92 points "Enticing flavors of plum, red cherry and minerals are given a laser-like precision by bright acids. Not a powerhouse, this is an even lighter and fresher version of Magdelaine than usual but it has great balance and purity. Lovely persistence with a hint of gingerbread on the finish. Presents a classic example of what merlot can do on calcareous soil."
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - April 2009
92-94 points "An outstanding effort from this estate, this 2008 boasts a deep ruby/purple color as well as gorgeous aromas of kirsch liqueur, licorice, spring flowers, and crushed rocks. It is a concentrated, dense St.-Emilion with sweet tannins and seemingly low acidity (although analytically that is not the case). This full-bodied, rich, stunning Magdelaine should reach its peak in 5-6 years, and last for 25 or more."
Château Magdelaine 2006 Archived REVIEWS
Château Magdelaine 2005
International Wine Cellar - Ian D'Agata - March 2012
94+ Points (?) "Bright ruby. Sexy, compelling nose of blackcurrant, violet, white pepper and minerals is an absolute knockout. Then very refined on the palate, with a delicate spiciness to the blackcurrant, red plum and mineral flavors, but with noteworthy fleshiness and ripeness lifted by harmonious acidity. This is a very great and impeccably balanced Magdelaine in the making. Finishes long and silky, with a persistent strawberry note. Jean-Claude Berrouet considers this to be a classic Magdelaine: very well balanced and delicious. I think this is an excellent example of just how easy it is to misjudge Magdelaine on release and how well it develops in bottle in strong vintages."
Château Magdelaine 2005 Archived REVIEWS
International Wine Cellar - Stephen Tanzer - May 2008
90 points "Medium red. Sweet cherry, currant, tobacco and earth on the nose. Sweet, suave and smooth, with very good density to the red cherry and rose petal flavors. Quite understated in the context of the year, giving an impression of gentle extraction, but with very good structure for aging and considerable class."
Wine Spectator - James Suckling - March 31, 2008
92 Points "Very plummy and floral on the nose, with hints of toasty oak, and also chocolaty. Full-bodied, with pleasing fruit character and a sweet tobacco and light cream aftertaste. Has soft tannins and a caressing texture. Best after 2012."
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - April 2007
91-93 Points "As usual, distinctive raspberry/kirsch liqueur notes emanate from this primarily Merlot-based wine. The pronounced, fragrant, intense aromatics are followed by a more structured, masculine wine than this generally feminine, gentle-styled St.-Emilion. The 2005 Magdelaine exhibits a dark ruby/purple hue along with medium to full-bodied flavors, and moderate tannin and structure. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2025."
Château Magdelaine 2004
International Wine Cellar - Ian D'Agata - March 2012
89 Points "Bright ruby-red. The knockout nose of fresh blackcurrant, strawberry, cinnamon, marzipan, and white pepper had me going back to the glass again and again. Bright, juicy and focused, showing moderately intense flavors of dark berries and Oriental spices. The finish is long and pure, with very suave tannins... This easy-drinking Magdelaine is perfect to drink now, and a great example of how average vintages can be real crowd-pleasers."
Château Magdelaine 2004 Archived REVIEWS
QRW - Richard Elia - November 2010
"The Magdelaine remains one of the most reliable Saint-Émilions produced in traditional Merlot fashion -- earthy, mineral notes, with elegance and style. ... Presently the 2004 is drinking very well, and will do so to 2015. Expect black cherry, some spice, earthiness, black currants, and subtle texture. It's a wine to linger over."
Château Magdelaine 2003 Archived REVIEWS
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - April 24, 2006
90 Points "The 2003 came across like a Pinot Noir with its soft tannin and elegant nose of flowers, sweet cherries, subtle licorice and spice box. Sexy, heady and round, with low acidity, it can be enjoyed over the next 8-10 years."
Wine Spectator - James Suckling - March 31, 2006
90 Points "Very attractive blackberry, cherry and light meat aromas and flavors. Full-bodied, with soft tannins and a caressing finish. Subtle yet rich. Lots going on here. Give it time. Best after 2010."
International Wine Cellar - Steve Tanzer - June 2004
89 - 92 Points "Bright ruby red. Scented aromas of blackberry, bitter cherry, rose petal and minerals, with positive suggestion of medicinal austerity. Bright on entry, then intense and vibrant, with flavors of cherry, currant and licorice. Very firmly built St. Emilion with a nervy freshness, a touch of youthful austerity and good thrust. I like the way this spreads over the palate. Finishes with fine tannins and very good length."
Château Magdelaine 2002 Archived REVIEWS
Wine Spectator - J.S. - January 2006
Ultimate Buying Guid "Blackberry, vanilla and cherry aromas follow through to a full-bodied palate, with silky tannins and a fresh finish. Very pretty indeed. Love the length to this. Still tightly wound but should open nicely with bottle age. Elegant and refined. Fine winemaking. Best after 2007."
Château Magdelaine 2001 Archived REVIEWS
Decanter - December 2005
Highly Recommended "Massive St-Emillion with meaty depth. Fragrant and good. Ripe, vivid, lots of warm fruit. Wonderful saturated chocolate and brandy."
Spirit Journal - F. Paul Pacult - September 2004
Five Stars / Highest "Without any doubt in my mind, THE FINEST RED WINE I'VE TASTED THIS YEAR. A complete wine. Seductive at every stage, '01 Maggy shows shy balance and grace count so much more than brute strength."
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - June 2004
89 Points "This stylish, understated St.-Emilion offers notes of kirsch liqueur, cedar, and spice box in an evolved, medium-bodied, exceptionally elegant style. Pure, delicate, and subtle, it should be at its finest between 2005-2013."
Wine News - April 2004
92 Points "Intense garnet hue. Sweetly perfumed aromas of black cherry, blackberry, cedar and a hint of vanillin oak. Balanced, chewy flavors of black fruits, anise, earth and vanillin oak. Lots of earth in the close."
Wine Spectator - J.S. - March 31, 2004
92 Points "Loads of red fruits on the nose, with blackberry and cherry character. Full-bodied, with super refined tannins and a lovely plum, coffee and smoky finish. Very subtle and long. Very close to the 2000 in quality. This is a château on the rise. Best after 2007."
International Wine Cellar - Steve Tanzer - June 2003
88-90 Points "Bright ruby-red. Cool but ripe aromas of cherry, spices, mint and minerals; perfumed and discreet. Then supple, suave and seductive, with sneaky depth of red fruit, mint and mineral flavor and harmonious ripe acidity. Finishes fresh and persistent, with very fine tannins and a subtly aromatic character."
Château Petrus
Château Petrus 2009
Wine Spectator - James Molesworth - March 31, 2012
99 Points "This offers a beautiful balance between its two sides: dark fig, roasted plum and toast flavors versus racy raspberry, cassis and perfumy black tea notes. Silky overall, but with terrific latent grip and a mouthwatering minerality that drives through the finish, pulling out extra fruit paste and charred spice hints. Very, very impressive range."
JamesSuckling.com - James Suckling - February 15, 2012
99 Points "Amazing aromas of blackberries, dark chocolate and hazelnut. Full body, with super velvety tannins, yet reserved and all in check. Fresh acidity and an orangy, lemon and chanterelle mushroom aftertaste. Then turns to black olives. Minerals and blueberries. Incredible."
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - February 2012
100 Points "An opulent Petrus very much in the stylistic family of the 1990, this 100% Merlot has a dense plum/purple color and a sweet nose of mulberries, black cherries, some subtle toast and licorice as well as a floral element. A wine of great intensity, a multidimensional mouthfeel and full-bodied, stunning concentration, the 2009 Petrus 2009 is everything one would expect of it. Given the sweetness of its tannin, much like the 1990, I suspect this wine will always be “open for business,” appealing even in its youth."
Wine Spectator Insider - James Molesworth - January 18, 2012
99 Points "This offers a beautiful balance between its two sides: dark fig, roasted plum and toast flavors versus racy raspberry, cassis and perfumy black tea notes. Silky overall, but with terrific latent grip and a mouthwatering minerality that drives through the finish, pulling out extra fruit paste and charred spice hints. Very, very impressive range."
Wine Journal - Neal Martin - December 20, 2011
97 Points "The nose is very strict at first, but with great purity with blackberry, wild hedgerow, a touch of small dark cherries and with aeration a touch of crushed violet, an almost Margaux-like Petrus. The palate is medium- rather than full-bodied with a spicy entry, touches of black pepper and almost a slight burnt toast accent. There is great backbone here, more masculine than at primeur with an aloof finish that is a little drier than usual. This is a profound, very 'classic' Petrus..."
Château Petrus 2008
Neal Martin's Wine Journal - Neal Martin - March 05, 2012
97 Points "...a very intense bouquet of wild strawberry, raspberry and crushed stone. It has great precision, real intensity and sense of purpose. The palate is medium-bodied with very smooth, rounded tannins and it feels velvety smooth in the mouth... the wine is unfolding before my senses and you become aware that this will evolve into a top class Petrus."
Wine Enthusiast - Roger Voss - April 2011
97 Points Cellar Selection -- "Gorgeous, smooth wine, perhaps even more intense than in past vintages. The tannins are totally enveloped by the ripe plum and damson fruits. Complex, powerful, layered and opulent, this is a wine for the long term."
eRobertParker.com - Neal Martin - January 2011
98 Points "The palate is medium-bodied with exceptionally fine balance, linear at first but my God, the back-palate does not know what has hit it! The 2008 has a multi-dimensional finish with cranberry, graphite, dark cherries, citrus peel and a tincture of liquorice. Incredible length... Very fine cashmere texture and great length; this is one hell of a wine."
Wine Spectator Online - James Molesworth - 2011
93 Points "This has texture and range that's a step up from the pack, with a gorgeous, silky feel to the ripe but restrained cherry, raspberry and damson plum notes that are layered with hints of black tea, incense and mineral. The long finish is more about poise than power. Lovely."
Château Petrus 2008 Archived REVIEWS
JamesSuckling.com - James Suckling - December 14, 2010
94 Points "There's so much floral and berry character on the nose and palate here. It's full-bodied and very dense with lots of fine and delicate tannins. Winemaker Oliver Berrouet calls it a classic Bordeaux in style and I have to agree with him because of the fine tannins, fresh acidity, and beautiful reserve fruit. Lovely sweet berry and chocolate finish to the wine."
Wine Enthusiast Online - Roger Voss - December 31, 2009
95-97 points "The wine is finely balanced, with an impressive tension between sweet fruit, acidity and tannins. A wonderful waft of perfumed minerality, just ripe fruits, finished with dark tannins. Obviously for long aging."
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar - Ian D'Agata - May 2009
93-95 points "Full and voluptuous on the palate, this boasts exceptionally ripe, decadent red cherry flavors lifted by soy sauce and cinnamon nuances. Very long and silky, with unbelievably fine-grained tannins. With its texture of liquid velvet, this should make a memorable Petrus."
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - April 2009
98-100 points "The 2008 is destined to be one of the greatest Petrus’s ever made...It possesses a formidable personality of great intensity, awesome texture, amazingly well-integrated sweet tannin, and a freshness and precision that are hallmarks of this vintage."
Château Vieux Certan
Château Vieux Certan 2007 Archived REVIEWS
International Wine Cellar - Stephen Tanzer - May 2008
92(?) points "Bright ruby-red. Very closed nose hints at licorice and nutty oak. Sweet and broad in the mouth, with a chocolatey ripeness but less energy and grip than the 2006. This is more mouthfilling, and more sexy today in the middle palate, but may ultimately be less complex. Or is it just more reserved today? Finishes with substantial tannins that call for at least several years of aging. "
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - April 2007
92-94 Points "A remarkable blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc has produced a Medoc-styled Pomerol exhibiting a deep ruby/purple hue, a sweet bouquet of roasted herbs, licorice, toasty vanilla, and plenty of black currants as well as truffles. It is a rich, classic effort with abundant tannin, good acidity, and impeccable purity and balance. Always a restrained, reserved style of wine, but it delivers considerable complexity, and ages brilliantly. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2030+."
International Wine Cellar - Stephen Tanzer - May 2006
91-94 Points "Bright, deep ruby-red. Aromas of dark berries, licorice, bitter chocolate and toasty oak. Very fresh and tightly wound, with a superb core of primary black fruit flavor. Highly concentrated but currently closed in on itself and dominated by the oak. Best today on the finish, where the density and breadth of the wine are apparent and the tannins are serious but sweet. A wonderfully stylish, vibrant merlot-dominated wine."
Château Vieux Certan
Château Vieux Certan 2002 Archived REVIEWS
International Wine Cellar - Steve Tanzer - June 2005
91 Points "Good full red. Expressive aromas of mocha, game, tobacco and smoke. Moderately sweet and dense, with a supple texture for the year. And yet the wine's underlying minerality gives it a firmness and contributes to the impression of vinosity. Finishes with excellent length and no dryness. I'd give this three to five years of aging before pulling the cork."
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - April 2005
93 Points "A terrific effort, this classic blend of 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits a dark ruby/purple color as well as a complex bouquet of cedar, spice box, black cherries, and cassis. With impressive purity, medium body, moderate tannin, and a long finish (40 plus seconds), it will be at its finest between 2008-2018."
Château Vieux Certan
Château Vieux Certan 2001 Archived REVIEWS
Neal Martin's Wine Journal - Neal Martin - February 13, 2008
94 Points "A very ripe, opulent, oaky nose. Very smooth seductive entry on the silky smooth palate, polished and svelte. Full-bodied, ripe, blackberry, cassis and plum. Harmonious, plump - almost voluptuous but with good acidity balancing everything up. Superb."
Wine Spectator - J.S. - April 26, 2006
94 Points "Very subtle aromas of blackberries, chocolate and plums follow through to a full-bodied palate, with very silky tannins and a long, caressing finish. An excellent wine with great intensity for the vintage. Very long indeed. Winemaker and part-owner Alexandre Thienpont is a master. Best after 2009."
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - June 2004
93 Points "A brilliant effort from Alexandre Thienpont, this blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc is a deep purple-colored, fleshy, layered effort offering a sweet nose of creosote, incense, Christmas spices, plenty of red and black fruits, and hints of licorice as well as new oak. Rich, medium to full-bodied, with tremendous purity in addition to nobility, give it two more years of cellaring and drink it over the next following 15-18 years."