Addy Bassin's MacArthur Beverages - Fine Wine and Spirits Since 1957

"A dense opaque purple color offers up restrained, but pure aromas of liquid minerals, blackberries, black raspberries, and flowers." Robert Parker
- Wine Advocate

"A dense purple color is accompanied by a celestial perfume of blue and black fruits, wet stones, flowers, and incense. On the palate, the wine exhibits exceptional power and concentration, but this historic terroir has also provided a surreal lightness to the wine's impression." Robert Parker
- Wine Advocate

"There's black licorice, coffee bean and ripe fruit on the nose. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a wonderful concentration of ripe fruit and currant. Shows tar and vanilla on the finish. Best after 2013." James Suckling
- Wine Spectator

"probably the best Canon in a number of years. It is still made in a relatively austere, tannic style, but strong black cherry and loamy soil notes intermixed with some licorice and background subtle oak lead to a rich, elegant, stylish effort that is closed and in need of cellaring." Robert Parker
- Wine Advocate

"Shows apricot tart, with hints of candied lemons on the nose. Full-bodied and medium sweet, with lovely concentration and a lemony, spicy, almost flinty aftertaste. Impressive for the vintage. Very lively and zingy on the finish." James Suckling
- Wine Spectator

"A beautiful effort that is a model of elegance and symmetry, this 2004 d'Issan possesses a dark ruby/purple color as well as floral, raspberry, cherry, and blueberry aromas interwoven with notions of licorice and toasty oak." Robert Parker
- Wine Advocate

"Shows beautiful aromas of crushed berries and currant, with hints of mineral. Full-bodied, with lovely currant, licorice and mint. Long and caressing. Very refined and balanced. Another winner from Pontet-Canet. Best after 2011." James Suckling
- Wine Spectator

"Deep ruby/purple-hued, soft, fruity, medium to full-bodied, and spicy with hints of high class cigar tobacco mixed with cassis and sweet cherries." Robert Parker
- Wine Advocate

"While there was some variation with this wine on the three separate occasions I tasted it, it is unquestionably a spectacular effort as well as one of the finest Beau Sejour-Becots made by proprietor Gerard Becot. The natural alcohol came in just under 15%, and the blend of 70% Merlot, 24% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon was cropped at 35 hectoliters per hectare. Despite the wine's massiveness, intensity, and powerful, full-bodied flavors that coat the palate, there is remarkable freshness, definition, and lightness because of the vintage's unusual combination of huge richness, incredible tannin levels, record breaking alcohol levels, and very good acids. This should turn out to be a profound St.-Emilion and may merit a score in the mid-nineties if everything goes as well as I suspect it should." Robert Parker
- Wine Advocate

"Branaire, which has been ratcheting up the quality level over the last 5-6 years, made such a great 2003, I am hesitant to suggest the 2005 is as good, or even better. It will undoubtedly come down to consumer's personal preference, with the 2003 more exotic and flamboyant, and the 2005 more structured or "classic." In any event, the 2005 is one of the top Branaires ever made. Its inky/ruby/purple color is followed by sweet aromas of spring flowers interwoven with black cherries, cranberries, cassis, plums, and hints of forest floor, wet rocks, and new oak. With wonderful purity, full body, terrific fruit intensity, a beautiful, expansive texture, and a stunning 45-50-second finish, it should be at its peak between 2011-2030." Robert Parker
- Wine Advocate

"The dense ruby/purple-hued 2005 Cheval Blanc's ethereal bouquet of menthol, coffee, wet stones, black cherries, blackberries, and hints of graphite and spice soars from the glass. An equal part blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot, it is medium to full-bodied with a gorgeous texture in addition to high tannins that glide over the palate with no angularity or astringency." Robert Parker
- Wine Advocate

"Subtle yet complex aromas of lemon, spice, honey and dried apricot. Full-bodied and very, very intense, with loads of dried fruit and a long, spicy finish." James Suckling
- Wine Spectator

"Purchased by Gerard Perse (of Chateau Pavie) and Dr. Alain Raynaud (of Quinault l'Enclos), this impressive Cotes de Castillon is fashioned from 70% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. The vineyard is crop-thinned as well as de-leafed, and, as one might expect, the winemaking and upbringing are impeccable. The wine exhibits a dense ruby/purple color in addition to a sumptuous perfume of black fruits intermixed with hints of lead pencil shavings, new oak, and earth. Rich, deep, dark and dense fruit with surprising concentration and body."

"The 2005 Cos d'Estournel is made from an unusual blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, and 3% Cabernet Franc. The Merlot was picked during the last nine days of September, and the Cabernets were finished by the 9th of October. The 2005's 13.85% alcohol is the highest this estate has ever achieved. The implementation of such Burgundian winemaking techniques as malolactic in barrel and aging on its lees are resulting in wines of extraordinary texture as well as elegance. The 2003 may be more opulent, and for my taste a more compelling wine, but the 2005 is at the same level. Made from yields of 40 hectoliters per hectare, it exhibits an inky/purple color as well as a gorgeous nose of sweet red and black fruits, camphor, cedar, and pain grille. Extraordinarily well-defined, nuanced, and powerful, with high tannin as well as magnificent texture and richness, this classic offering will be uncommonly long-lived. It will not be close to drinkability for another 5-7 years, and should last for 30 or more. A fabulous wine!" Robert Parker
- Wine Advocate

"Hint of bronze, blossomy on the nose. Very full and intense and has absolutely MASSES of weight. Unmissable. You could slice this in two. Most impressive. This should live for almost ever. Very neat finish. Acidity well hidden."" Jancis Robinson

"Intense aromas of honey, spice and candied lemons. Full-bodied, very sweet and dense, with a syrupy mouthfeel and a long finish. This is very concentrated. Almost classic quality." James Suckling
- Wine Spectator

"This is very concentrated with dried pineapple, honey and caramel. Full-bodied and superdense. Like honey. Massive. From the former head and part owner of Yquem. "
- Wine Spectator

"This beauty offers a strong argument that this may be the finest Domaine de Chevalier since the 1970. Stephane Derenoncourt, who was hired as the winemaking consultant, has built in more texture while retaining the terroirs tell-tale elegance and fragrance. A blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, it boasts an inky/ruby/purple color as well as a sumptuous perfume of lead pencil shavings, charcoal, black currants, cherries, smoked herbs, and spice. With soft tannin, medium to full body, beautiful opulence, impressive purity, and abundant tannin, it may close down after bottling. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2025." Robert Parker
- Wine Advocate

"Bruno Borie has done a fabulous job at Ducru Beaucaillou. The 2003 may be the greatest Ducru produced in the last 3-4 decades, and the 2005 is not far behind. A more backward style of wine with higher tannin, more elevated acids, and extremely high alcohol (13.6%) for this estate, its inky/purple color is followed by notes of sweet cassis and plums intermixed with licorice, crushed rocks, and white flowers. Medium to full-bodied and structured with a whoppingly long finish, it needs 8-10 years of cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2030+. It is a blend of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon and 33% Merlot." Robert Parker
- Wine Advocate

"Giscours has been on a hot streak, fashioning full-bodied, powerful wines. The forward 2005 reveals notes of chocolate, sweet cherries, plums, figs, and dried herbs in its opulent, corpulent personality." Robert Parker
- Wine Advocate

"A gorgeous perfume of creme de cassis, spring flowers, crushed rocks, and forest floor soars from the glass of this rich, full-bodied, well-endowed effort. Boasting decent acidity, wonderful vibrancy, significant concentration, and moderately high tannin, it is the finest Grandes Murailles since the 2000 and 2001." Robert Parker
- Wine Advocate

"Unquestionably the finest wine Haut-Bergey has produced since 2000, this deep purple-colored beauty is a classic example of Pessac-Leognan's smoky, earthy style. Sweet red and black currant fruit, scorched earth, and a subtle burning ember/smoky character emerge from this ripe, full-bodied effort. With terrific fruit, good acidity, and high but ripe tannin, it should hit its peak in 3-5 years, and last for two decades. It is a blend of equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon." Robert Parker
- Wine Advocate

"Lots of blackberry and spices on the nose. Full-bodied, rich and powerful. Velvety tannins. Long finish." James Suckling

"Modern but elegant in style. Lively, vibrant dark fruit. Good density. Finely textured, fresh and long. Drink 2012-2020." James Lawther, Decanter Magazine

"The Pomerol estate of St.-Emilion's Christian Dauriac, Michel Rolland is the consulting winemaker at La Clemence. Their finest vintage to date, the 2005 (85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc) exhibits an inky/ruby/purple color in addition to a bouquet of smoke, blackberries, and ripe cherries, refreshing acidity, good definition, and a long finish." Robert Parker
- Wine Advocate

"An enormously endowed wine with huge tannin and structure, the 2005 offers a quintessential Graves bouquet of burning embers, charcoal, blackberries, truffles, black currants, and a meaty character." Robert Parker
- Wine Advocate

"Very dark coppery/bronze colour. Relatively simple honeyed nose. Then masses of rich, ripe almost tropical fruit flavoured sweetness. Absolutely enormous! Extremely ambitious with a slightly burnt note. Great texture. All on the finish rather than upfront. Some very fine tannins on the very end. Set for a very long life. Very rich and round and supple. Astringency very well hidden underneath." Jancis Robinson, JancisRobinson.com

"Intense aromas of dried pineapple, honey and tropical fruit. Full-bodied and superdense, with masses of fruit. It goes on and on. Seductive. Fantastic. Could be the 2003 in the remake." James Suckling
- Wine Spectator

"The most profound Lascombes produced under the new ownership, the 2005 is a 25,000-case blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, and 3% Petit Verdot. It boasts an inky/blue/purple color in addition to an extraordinary perfume of charcoal, barbecue smoke, grilled meats, and sweet blackberries, cherries, and violets. With tremendous intensity, purity, freshness, definition, palate presence, and a moderately tannic finish (the tannin is sweet and well-integrated), this blockbuster is rich and concentrated yet maintains its Margaux typicity." Robert Parker
- Wine Advocate

"Another excellent vintage for Bordeaux's dry whites, which tend to be vastly underrated and exceptionally long-lived (30-40 years in some cases). The 2005s possess crisp acidity as well as serious weight, richness, and texture. Space constraints did not allow full tasting notes, but this is one of the top 2005 dry white Bordeaux wines." Robert Parker
- Wine Advocate

"the 2005 Leoville Poyferre is a gorgeously opulent, approachable wine that is far less massive and austere than its two siblings. The most seductive, approachable, and charming of the three Leovilles, it exhibits a dense purple color as well as a sweet bouquet of mocha, black chocolate, creme de cassis, licorice, and toasty oak." Robert Parker
- Wine Advocate

"Aromas of tar, ripe fruit and dried herbs. Full-bodied, with a good core of round-textured tannins and a long finish. Friendly wine. Nicely done." James Suckling
- Wine Spectator

"Although this is not considered to be one of St.-Emilion's finest terroirs, everything is done in an artisinal manner - including hand harvesting, hand sorting, a draconian selection in both the vineyard and the cellars, and Burgundy-like treatments of malolactic in barrel and aging sur-lie. Monbousquet has been a stunning success ever since Perse took over the property. The 2005 (13.5% alcohol) possesses a saturated blue/purple color as well as a big, sweet nose of pain grille, roasted herbs, grilled meats, black cherry jam, blackberries, and spice. Powerful, full-bodied, and dense yet elegant, deep, and layered, its pure fruit, concentration, and overall quality hide the moderately high tannin. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2023." Robert Parker
- Wine Advocate

"There are 7,000 cases of this wine .... everything is done in an artisinal manner - including hand harvesting, hand sorting, a draconian selection in both the vineyard and the cellars, and Burgundy-like treatments of malolactic in barrel and aging sur-lie. Monbousquet has been a stunning success ever since Perse took over the property. The 2005 (13.5% alcohol) possesses a saturated blue/purple color as well as a big, sweet nose of pain grille, roasted herbs, grilled meats, black cherry jam, blackberries, and spice. Powerful, full-bodied, and dense yet elegant, deep, and layered, its pure fruit, concentration, and overall quality hide the moderately high tannin. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2023." Robert Parker
- Wine Advocate

"A blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc as well as a dollop of Petit Verdot, it possesses an inky/blue/purple color in addition to a sweet, provocative nose of creme de cassis, crushed rocks, graphite, and subtle wood. Medium to full-bodied, elegant yet powerful, fresh, and nuanced, the acids are higher and the pH lower in 2005 than in 2002. The 2005 should be a long-lived classic, but patience will be required despite the relatively high alcohol (13.2%), which is counterbalanced by some of the highest tannins ever measured." Robert Parker
- Wine Advocate

"The 2005 Mouton-Rothschild (a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, and 1% Cabernet Franc) tips the scales at 13.2% alcohol, one of the highest percentages ever achieved at this estate. It does not possess the power or awesome depth of the 1986 or 1982, but it may represent a modern-day clone of the 1955. A tannic, backward, concentrated, powerful Mouton built for the ages, it will require 10-15 years to reach its full potential. An inky/blue/purple color is accompanied by classic notes of creme de cassis and smoke, but no trace of new oak. That in itself is a good indication of how rich and concentrated this wine must be to have absorbed all its oak at this stage of its evolution. One might also term it 1996-like in style given its fresh acidity and bright personality. Medium to full-bodied, impeccably elegant, powerful yet subtle and reticent at present, it will be extremely long-lived." Robert Parker
- Wine Advocate

"A black/purple color is accompanied by aromas of charcoal, burning embers, crushed rocks, sweet, pure, blueberries and blackberries, chocolaty creme de cassis, and licorice." Robert Parker
- Wine Advocate

"I know it sounds like a broken record, but this may be the best Smith-Haut-Lafitte ever made. A prodigious effort, the 2005 boasts an inky/blue/purple color, sweet aromas of graphite, white chocolate, espresso, and blue, red, and black fruits, extraordinary density, moderately high tannin, medium body, fabulous layers, and an enticing texture. However, it comes across as delicate and fresh because of its acidity." Robert Parker
- Wine Advocate

"...but still an outstanding wine, this singular St.-Julien always possesses notes of spring flowers, boysenberries, black currants, and graphite. The complex aromatics are followed by a medium-bodied, classic Bordeaux displaying a deep ruby/purple color as well as moderately high tannin. " Robert Parker
- Wine Advocate

"Stephan von Neipperg's splendid 50-acre vineyard on clay and limestone soils has once again produced a beautifully ripe, concentrated, textured, sensual wine of both power and elegance. The 2006, an unfined, unfiltered blend of 55% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, reveals sweet aromas of fruitcake, cassis, black cherries, roasted herbs, cedar, and spice box. This pure, textured, forward beauty should drink well for 12-15+ years." Robert Parker
- Wine Advocate

"Shows black truffle, blackberry and tea leaf on the nose. Full-bodied, with extremely well-integrated tannins and a racy, velvety-textured finish. A beauty for the vintage. Best after 2014." James Suckling
- Wine Spectator

"With the elimination of La Tour-Haut-Brion from the Dillon estate's portfolio, the production of La Mission's second wine, La Chapelle de la Mission, has dramatically increased to 4,000 cases. I rated the 2006 La Chapelle de la Mission 89-90 " Robert Parker
- Wine Advocate

"Beautiful berry and currant character. Long and soft, with fine tannins. Very pretty fruit. Delicious. So fine, with sweet fruit on the finish. Best second wine of La Mission ever. Almost" The Wine Spectator
- Wine Spectator

"Clos Fourtet has produced a succession of brilliant wines since 2003. While the 2006 may not equal the prodigious 2005, it possesses a dark ruby/purple hue as well as sweet notes of creme de cassis, spring flowers, new oak, and a steely/mineral-like nuance in the background. Attractive, plump, opulent fruit on the palate is followed by a slight narrowing, but the finish is strong, with moderate tannin." Robert Parker
- Wine Advocate

"As I have consistently written in the past, this limited production cuvee, from a 12-acre site that contains a parcel of extremely old vines, 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, is meant to last three decades or more. Tasting like a liqueur of rocks interwoven with creme de cassis, espresso roast, toasty oak, and enormous levels of tannin, it is neither out of balance nor astringent. It is a concentrated, backward, impeccably balanced St.-Emilion made with an uncompromising view of the craft of winemaking. It displays superb intensity, a fabulous texture, a foreboding, tannic overlay, incredibly ripe, pure fruit, and perfectly aligned acidity and tannin. Forget if for a decade, and consume it between 2020-2040." Robert Parker
- Wine Advocate

"This is an open-knit, broad, savory St.-Emilion possessing abundant notes of sweet cherries, black currants, roasted herbs, spice, and vanilla in its medium to full-bodied, lush personality."
- Wine Spectator

"Atypically opulent, flamboyant, and extravagantly rich for a 2006, this tiny garagiste operation has fashioned a gorgeously sexy 2006 boasting sweet creme de cassis notes intermixed with kirsch, coffee, and subtle smoked herb and toast characteristics in the background. Full-bodied, round, and delicious, it is impossible to resist, so enjoy it over the next 8-10 years. Great value." Robert Parker
- Wine Advocate

"A sleeper of the vintage from a humble appellation, this wine is made by one of the young, talented turks of Pomerol and St.-Emilion, Jean-Philippe Janoueix. Michel Rolland's well-known assistant, Jean-Philippe Forte, is the consultant. The dense ruby/purple-colored 2006 exhibits a rich, sumptuous bouquet of toasty oak, licorice, camphor, graphite, and blackberries, an opulent, fleshy, full-bodied mouthfeel, sweet tannins, and an amazing finish for a wine from this appellation. Consume it over the next 3-4 years. Great value." Robert Parker
- Wine Advocate

"Good luck finding this St.-Emilion as there are fewer than 300 cases of the unfined/unfiltered 2006. This 5-acre vineyard averages yields of 15-25 hectoliters per hectare. Usually a blend of 80% Merlot and the rest mostly Cabernet Franc with a small dollop of Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2006 from proprietor Michel Gracia exhibits an opaque purple color along with a sweet perfume of crushed rocks, acacia flowers, blueberries, blackberries, smoke espresso roast, and subtle chocolate. Possessing superb concentration, deep, medium to full-bodied flavors, and moderate tannin, it should be at its finest between 2013-2025. " Robert Parker
- Wine Advocate

"A superb success for the vintage, the 2006 exhibits a deep ruby/purple hue as well as a poised, classic bouquet of sweet black cherries, graphite, camphor, truffles, and a subtle hint of oak. Medium-bodied with a stunningly layered texture, impressive purity, and beautiful balance, this cuvee is haute couture in a glass. Although surprisingly approachable, it won't hit its adolescent stage for 8-10 years, and will last for 25-30 years thereafter. Bravo!" Robert Parker
- Wine Advocate

"It is always interesting to taste this wine next to its stablemate, Laville Haut-Brion. While Laville has 80% Semillon in it, giving it more fat and concentration, Haut-Brion is 55% Sauvignon Blanc and 45% Semillon. This is a crisp yet powerful wine, full-bodied, with great minerality and a subtle smokiness intermixed with hints of quince, white currant, orange skin, and lemon custard. Long, rich, and tightly knit, with good acidity and no evidence of any oak whatsoever despite the use of 100% new French oak, this wine is set for a long life as well." Robert Parker
- Wine Advocate

"The 2006 Haut-Brion performed even better from bottle than it did from barrel. Sixty-four percent of the production went into this wine, and while it displays the vintage's powerful tannins and structure, it possesses superb concentration, and the minerality/scorched earth notes of a great Haut-Brion. Medium to full-bodied, with perhaps not quite the fleshiness of the 2005 or 2000, it is built more along the lines of the 1998 and 1996. It is a brilliant effort displaying sensational purity, texture, and length that should be exceptionally long-lived." Robert Parker
- Wine Advocate

"The sexy, dark ruby/purple-tinged 2006 l'Evangile achieved 14% natural alcohol, as high as any of the great vintages at this estate. Abundant amounts of dark raspberry and black cherry fruit intertwined with sweet plums and hints of figs as well as spring flowers jump from the glass of this medium to full-bodied, fleshy, supple-textured, silky wine. Drink it now or cellar it for 15-20 years. " Robert Parker
- Wine Advocate

"This tiny garagiste St.-Emilion, 7.5 acres, is a blend of 51% Cabernet Franc, 46% Merlot, and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon. Proprietor Jean-Philippe Janoueix has fashioned a full-bodied, deep, concentrated wine revealing sweet notes of licorice, chocolate, espresso, cassis, and cherry. Long, dense, full-bodied, rich, and pure with enough oak and acidity to add complexity and focus, it should drink well for 12-15 years. Interestingly, this cuvee received a Burgundian-like treatment of malolactic in barrel after frequent pigeages in small oak fermentation tanks, an unusual upbringing in Bordeaux. The wine is bottled unfined and unfiltered." Robert Parker
- Wine Advocate

"Blackberry and fresh tobacco aromas lead to a full body, with ripe tannins and a mineral, tobacco and berry character. Long and caressing. This is really excellent for the vintage. Best after 2012." James Suckling
- Wine Spectator

"This superb effort rivals La Mission's 2005. This utterly profound, exceptionally rich, full-bodied, thick La Mission is undeniably one of the candidates for the "wine of the vintage." It possesses a dense ruby/purple color followed by sweet blue and black fruit notes intertwined with notions of burning embers and flowers. Unctuous, massively fruity, and thick, this is a great La Mission! " Robert Parker
- Wine Advocate

"Christian Moueix's newest baby has hit remarkable heights in 2006. Harvested largely before any rain fell on the vineyard in mid-September, it is off the charts in concentration. Atypical for the vintage, this seamless, velvety-textured, opulent, 100% Merlot cuvee (1,550 cases produced) is potentially one of the top dozen or so wines of the year. A sleeper of the vintage, it offers beautiful kirsch liqueur aromas interwoven with scents of truffles, licorice, and spice. This full-bodied, opulent, super-concentrated, stunning Pomerol will be drinkable for 20+ years. " Robert Parker
- Wine Advocate

"Since 2002, this great terroir has been fully exploited by the dynamic duo of Nicolas Thienpont and Stephane Derenoncourt. Following the monumental 2005,a legend in the making, it is hard to get excited about the 2006, even though it is an outstanding effort. While more austere and not as concentrated as its predecessor, it is an impressive blend of 89% Merlot and 11% Cabernet Franc displaying a deep, dark ruby color as well as a striking bouquet of powdered rocks/minerals, sweet cherry and plum-like fruit, and hints of Christmas fruitcake and spice box. It is an elegant, medium-bodied, moderately tannic, pure effort possessing outstanding density. Give it 2-3 years of bottle age and drink it over the following 15-20 years" Robert Parker
- Wine Advocate

"Under the administration of Catherine Pere-Verge, Le Gay has become a serious, super-concentrated, potentially long-lived Pomerol. The backward 2006 reveals complex notes of plums, black cherries, truffles, and chocolate in a big, masculine, full-bodied, virile style that begs for cellaring. This dense, chewy, concentrated effort has firmed up considerably, and appears set for a long life" Robert Parker
- Wine Advocate

"Not surprisingly, Leoville Las Cases has produced another classic, potentially long-lived wine in 2006. Among the St.-Juliens, it, Ducru Beaucaillou, and Leoville Barton possess the potential for the greatest longevity. Interestingly, when I visited this chateau in January, proprietor Jean-Hubert Delon offered me two samples, one where the cork had been pulled immediately prior to tasting, and another that had been decanted four hours earlier. Both were superb, but the wine that had had extended aeration was clearly the finer offering. The opaque purple-hued 2006- only 40% of the crop made it into the final blend- exhibits a personality that mimics the superb 1996. Classic aromas of sweet black raspberries, kirsch, cassis, and subtle toasty oak are followed by a full-bodied, concentrated wine displaying moderately high tannin. This cuvee can often resemble a Pauillac wrapped in the St.-Julien appellation, and the 2006 is no exception" Robert Parker
- Wine Advocate

"Dense ruby/purple, with sweet blackberry and black currant fruit with hints of smoke, espresso roast, and new saddle leather, this is another impressively endowed but tannic, backward style of wine. The concentration, brightness, and depth are all present, but I can-t see it being even approachable in less than 5-7 years" Robert Parker
- Wine Advocate

"This is a quintessentially elegant Margaux, with a dense ruby/purple color and notes of charcoal, cassis, a hint of smoking embers, and a subtle touch of spring flower garden. Dense on the palate with medium to full-bodied flavors, superb concentration, and moderate tannin, this wine requires patience, but is impeccably well-made as usual" Robert Parker
- Wine Advocate

" A blend of 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2006 possesses a dense ruby/purple color as well as a sweet perfume of espresso roast, damp earth, new oak, black cherries, and black currants. Medium to full-bodied with exceptional purity, surprising intensity, good texture, and sweet tannin in the finish, this unfiltered cuvee should drink well for 12-15 years " Robert Parker
- Wine Advocate

"The first vintage under new owner Martin Bouygues,who convinced Jean-Bernard Delmas to come out of retirement to produce this wine, the 2006 Montrose is an undeniable success. A blend of approximately two-thirds Cabernet Sauvignon, one-third Merlot, and a tiny dollop of Petit Verdot, the most dramatic difference between the 2006, and wines made by the previous administration is that Jean Delmas produces wines with sweeter, silkier tannins, although analytically, they are as high as those found in the great Montrose vintages of the past. The 2006 is extraordinarily elegant and finesse-styled, but it exhibits stunningly concentrated, sweet blackberry and cassis fruit with hints of flowers and minerals." Robert Parker
- Wine Advocate

"The 2006 Pavie, a blend of 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, is cropped low as the viticultural work is impeccable, the winemaking is thoroughly Burgundian in style, and bottling is accomplished with no fining or filtration. With over 90 acres in vine, this is one of the larger of the premier grand cru classes in St.-Emilion. A prodigious effort, the 2006 does not have the sucrosite of the 2005, 2003, or 2000, but it would not be embarrassed if tasted side by side with either of those two titans. A dense purple color as well as an extraordinary perfume of crushed black currants, licorice, wet stones, and subtle background oak are found in this tannic, dense, masculine-styled 2006. Backward and extraordinarily pure, it is built like a Manhattan skyscraper with exceptional focus, depth, texture, and length. It's all here, but 5-10 years of patience will be warranted. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2035" Robert Parker
- Wine Advocate

"Closed but promising, this is a tannic, masculine style of wine in 2006, with an inky bluish/purple color as well as aromas of incense, charcoal, smoked meats, and the classic creme de cassis that one finds in the top Pauillacs. The aromatics are still retrained, but the wine is full-bodied in the mouth, tannic, backward, and set for a relatively long life. This is not one of the profound wines from Pichon Longueville Baron, but it is certainly a top-flight success for the vintage." Robert Parker
- Wine Advocate

"Offers white truffle, blackberry and cherry on the nose. Medium-bodied, with round, silky tannins and a fine, delicious finish. Best after 2014." James Suckling
- Wine Spectator

"It could be easy, after tasting the monumental 2005, to dismiss the 2006 Troplong Mondot, but don't be so foolish. Proprietress Christine Valette has turned out another exceptional performance. Of course, this is not the 2005- a singular vintage that will be difficult to duplicate in a 20-30 year span, but the 2006 Troplong Mondot is an impressive, powerful, broad, surprisingly masculine and deep effort. Its inky/blue/purple color is accompanied by an exceptional bouquet of powdered rock, blackberries, blueberries, spring flowers, and hints of camphor as well as espresso roast. The wine is full-bodied with a layered, multidimensional texture, sensational purity and structure, and elevated levels of tannin, concentration, and richness. Forget it for 7-8 years, and drink it over the following 20-25 years" Robert Parker
- Wine Advocate

"This is superracy and stylish, with mineral, lemon, lime, pineapple and papaya. Full, yet balanced and fresh, crisp and long. Wonderful." James Suckling
- Wine Spectator

"This is one of the most complex wines of the appellation, exhibiting notes of underbrush, sweet currants, cherries, and subtle touches of roasted herbs, incense, and spice box. It does not possess the power or depth of the 2005, and may not even eclipse the 2006, but it is a beautiful, pure, mid-weight, well-balanced, impeccably pure Margaux that should drink well for 15+ years." Robert Parker
- Wine Advocate

"The 2nd wine from Ch Lascombes."

"This is the greatest Clinet since the incredible duo made by the late Jean-Michel Arcaute in 1989 and 1990. The dense purple-colored 2008 offers up beautiful floral, blackberry, and pen ink-like notes, exceptional intensity, that multilayered texture that seems to be commonplace in the top 2008 Pomerols, silky but elevated tannins, good freshness, precision, and nuance, a substantial size, and an extremely long finish with not a hard edge to be found."
- Wine Advocate

"Coconut and cream, with lemon curd and subtle pineapple. Full-bodied, with layers of fruit and bright acidity. Superlively and crisp, with notes of lemon." James Suckling
- Wine Spectator

"I did not expect such a blockbuster effort from this St.-Emilion property, but low yields of 25 hectoliters per hectare and a harvest that lasted from October 9th to October 20th produced a wine with the highest alcohol level, 14.2%, ever achieved. Consultants Nicolas Thienpont and Stephane Derenoncourt seemed to have coaxed just about everything one could from this extraordinary terroir. Full-bodied and opulent with an outrageously pure, textured mouthfeel, sweet tannin, and slightly more acidity than the monster 2005, this is a tour de force as well as one of the most compelling wines of the vintage. Given the global economic crisis, I suspect the price should be one-third to one-half of the 2005. In short, that means readers should buy, buy, buy."
- Wine Advocate

"The wine possesses medium to full body, a round, gentle mouthfeel, ripe tannin, and fresh acids with no evidence of oak. This is a more restrained, less exuberant effort than Lascombes has produced in several recent vintages."
- Wine Advocate

"This fresh, clean wine sneaks up on you, offering mineral, lemon and lime peel on the nose and palate, with vanilla and cream character. Lively, with bright acidity." James Suckling
- Wine Spectator

"Is the 2008 Pavie superior to the 2005 and 2000? While that is impossible to know at this stage of its development, it will certainly be one of the three greatest Pavies made under the administration of Chantal and Gerard Perse. Sweet creme de cassis, black cherry, licorice, and smoky barbecue characteristics combine with a liqueur of minerality that resonates from this terroir that is considered to be among the top dozen or so vineyard sites in Bordeaux.... a remarkable offering. "
- Wine Advocate

"Similar in style to the 2008 Bon Pasteur, the dark ruby/plum-colored 2008 Rouget is unquestionably a sleeper of the vintage. Notes of mulberries, black currants and sandy, loamy soil as well as a lush, seductive, medium to full-bodied mouthfeel and good purity. " Robert Parker
- Wine Advocate