Tasting Notes & Daily Reports |
Gil and Rami Lempert-Schwarz are in Bordeaux for the 15th consecutive year tasting the new vintage out of barrel. This year, the focus is on the 2003 vintage, which has all the hallmarks of being a blockbuster despite the difficult wather and record-setting heat wave that swept Europe's wine growing regions last year. The buzz is out about the expected super quality of the few grapes that were left on the vines following 45-plus days of above 100 degrees Fahrenheit before the harvest. While the yields are down, the Northern Medoc especially is looking like the winner again this vintage. Stay tuned for a comprehensive look at all the action from the Bordeaux 2003 vintage starting Thursday, March 25th only on winevegas.com |
The tasting notes are organized according to the wine's appellation, and the wines in bold red with a star (*) stand out as exceptional wines of the vintage. Unless otherwise stated, all wines are of the 2003 vintage.
Left Bank Saint Estephe Chateau Les Ormes de Pez Deep brooding blackish purple color with firm red to fuchsia rim definition and high viscosity. Big extracted black currant fruit nose, with blackberry liqueur, tobacco leaf and minerals. Rather restrained palate with crushed black fruit, firm tannin structure, sort of rounded mid-palate and a good bite through the finish. Chateau Cos LaboryHugely opaque inky black purple color with deep purple to crimson rim definition, and high viscosity. Spicy peppery black fruit nose, with underlying green elements, and earthy minerals. Quite concentrated palate with spicy black fruit, cedar, tobacco, licorice root and big tannin structure. Good firm mid-palate and chewy finish. Chateau Phélan SégurDeep opaque blackish red wine with fine crimson to pink rim definition and medium high viscosity. Pure focused black currant nose, with ripe blackberry elements, crème de cassis, earth and alcohol. Spicy black fruit palate with very firm tannin structure, showing a real bite through the mid-palate and a good licorice root finish. Chateau Lafon RochetHugely opaque inky black purple color with deep purple to crimson rim definition, and high viscosity. Big concetrated crushed black fruit nose, with blackberry liqueur, cassis, spice box, tobacco leaf and minerals. Big concentration on the palate with good amounts of crushed black fruit, loganberries, massive tannin structure through the mid-palate and long tannic finish. Chateau Cos d'Estournel 2001 *Deep opaque blood ruby red, with fine light red to pink rim definition and high viscosity. Huge complex forward nose of spiced blackberries, crushed brambleberries, crème de cassis, smoke, tar, earth and minerality. Massively concentrated wine with loads of crushed black berry fruits, spice box, earthy minerals, super structured tannins. Nice licorice root mid-palate and long, long finish. Chateau Cos d'Estournel 2002 *Deep blackish purple red colored wine with purple to fuchsia rim definition and high painted viscosity. Opulent nose of crushed black currant, exotic spice box, cedar wood, new oak references, crème de cassis, phenolics and earthy minerals. Beautifully structured forward crushed black fruit palate with tons of vanilla bean, spices, boysenberry sorbet. Great complex mid-palate and superb tannin structure, going into an incredibly long finish. Chateau Cos d'Estournel 2003 *(70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot) Deep blackish purple red colored wine with bright fuchsia rim definition and high painted viscosity. Highly perfumed nose of spicy black fruit, blackberry liqueur, spices, tobacco, oak references and earthy minerals. Massively complex and structured crushed black fruit wine with gobs of cassis, brambleberry, elderberry, sloe fruit, and a fantastic tannin structure, which remains supple and balanced through the mid-palate and into the long lingering finish. La Dame de Montrose(65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot) Deep blackish purple color with dark fuchsia rim definition and high viscosity. Nose of extracted black fruit with crème de cassis, spicy blackberries, pepper, cedar and oak references. Fine black currant palate with cassis pastilles, elderberry juice, with sloe fruit and minerals through to the finish that has a touch of licorice or aniseed. Chateau Montrose *(62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot) Deeply opaque purple colored juice with pruple red rim definition and super high viscosity. Big peppery earthy spice box nose, with concentrated complex black fruit, blackberry liqueur, crème de cassis and earthy minerals. Mouthfilling and richly spicy black fruit on the palate, with cedar, pepper and cassis notes through the middle and very long finish punctuated by licorice root and oak references. St. JulienChateau Branaire Ducru Deeply opaque purple color with purplish to fuchsia rim definition and high viscosity. Quite restrained but highly complex nose of black berry fruit elements, spices, tar, phenolics, and pepper. Concentrated spicy black currant fruit, loganberries, firm tannin structure, black fruit mid-palate, and medium finish. Chateau Gruaud Larose *Deep blackish to crimson red color, with firm red slightly pink rim definition, high viscosity. Meaty forward nose of extracted blackberry fruit, with an almost Grenache-like characteristic, licorice root and earthy minerals. Huge concentrated spicy black berry fruit with elderberry fruit on the palate, great concentration and delineation. Firm but supple tannin structure through the middle and great lengthy finish with yet more peppery black fruit. Chateau BeychevelleDeep opaque ruby red color, with pinkish rim definition and high viscosity. Spicy black fruit on the nose, with cooked green bell pepper skins, definite spicy elements, almost like Tabasco sauce, with earthy minerals. Palate surprised with quite sweet black fruit upfront, but then comes the green elements with rather astringent tannins that still manages to linger with a licorice root and toasty finish. Chateau Lagrange *Deeply blackish purple color with purplish to fuchsia rim definition and high viscosity. Nose of bright crushed black and red berry fruit, boysenberry sorbet, blueberry pie, phenolics and minerals. Very nice rounded berry fruit palate, with firm supple tannin structure, giving the wine great backbone into the soft mid-palate with a lovely brambleberry finish, and great length. Chateau Leoville PoyferreDeeply blackish purple color with purplish to fuchsia rim definition and high painted viscosity. Good forward concentrated crushed blackberry fruits, with brambleberries, crème de cassis, oak references, spicy elements, and minerals. Oaky black fruit on the front palate, the massive tannin structure, superceded by yet more lightly spiced black currant fruit. Firm through the middle, with big mouthfeel, and long lingering finish. Chateau Talbot *Deeply opaque inky blackish red color, with firm crimson red to pinkish rim definition and sticky high viscosity. Good forward complex layered nose of extracted red and black berry fruit, crème de cassis, boysenberry coulis, loganberries, spices, graphite and minerals. Excellent concentrated black currant fruit, with firm supple tannin structure, great body weight in the wine, through a sweetish blackberry mid-palate, going into a super long and very pleasant finish. Chateau Lalande-Borie(46hl/ha, 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc) Deep blackish crimson red color with a light red to pinkish rim definition, with high viscosity. Nose of forward oak-tinged black fruit, blackberries, loganberries, and sloe fruit with alcohol and minerals. Rather restrained palate revealing decent quantities of mixed black berry fruit. Good firm tannin structure and mid-palate going into a shortish somewhat restrained finish. La Croix Beaucaillou(34hl/ha, 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot) Deep blackish crimson red color with a light red to pinkish rim definition, with high viscosity. Nose of forward crushed black currant fruit with with a minty freshness underlying, then cedar box and minerals. Palate is fine with up-front black berry fruit, crème de cassis, again mint notes and soft supple tannins going through the mid-palate into a decent finish. Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou(34 hl/ha, 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot) Deeply opaque blackish purple color with crimson to fuchsia rim definition and high painted viscosity. Interesting minty fresh crushed black currant laden nose with cedar oak references and good phenolics. Powerful forward palate with good amounts of crushed black berry fruit, black currant pastilles, mint, and oak references going through the mid-palate into the solid finish, with good supple tannins and length. Clos du Marquis *(21 hl/ha, 54.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42.6% Merlot, 2.9% Petit Verdot) Bright blackish purple color with screaming pink to fuchsia rim definition and high viscosity. Concentrated nose of crushed black berry fruit, with quite complex layered notes of loganberries, boysenberry sorbet, and vanilla bean and minerals. Ripe concentrated palate of mixed berry fruit, with dominance by blackberries, cassis, and elderberry. Supple tannin structure through the mid-palate into a soft lingering finish with good minerality. Chateau Leoville Las Cases *(21 hl/ha, 70.2% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17.2% Merlot, 12.6% Cabernet Franc) Densely opaque inky black to purple color with bright purplish-fuchsia rim definition and monster high painted viscosity. On the nose there is immediate extraction of deeply complex black fruit with four or five different black berries springing to mind, oak references, soft vanilla and Bananas Foster. Huge forward tannic black fruit palate with firm notes of slightly spicy black fruits, then a mid-palate where the tannins soften and get supple with oak references into a long lingering and quite superbly delineated finish. 2002 Chateau Langoa BartonDeep crimson to purplish red color in the glass. Nose is very restrained, but shows good cassis fruit, loganberry, spice, oak references and minerals. Palate is very smooth with unobtrusive tannins, good fruit concentration, but slightly short on the finish. 2002 Chateau Leoville BartonDeeply opaque ruby red color in the glass. Nose has lots of refined black fruit, black currant notes, minerals, oak, elderberry juice and soft vanilla. Palate is rounded with good black currant notes, crème de cassis, oak, chalk and tannins. The mid-palate is rich in cassis and the finish lenghty. 2003 Chateau Langoa BartonPurple to deep red color in the glass. Nose has high alcohol at first, but then reveals soft raspberry coulis, black currant bush, crushed black fruit and minerals. Palate is big and mouth-filling with good amounts of black fruit, balanced tannins with slight oak references and fine finish. 2003 Chateau Leoville BartonDeeply opaque purplish red with fuchsia streaks; high viscosity. Nose has monster alcohol at first, but then shows loads of elegant crème de cassis, oak references, mineral character, some smokiness and earth. In the mouth, the wine is very big and rounded with good amounts of black currant fruit, elderberry juice, sloe fruit and serious tannin structure. It is an elegant and balanced wine with a great super long finish. Tasting of Pessac-Léognan and GravesThe wines from the Pessac-Léognan and Graves appellations turned out to be a pleasant surprise, with largely good quality reds and whites produced. Haut-Brion and La Mission Haut-Brion were outstanding and a bad sample of Pape Clement tasted in Saint Emilion a couple of days ago proved to be an anomaly as we retasted the wine and found it to be excellent. While not quite like the blockbuster wines from the northern Médoc, the reds showed good ripe sweetness of fruit and solid tannins, while the whites generally showed good balance between fruit and acidity. We can recommend seven out of the 24 red wines tasted, and five out of the 19 whites tasted. GravesChateau Rahoul Deep dark ruby red opaque with bright red to pink rim definition, high viscosity. Nose of crushed berry fruit with loganberries, blackberries, raspberry coulis and minerals. Quite sweet on the front palate but then some rather bitter tannins take over and while the wine is decent on the mid-palate it finishes up a bit short. Chateau de ChantegriveDeep dark ruby red opaque with bright red to pink rim definition, medium high viscosity. Bright crushed red berry fruit on the nose, with raspberries, lingonberries, some chalky minerals. Quite sweet fruit on the palate with crushed red and black berries, then astringent tannins disrupts the mid-palate going into a shortish finish. Chateau FerrandeDeep dark ruby red opaque with purple to pink rim definition, and high viscosity. Nose of alcohol, canned white asparagus, then crushed cassis fruit, oak references, and iodine. Perhaps it has not quite finished its malolactic fermentation yet. Quite sweet at first with mixed berries on the palate, greenish tannin structure, decent and firm through the mid-palate and a pleasant but short finish. Graves White WinesChateau de Chantegrive Blanc Cuvée Caroline Faint slightly greenish tinged straw yellow color with glass clear meniscus. On the nose, good crushed white fruit with white currants, grapefruit, green apple and minerals. Good concentration of crushed white fruit on the palate with white currant, white cranberries, medium acidity through the mid-palate and a decently balanced finish. Chateau Ferrande BlancFaint slightly greenish tinged straw yellow color with glass clear meniscus. Chalky, meaty, cooked white asparagus nose, with some underlying cooked apples and citrus rind. Short uncomplicated palate with decent amounts of cooked apples, citrus and some balance on the short finish. Chateau Rahoul BlancFaint slightly cloudy greenish tinged straw yellow color with glass clear meniscus. Huge extracted nose of concentrated grapefruit juice, orange rind, honey suckle, pear skins, white cranberries and pungent melon. Palate not so exciting, however, with decent amounts of apple and pear fruit, quite acidic mid-palate and short finish. Pessac-LéognanDomaine de Chevalier * Deep dark ruby red opaque with bright red to pink rim definition, high viscosity. Opulent and complex nose of extracted black fruit, new oak, coconut, vanilla, crème brulée, crème de cassis, phenolics and minerals. Superb mouthfeel with tons of sweet extracted crushed blackberries, black currants and loganberries on the palate, followed by excellent delineation and concentration through the balanced mid-palate. The finish is dominated by a supple tannin structure and yet more fruit that lasts for a full minute. Chateau Les Carmes Haut-Brion *Deeply opaque blackish purple red color with a dark fuchsia rim definition and high viscosity. Loads of extracted crushed black fruits with ripe black currant, elderberry, new oak references, vanilla and some minerality. Hugely concentrated and Zinfandel-like on the front palate, with extract of blackberries, jammy huckleberries, into a slightly less intense, but balanced mid-palate with some smoke and wood references, and a medium to long finish. Chateau de FieuzalDeep dark ruby red opaque with bright red to pink rim definition, and high viscosity. Good concentration of cassis fruit on the nose, with some underlying crushed blackberries and elderberry fruit, then alcohol and dusty minerals. Good mouthfeel with sweet crushed black fruit on the entry, followed by a firm tannin structure through the mid-palate and a decent shortish finish. Chateau de FranceDeeply opaque blackish blood ruby red core going out into a saturdated purple rim definition with high viscosity. Quite meaty nose of crushed black fruits with spicy blackberry components, cedar box, tobacco and minerals. Unbalanced palate lacking fruit with firm, slightly astringent tannin structure through the mid-palate and finish. Dries up at the end. Chateau Haut-BaillyDeeply opaque blackish blood ruby red core going out into a saturdated purple rim definition with high viscosity. Quite restrained nose of meaty, slightly gamey crushed black fruit, some vanilla, oak references, phenolics and earthy minerals. Big structured wine on the palate with decent amounts of blackberry fruits, massive, slightly overpowering, tannin structure through the mid-palate going into a lengthy tannic finish. Chateau Carbonneiux *Deep dark purplish red opaque with purple to pink rim definition, and medium high painted viscosity. Quite complex restrained nose of crushed mixed berry fruits, crème de cassis, blackberry liqueur, pepper, and spicy cherry notes, then phenolics and minerals. Sweet concentrated black fruit entry on the palate with big tannin structure, fine elegance and balance through the mid-palate and a long lingering finish still showing black fruit and minerals. Chateau BouscautDeep dark ruby red opaque with bright red to pink rim definition, and medium high viscosity. Quite restrained nose of alcoholic and slightly peppery black fruit, with oak references and minerals. Palate is quite sweet on the entry, but is quickly overpowered by an aggressive tannin structure, going through the mid-palate and into the finish. Chateau Olivier *Deep dark ruby red opaque with bright red to pink rim definition, and high viscosity. Nose of extracted blueberry juice, sweet crushed mixed berry fruits, raspberry coulis, and minerals. Sweet fruit entry, with tons of concentrated crushed mixed berries, good dense tannin structure through the mid-palate and a lovely long supple finish, showing just a touch of firmness through the finish. A real crowd pleaser. Chateau Pape Clement *Dense opaque blackish purple with deep purple to fuchsia rim definition and ultra high viscosity. Slightly restrained but highly complex nose showing a plethora of mixed crushed red and black berry fruit, with crème de cassis, blackberry liqueur, slightly spicy huckleberry notes, blueberry jam, spice box, tobacco and minerals notes. Smoked berry entry on the palate, with good firm tannin structure, mid-palate is dominated by spicy blackberries and a good medium finish. Chateau Latour-MartillacDeep dark ruby red opaque with bright red to pink rim definition, and high viscosity. Huge dusty mineral nose, with some underlying spicy black fruit, tobacco leaf, and alcohol. Sweetish fruit entry with firm tannin structure, some greenish elements through the mid-palate and a short drying finish. Chateau Haut-BergeyDense opaque blackish purple with deep purple to fuchsia rim definition and high viscosity. Quite restrained meaty black fruit nose, with some white pepper notes, tobacco leaf and alcohol. Big spicy entrance on the palate with tons of white pepper over black currant. Firm, slightly astringent tannin structure that carries through the mid-palate to the drying finish. Chateau Malartic-LagraviereDense opaque blackish purple with deep purple to fuchsia rim definition and high viscosity. Pure extracted black currant juice, new oak references, vanilla, spicy blackberry, phenolics and chalky minerals. Sweet black fruit entry on the palate with very firm tannin structure, going right through the mid-palate, where it also shows dusty black fruit and a lingering quite tannic finish. Chateau Smith Haut LafitteDeeply opaque blackish purple color with deep purple to fuchsia rim definition, and ultra high viscosity. Highly complex nose of smoky, meaty, yet extracted black berry fruit components, new oak references, crème de cassis, blackberry liqueur, phenolics and earthy minerals. Hugely mouthfilling, quite sweet crushed blackberry fruit up front on the palate, with firm tannin structure going through the mid-palate going into a long, yet highly tannic finish. Chateau Larrivet-Haut-BrionDeep dark ruby red opaque with bright red to pink rim definition, high viscosity. Big spicy blackberry nose, with green bell pepper elements, smoke, meat and tobacco notes. Sweetish black fruit entry, spicy peppery elements, good tannin structure through the mid-palate and a shortish finish that firms up at the end. Chateau La LouviereDeep dark ruby red opaque with bright red to pink rim definition, long legged high viscosity. Quite restrained nose showing slightly dusty black fruit, spicy blackberry, phenolics and chalky minerals. Good mixed black berry fruit entry on the palate, but then comes massive overpowering tannins through the mid-palate, but even though it does balance out through the finish, the tannins are just way over the top. Chateau Picque CaillouDeep dark ruby red opaque with bright red to pink rim definition, high viscosity. Pleasant forward crushed mixed red and black berries, with blueberry jam, candied raspberries, bubble gum, oak references and chalky minerals. Lots of sweet fruit on the entry on the palate with good amounts of red and black berries, then a firm tannin structure takes over through the mid-palate and the fruit never recovers through to the finish which is medium and drying. La Chapelle de la Mission Haut-Brion25% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 50% Cabernet Franc Deep semi-opaque blackish red color with crimson to pink rim definition and high viscosity. Nose of pure mixed crushed red and black berry fruits, loganberries, sloe fruit, and slightly spicy earthy minerals. Quite restrained on the palate but shows decent fruit characteristics, dominated by loganberries, huckleberries and elderberry fruit. Mid-palate is soft with fine tannins, into a medium mineral-laden finish. Chateau Bahans Haut-Brion27% Merlot, 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc Deep semi-opaque blackish red color with purplish to pink rim definition and high viscosity. Restrained classic nose with good amounts of slightly spicy black berry fruit, crushed loganberries, elderberry juice and chalky minerals. Big upfront mouthfeel of the wine, with good concentration of mixed black berry fruit, supple tannin structure, good body weight through the mid-palate and lots of minerality and faint oak references on the finish. Chateau La Tour Haut-Brion68% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon Deep semi-opaque blackish red color with crimson to pink rim definition and high viscosity. Warm concentrated berry fruit on the nose with chocolate, spicy black grapes, and oak references. Balanced and forward palate, showing good amounts of crushed black fruit, dominated by loganberries, elderberry fruit and sloe fruit. Quite supple tannins and slightly drying shortish finish. Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion *39% Merlot, 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc Deep opaque blackish red color with deep crimson to pink rim definition and high viscosity. Deep complex, slightly restrained classic nose, with wonderful concentration of black currant fruit, slightly spicy blackberries, spice box, tobacco leaf, cardamom and minerals. Powerful balanced mouthfeel, with layers of black berry fruit, spice components, oak references, and a finely delineated mid-palate showing supple tannin structure and a medium finish. Chateau Haut-Brion *58% Merlot, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc Deeply opaque, blackish color with purple core going out into a crimson to pink rim definition, and high viscosity. Lovely forward concentration of crushed red and black berry fruit, blackberry liqueur, wild black cherries, vanilla, crème de cassis, and new oak references. Big concentrated mouthful of complex red wine, with lots of crushed berry fruit, firm tannin structure through the mid-palate, which has good amounts of minerality and oak references, into a semi-long finish that lingers with nice black cherry fruit and licorice root. 2002 Chateau Haut BrionDeep purplish red color with blackish core going out into a fuchsia rim definiton. Nose is a plethora of crushed red and black fruit with blackberry, cassis, loganberry and jammy scents of raspberry. Palate is beautifully restrained with oak references, solid concentrated black currants, mocha, spices and mineral characteristics. Superbly balanced wine with great tannin structure and long finish. 2003 Chateau Haut Brion *Purple to deep blackish red color with fuchsia rim and high viscosity. Nose is a complex and interesting study in red and black fruit melange with oak references, vanilla, crème de cassis and elderberry jam. Palate is clearly higher in alcohol than past vintages, but the wine fills the mouth in a most delicious way with crushed boysenberry, black currant jelly, oak references, crème brulee and minerals. The finish is powerful and lenghty. Superb result that clearly surpasses the previous vintages, perhaps even 2000! Clos Marsalette(60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc) 18,000 bottles made in 2003. Deeply opaque purplish red color, with a purple red to fuchsia rim definition, and ultra high viscosity. Nose of forward bright red fruits, red berry compote, strawberry coulis, oak references, vanilla, and underlying minerals. Powerful concentrated palate of freshly crushed red berry fruits, with hints of cranberry juice, vanilla, raspberry sorbet, and an excellent tannin structure. Mid-palate shows good balance and lingering finish. Chateau Pape ClementDeep blackish red opaque color with dark ruby red rim definition and high viscosity. Huge spicy black and red berry fruit up front on the nose with blackberry liqueur, cherries in Grappa, tobacco leaf and very un-Pape Clement like scents. Over-extracted and highly unbalanced black fruit core with way too much alcohol, little acidity and initial tannins that quickly fade into the short and disappointing finish. La Sérenité de PoumeyDeep dark ruby red color with crimson to pink rim definition and medium-high viscosity. On the nose, there is spicy black fruit with cherry extract, black currants, blackberry liqueur and mineral components. The palate reveals good forward black fruit, but then an unpleasant unbalanced tannin structure ruins the initial taste and the wine goes into an alcoholic tailspin that finishes with a comeback of stoney minerals. Pessac-Léognan White WinesChateau Bouscaut Blanc Faint slightly cloudy greenish tinged straw yellow color with glass clear meniscus. Nose of canned white asparagus, pomello and ripe honeydew melon skin. Soft white fruit entry on the palate with good balance between the fruit and acidity and a disappointing short finish with tartness on the end. Chateau Carbonnieux Blanc *Faint cloudy slightly greenish tinged straw yellow color with glass clear meniscus. Quite complex nose of pears, green apples, honeydew melon, soapy undertones, and good chalky minerals. Lovely sweet white fruit entry on the palate with gorgeous balance between fruit and acidity through the mid-palate and a nice medium citrus finish. Domaine de Chevalier Blanc *Faint slightly greenish tinged straw yellow color with glass clear meniscus. Highly pungent complex nose of pear skins, citrus rind, honeydew melon, apple sauce and chalky minerals. Gorgeously balanced sweetish pomello and grapefruit entry on the palate, then apples, pears and minerals through the mid-palate, finishing in a medium well-structured white currant finale. Chateau de Fieuzal BlancFaint cloudy slightly greenish tinged straw yellow color with glass clear meniscus. Big aromatic nose of canned pineapple, sautéed pears and concetrated white cranberries, with underlying minerals. Loads of pineapple juice on the entrance of the palate, with citrus rind, good acidity and medium pear finish. Chateau de France BlancPale slightly cloudy citrine yellow color with glass clear meniscus. Quite restrained nose of citrus rind, cooked apples, and beefy minerals. Spritzy, unbalanced and quite insipid, almost diluted on the palate through the middle. Short grapefruit finish. Chateau Haut-Bergey BlancFaint slightly cloudy greenish tinged straw yellow color with glass clear meniscus. Nose of canned green peas, winter melon, zucchini skin, with underlying minerals. Unbalanced palate of green unripe apples, cucumber and too much acidity over the fruit through the mid-palate and tart finish. Chateau La Louviere BlancFaint milky slightly greenish tinged straw yellow color with glass clear meniscus. Quite restrained crushed white fruit nose, with green apples, citrus rind and minerals. Sweetish white cranberry juice entry on the palate with decent balanced acidity, showing good citrus fruit and pomello through the middle and into the shortish finish. Chateau Larrivet-Haut-Brion BlancPale greenish tinged slightly cloudy straw yellow with a glass clear meniscus. Meaty, grassy nose of winter melon, cooked zucchini and some citrus fruit with minerals. Sweetish, but highly unbalanced entry on the palate with cooked apples, pomello, unripe white fruit. Structure is weak through the middle, and the finish is short. Chateau Latour-Martillac BlancPale greenish tinged slightly cloudy straw yellow with a glass clear meniscus. Nose of gooseberries, green apple, winter melon, citrus rind and minerals. Palate has decently balanced white fruit with medium acidity and good citrus elements going through the mid-palate, into the shortish finish. Chateau Malartic Lagraviere BlancFaint slightly greenish clear, clean straw yellow color with glass clear meniscus. Very restrained, quite Sancerre-like nose, showing cooked green apples, white currants, citrus rind, and chalky minerals. Lovely balanced mouthfeel on the palate with good amounts of grapefruit, white currants, citrus rind and minerals through the mid-palate, into the balanced and lengthy finish. Chateau Olivier BlancFaint slightly cloudy greenish tinged straw yellow color with glass clear meniscus. Quite restrained nose of white currants, green apples, winter melon, oak references and citrus rind. Sweet white fruit entry on the palate with good amounts of acidity to balance out the citrus-like fruit into the firm mid-palate with a tartish citrusy finish. Chateau Pape Clement Blanc *Faint cloudy slightly greenish tinged straw yellow color with glass clear meniscus. Quite complex forward nose of pear concentrate, citrus, honeydew melon, green apples, and minerals. Pungent, balanced white fruit entry on the palate with good amounts of citrus, pears, and apples, going into a liquid mineral-laden mid-palate. Finishes long with good balance between fruit and acidity. Chateau Picque Caillou BlancClean, clear star bright pale greenish tinged yellow color with glass clear meniscus. Quite restrained nose with decent concentration of canned pears, mandarin oranges, and citrus rind. White fruit abound on the palate with concentration of green apples and citrus through the mid-palate into the shortish but pleasant finish. Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc *Faint, slightly cloudy greenish tinged citrine yellow color with glass clear meniscus. Slightly restrained, but complex layered nose of white currants, white cranberries, pear skins, apple sauce, winter melon and liquid minerals. Lovely balanced crushed white fruit palate with decent amounts of pomello, citrus rind, green apple skins, and minerals through the mid-palate and into a medium long pleasant citrus finish. Chateau Laville Haut-BrionFaint, slightly cloudy, greenish tinged light straw yellow color. Nose has concentrate of grapefruit, gooseberries, hand soap, and pungent pear characteristics. Good balanced mouthfeel of crushed gooseberries, white currants, pear skins, and citrus rinds going through the mid-palate into a fine finish with just a hint of tartness. Chateau Haut-Brion Blanc *Faint, slightly cloudy, greenish tinged light citrine yellow color. Huge and pungent, quite complex nose of crushed white fruit, white cranberries, winter melon, herbs, slight oak references and liquid minerals. Big structured palate full of crushed white currants, white cranberries, green apples, pear skins, lots liquid minerals through the mid-palate into the long balanced and quite pungent finish, with hints of citrus rind. Sauternes and BarsacTasting of Sauternes and Barsac The sweet white wines of Sauternes and Barsac were a mixed bunch in the 2003 vintage. While a few great producers managed to make some truly complex and balanced wines, the majority lacked acidity to balance out the overpowering residual sugars. Seven wines of out of the 27 tasted are recommended. Chateau Bastor LamontagneClean, clear bright straw yellow color in the glass, with glass clear rim definition, and predictably sticky high viscosity. Nose of crushed white fruit, citrus rind, malt beverage, pear skins and almonds. In the mouth, forward sweet honey suckle fruit with good amounts of residual sugar, showing good balance between white fruit and acidity. Shortish finish. Chateau de FarguesBeer-colored, slightly cloudy in the glass, with glass-clear rim definition, and high viscosity. Nose of canned lychee, clean peaches, apricot pits, marzipan, and pineapple. Huge sweet palate, full of tropical fruit, with dried mango, pineapple, candied gooseberry, complex mid-palate with good solid finish. Chateau Lamothe-GuignardColor of pale wheat beer, with greenish tinge, pale straw rim definition, and super high viscosity. Nose of white asparagus, tangerine rind, some sulphur dioxide, and alcohol. Monster residual sugar in the mouth, sulphuric, even salty undertones. Big pungent fallen pear mid-palate, followed by a sweet sticky finish that does show balance with the acidity. Chateau LamothePale wheat beer color with cloudy appearance, greenish tinge, with faint greenish to glass clear rim definition and high viscosity. Nose of green Granny Smith apples, slight stalkiness, green tomatoes, and cooked apples with mineral undertones. Overwhelming sweetness from residual sugar on the front palate, followed by uncomplex sticky mid-palate and shortish, spritzy, honeyed finish. Chateau RomerClean clear greenish tinged straw color, with glass clear rim definition, with ultra high viscosity. Notes of crushed white currants first appear on the nose, followed by Rainier cherries, Bosque pears and winter melon undertones. Palate has crispness and good balance between sweet honeyed fruit and acidity, nicely delineated and decent finish. Chateau Romer du Hayot *Color of dark apple must, with a light Dijon mustard core, going out into a greenish tinge, faint straw rim definition, with ultra high viscosity. Super complex botrytised nose, loads of honey suckle pungent pear skins, extract of apple sauce, lemon rind, apricots, and lively minerals. Unbelievable concentration on the palate with enormous residual sugar, sticky honey suckle candied apricots, peaches in heavy syrup and high-grade marzipan. Amazingly long finish, that seems complex and balanced. Chateau de MalleLight cloudy medium straw colored with greenish tinge going out into a glass clear rim and high viscosity. Nose of fresh crisp Golden Delicious apples, champagne, honey suckle and pomello, with underlying minerals and currants. Incredibly sweet palate punctuated by almond pits, apricot skins, marzipan, peaches, poached nectarines and honeydew melon. Good mid-palate and quite an excellent balanced finish. Chateau SuauSlightly cloudy greenish to pale straw yellow color with glass clear rim definition and ultra high viscosity. Nose has crushed white fruit, pear skins, cooked apple, phenolics, and pungent spritz. Palate is almost wheat beer-like upfront but then reveals citrus, honeydew melon, green apples, going into an almost salty mid-palate and quite decent finish. Chateau CaillouSlightly cloudy greenish to pale straw yellow color with glass clear rim definition and ultra high viscosity. Nose of fresh cut Golden Delicious apples, pears, dried banana, little bit of coconut, mango, and sweet sticky rice. Slightly funky mouthfeel at first but then the residual sugar kicks in and reveals cooked pears and apples, white currant trifle and citrus. Medium finish. Chateau Nairac *Color of medium dark apple must, with a light Dijon mustard core, going out into a greenish tinge, faint straw rim definition, with ultra high viscosity. Heavy botrytised nose, with tons of honey suckle, peaches, apricots, fermented pineapple, citrus rind, and honeydew melon with underlying minerals. Huge on the palate with enormous amounts of residual sugar, the wine reveals, sticky sweet candied mango, apricot pits, marzipan, peach liqueur, and hints of honey suckle and orange blossom. Very long finish. Chateau BroustetBright golden yellow with a greenish tinge, going out into a glass clear meniscus with a high viscosity. Nose of candied apple, fresh cut pears, spritzy minerals, and citrus rind. Palate a little uneven, or out of balance somehow but does show sweet honeyed fruit with some cooked apple characteristics and sticky rice finish. Chateau Filhot *Clean clear medium golden yellow color, slight greenish tinge and glass clear rim definition, with high viscosity. Initial nose of brewer's yeast, but then gets very complex and layered with pear compote, apricot pits, marzipan, clean peaches, citrus rind and orange blossom. Magnificently focused palate, complexity with layers of honey suckle, mandarin oranges, dried mango, apricots, and crushed white fruit. Finely balanced mid-palate full of sweet honeydew melon, going into a long supple balanced finish. Chateau d'ArcheSlightly cloudy, but otherwise clean deep straw yellow meniscus and ultra high viscosity. Nose of fresh cut green apples, pears, honeydew melon, orange blossom, citrus rind and minerals. Palate of extremely sweet honey lemon candy, orange rind, mango sorbet, and minerals. Quite a decent finish. Chateau Doisy-Védrines *Clean, slightly cloudy, greenish tinged, medium straw yellow color with glass clear rim definition and medium high viscosity. Slightly botrytised Auslese Riesling-styled nose, with cooked pears and apples, canned pineapple, honeydew and mango, followed by hints of pear skins and minerals. Complex mouthful of botrytised tinged honey suckle fruit, citrus rind, peach sorbet, and beautifully delineated mid-palate, going into a powerful long finish with great balance. Chateau Doisy-DaëneHeavily greenish tinged, slightly cloudy medium yellow straw color, with glass clear rim definition, and high viscosity. Nose of botrytised pear juice, sticky rice, cooked apples, honey suckle and minerals. Rich mouthfilling balanced palate with just the right amount of sweet honey suckle fruit in combination with cooked apples and pears, almonds and liquid minerals. Good complexity and medium finish. Chateau de MyratLight wheat beer color, with milky pale straw to clear rim definition, super high viscosity. Nose of tinned fruit, especially mandarin oranges, pineapple, and some asparagus, then hints of salt water minerals. Palate has huge sweetness upfront with some degree of pears and heavy syrup, honey suckle and mandarins, hollow mid-palate with a shortish finish. Chateau Sigalas RabaudSlightly cloudy medium straw color with glass clear rim definition and ultra high viscosity. Oak infused blue cheese nose with oranges, fallen pears, botrytis, acacia honey. Palate has a pleasantly balanced upfront honey suckle sweetness to it, with loads of ripe mangos, peaches, marzipan through the ample mid-palate. Finishes very nicely indeed. Chateau Rabaud-PromisCloudy beer color with a golden tinge going out into a glass clear rim definition with high viscosity. Champagne nose of mineralized, still fermenting white grape juice, with underlying Riesling-like pear fruit and minerals. Palate is slightly one-dimensional, sticky sweet honey suckle fruit with some degree of apricot sorbet and marzipan but not much else showing. Finish is sweet with little or no balanced acidity showing. Chateau Rieussec *Cloudy medium straw color with milky to clear rim definition, medium high viscosity. Restrained but rather complex nose of honey suckle, Bosque pears, Fiji apples, honeydew melon, apricot pits, pineapple liqueur, minerals and alcohol. Beautifully delineated palate showing crisp Asian pears, cooked apples, marzipan, peaches, apricot, orange blossom, and minerals. Wonderful mid-palate and superb balanced finish. Chateau GuiraudDeep golden yellow color with greenish tinge going out into a glass clear rim definition with ultra high viscosity. Nose of canned white asparagus, phenolics, fermenting apple juice and alcohol. Sticky sweet honey palate that overwhelms what would otherwise be a balanced wine. Middle has no acidity, finish is all alcohol. Chateau CoutetDeep golden yellow slightly cloudy color with greenish tinge going out into a glass clear rim definition with ultra high viscosity. Nose of fermenting pear juice, fallen apples, sulphur, dish soap. Sticky sweet honey palate that overwhelms the underlying honey suckle and white fruit. Middle is slightly hollow and the finish is quite alcoholic with some degree of sweetness and minerals coming back at the end. Chateau Suduiraut *Crisp, clean and clear medium golden yellow color in the glass, with glass clear meniscus and pretty leggy high viscosity. Gorgeous complex nose of butterscotch, honey suckle pears and apples, almost rich chardonnay-like notes, freshness, minerals and oak references. Palate is gorgeously balanced with loads of crushed white fruit, honey suckle pear sorbet, orange blossom, citrus rind and honeydew melon. Mid-palate is excellent and the finish is great and balanced. Chateau de Rayne VigneauClean clear greenish tinged golden color with glass clear rim definition and ultra high viscosity. Nose of pungent phenolic diesel-like Auslese style wine, with cooked pears, honeydew melon and armagnac. Quite lean, sweetish palate without much complexity, showing some honey fruit and minerals through the mid-palate into the medium finish. Chateau Clos Haut-PeyragueySlightly cloudy, but otherwise clean deep straw yellow color with clear rim definition, and high viscosity. Nose of pilsner beer, honey suckle fruit, cooked apples, peach pits, and alcohol. Rather rich, quite forward honeyed palate with crushed white fruit, candied apple, shortish mid-palate and one-dimensional sweet finish. Chateau Lafaurie-Peyraguey *Deep slightly cloudy golden yellow color with greenish tinged glass clear rim definition, and super high viscosity. Rich nose of botrytised fruit, hints of blue cheese, honey suckle, orange blossom, nectarines, peach sorbet, citrus rind, marzipan and liquid minerals. Beautifully complex palate with the right balance between the sweetness, fruit and acidity, loads of apricot pits, sweet almonds, marzipan, clean peaches, mango sorbet, honey suckle and orange blossom, lead into a brilliant mid-palate, with a medium sweet super finish. Chateau La Tour BlancheDeep slightly cloudy golden yellow color with greenish tinged glass clear rim definition, and super high viscosity. Nose of chardonnay-like cooked apple and pear fruit, with underlying phenolics orange rind, and liquid minerals. Palate quite supple with sweetness, but very one-dimensional through the mid-palate and an unbalanced finish that's quite sticky. Chateau d'Yquem 1999Always released five years after the vintage and never available to taste out of barrel, the 1999 d'Yquem was presented by Comte Alexandre de Lur Saluces today at the Chateau. Clean clear light golden yeloow color with glass clear meniscus and high viscosity. Nose of beautifully botrytised white fruit, powerful notes of new oak, vanilla cream, honeysuckle, marzipan, almond pits, stewed apricots and undertones of minerals. In the mouth, the wine is beautifully rounded and supple up front with lovely botrytis-laden melon fruit, white pears, peach skins, acacia honey. Mid-palate is superbly balanced with just the right amount of acidity, going into a long smooth and sweet fruit finish. "Y" de Chateau d'Yquem 2002The rare dry white wine of Yquem, only produced in the very finest vintages in small quantities from the de-selected barrels of Yquem and picked just before the botrytis attacks the vines. Crisp clean greenish tinged bright appearance in the glass with glass clear rim definition and high viscosity. Nose of grassy white furit with green apples and light pear notes, followed by some herbs and minerals. The palate is quite steely with herb tinged bright white fruit, somewhat hollow middle, but then good balance between fruit and acidity and medium finish. Tasting of Margaux, Moulis and ListracTastings in the Margaux, Moulis and Listrac appellations were again a very mixed bag. Although generally more homogenous than what has been tasted on the Right Bank, the wines were generally uninspiring, except for a few notable exceptions. Consistent producer Chateau Palmer again made a wine of superb quality and balance, and first growth Chateau Margaux followed up their great 2002 vintage with yet another superlative wine. Their Pavillon Blanc was also just incredible, one of the best whites in the Médoc ever tasted. However out of 34 wines tasted from these appellations, only seven can be recommended. MargauxBrane Cantenac Deep opaque ruby red color, with pinkish rim definition and medium high viscosity. Nose of black currant bush, undergrowth, spicy licorice, blackberries, alcohol and chalky minerals. Rather sweet fruit on the front palate, followed by crushed boysenberry, elderberry fruit, sloe fruit and minerals. Good balance on the mid-palate and very fine supple tannins going into the medium finish. Alter Ego de Palmer(47% Merlot, 53% Cabernet Sauvignon) Deep even, semi-opaque ruby red color with purplish pink rim definition and medium viscosity. Nose of ripe red berry fruit, vanilla, nutmeg, spice box, crème de cassis, and minerals. Lively palate of freshly crushed black currants, oak references, outstanding balance between fruit and acidity, with a lovely supple tannin structure, going into a medium long toasty finish. Chateau Palmer *(20% Merlot, 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Petit Verdot) Deep dark opaque purplish crimson color, with purple to pink rim definition and high viscosity. Loads of crushed red and black berry fruit dominate the nose at first, then complex layers of new oak references, vanilla, lead pencil, sloe fruit, loganberry juice, and chalky minerals. Hugely well-strucutured wine on the palate with subtle crushed black fruit, ripe red currants, cassis, and elements of chalky minerals, new oak references and elderberry fruit. Mid-palate shows a superbly delineated tannin structure that carries through to the long lingering finish, showing hints of burnt caramel and vanilla. Pavillon Rouge du Chateau Margaux(60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot, 1% Cabernet Franc) Color is a bright, semi-opaque purplish red, with a pinkish rim definition, medium high viscosity. Nose of crushed red fruits, including red currants, then boysenberry, black currant bush, oak references, and minerals. Palate seems fairly restrained, but shows good concentration of crushed red berry fruit, again red currants, fine tannin structure, and lovely balance through the mid-palate goes into a medium finish. Pavillon Blanc du Chateau Margaux *(100% Sauvignon Blanc, 13.7% alcohol) Star bright, fine and clear light straw colored wine with a greenish tinge, glass clear meniscus, and medium high viscosity. Pungent nose of candied white fruit, white currants, pear sorbet, red apple skins, sweet honeydew melon, and pear liqueur. Superbly mouthfilling white wine with incredibly concentrated crushed white fruit, citrus rind hints, extract of pear, green apple, melon, and an amazingly balanced mid-palate with sweetish white fruit going into one of the longest finishes ever for a white wine in the Medoc, replete with white pear, lingering for a full minute. Chateau Margaux*(83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc) Bright semi-opaque, purple red color, with fuchsia to pink rim definition, with medium high viscosity. Tremendously complex and elegant nose, completely infused with crushed red fruit, crème de cassis, new oak references, boysenberry sorbet, vanilla, toast, and caramelized fruit. Massive red fruit concentration on the palate at first, then complex layered crushed black currant fruit, raspberry sorbet, brambleberry, loganberry, intense yet supple tannin structure. Mid-palate is full of berry fruit going into a long balanced finish, with a nice touch of new oak and vanilla. Chateau Margaux 2002*Evenly crimson to light ruby colored wine with pink rim definition and medium viscosity. As the wine had just been fined, the nose was incredible vivid and had almost New World-like characteristics. Highly evolved complex nose of toasted new oak, mocha, ground coffee, crème brulée, crushed black currants, boysenberry sorbet, tobacco box, spices, and light minerals. Palate is more restrained than the nose, but shows lovely concentration of crushed red berry fruit with currants, cranberry, cassis and loganberries followed by new oak and vanilla toast through the middle, then goes into a lengthy balanced tannin finish with yet more red currants. Chateau Durfort VivensDeep crimson red opaque color, with purplish pink rim definition, and medium high viscosity. Restrained nose of crushed red fruit, with underlying black currants, wet stone, minerals and white pepper. Palate is equally restrained, with some black and red fruit characteristics, slight oak references, but very mineral-laden through the middle into a short finish. Chateau du TertreDeep blood ruby red color, with an opaque core going out into a light red rim definition, with high viscosity. Meaty black fruit nose, with hints of stewed tomatoes, spicy spaghetti bolognese and earthiness. Palate is much more rewarding with crushed black fruit, good cassis definition, boysenberry, still some spiciness, and nice balanced finish. Chateau SiranDeep blood ruby red color, with an opaque core going out into a light red rim definition, with high viscosity. Nose of dusty red and black fruit, phenolics, fresh oak, lead pencil and alcohol. Palate has some amount of red and black fruit, vanilla, disappointing mid-palate and short ascorbic finish. Chateau Rauzan-SeglaDeep crimson red semi-opaque color, with purplish pink rim definition, and medium high viscosity. Nose of spicy blackberry fruit with some amounts of mint and cassis, slight greenness though. Well-balanced palate that shows good amounts of black fruit, very firm tannin structure with some underlying green bell pepper and minerals. Mid-palate is quite well defined and good finish. Chateau Rauzan GassiesDeep blackish red color with purplish opaque core, going out into deep red rim definition, with high viscosity. Nose of spicy black fruit, almost Syrah-like characteristics, with pepper, cassis, and rustic brambleberry and sloe fruit. Palate of some black fruit characteristics, but overall very thin and disappointing. Chateau Prieuré-LichineDeep blood ruby red color, with an opaque core going out into a light red rim definition, with high viscosity. Very forward nose of concetrated black fruit, crème de cassis, loads of new oak, tobacco leaf, and spice box. Palate of extracted crushed red and black berry fruit with all-spice components, tobacco and well-balanced mid-palate, supple tannin structure, with short to medium finish. Chateau MonbrisonSemi-opaque ruby red color wine, pinkish red rim definition, with high viscosity. Nose of crushed red berries, some blackberry liqueur, meatyness and liquid minerals. Rather shortish palate that shows deccent amounts of forest berries, with elderberry component and earthy mineral finish. Chateau Marquis de TermeSemi-opaque ruby red color wine, pinkish red rim definition, with high viscosity. Freshly crushed red berry fruits with raspberry sorbet, bright cranberry juice, and chalky minerals. Good tannin structure on front palate, followed by red fruit components, tart cranberry-like finish. Chateau Marquis d'Alesme BeckerDeep blood ruby red color, with an opaque core going out into a light red rim definition, with high viscosity. Very closed on the nose, but does reveal fractional amounts of spicy black fruit and fruit-driven minerals. At first, well-balanced palate with good amounts of fruit and acidity, but then astringent tannins take over through the finish. Chateau Malescot St. Exupéry *Deep blackish red color with purplish opaque core, going out into deep red rim definition, with high viscosity. Quite evolved nose of crushed black currant, boysenberry, spice box, tobacco and decent complexity, with minerals. Good concentration of crushed black fruit on the palate, dominated by crème de cassis, oak components, boysenberry sorbet, and slight mintiness going into the mid-palate, with a well structured tannin finish. Chateau LascombesDeep opaque blackish red color, with highly painted red rim definition, medium viscosity. Nose of extracted black fruit, with candied cassis, new oak references and some mineral characteristics. Palate of concentrated red and black berry fruit, with solid tannin structure, slightly out of balance mid-palate. Finishes up short. Chateau LabegorceDeep blood ruby red color, with an opaque core going out into a ruby red rim definition, with medium high viscosity. Meaty nose of earthy black fruit, wet stone and minerals. Palate is vague with remnants of red and black fruit with no distinct characteristics. Short finish. Chateau Kirwan *Deep blackish red color with purplish opaque core, going out into deep red rim definition, with high viscosity. Interesting complex and concentrated nose of black fruit, with spice box, tobacco leaf, tar, and crushed brambleberries, some hints of oak and blueberry sorbet. Lovely concentration on the palate, with loads extracted black berry fruit, crème de cassis, cranberry, wild black cherries, and minerals. Mid-palate is refined and balanced, going into a supple tannin structure and long finish. Chateau GiscoursDeep blackish red color with purplish opaque core, going out into deep red rim definition, with high viscosity. Nose of extracted black and red berry fruit with blackberry liqueur, cherry components, all-spice, and chalky minerals. Pretty decently concentrated palate, slightly spicy black currant with fine tannin structure, medium finish. Chateau FerriereDeep blood ruby red color, with an opaque core going out into a light red rim definition, with high viscosity. Pretty evolved crushed black fruit nose with spice charactestics, hints of pepper, tar, and minerals. Palate has concentration of crushed blackberries, crème de cassis, cranberry and fine tannin structure, going into a medium finish. Chateau DauzacMedium ruby red semi-opaque color with light red to pink rim definition and high viscosity. Nose of bright crushed red berry fruit, with raspberry sorbet, crème de cassis, red plums, and minerals. Palate of crushed red berry fruit, with spicy raspberry components, good tannins, and short to medium finish. Chateau Cantenac BrownDeep blackish red color with purplish opaque core, going out into deep red rim definition, with high viscosity. Highly restrained nose revealing some black fruit characteristics, cranberry juice, red plums, and fruit driven minerals. Palate is almost closed, showing little fruit concentration, but then comes through with some crushed boysenberry and cranberry. Short finish. Chateau d'AngludetDeep blackish red color with purplish opaque core, going out into deep red rim definition, with high viscosity. Spicy black fruit nose, with forward crushed red berry fruit, then cassis, spice box, and tobacco leaf. Decently concentrated black fruit on the palate, with spicy black currant notes, firm tannin structure, drying slightly through the mid-palate but finishes up nice enough with some cranberry concentrate. Clos MargalaineDeep opaque blackish red color with light red to pink rim definition and high painted viscosity. Interesting nose of candied red fruits, blueberry sorbet, raspberry coulis, phenolics, and cherry Jolly Rancher candy. Crushed ripe red fruit medley in the mouth, cherries, raspberries, cranberry and red currants, going into a well-balanced mid-palate showing oak references, chocolate and spice. Nice pleasant finish. MarojalliaInky, purple black color with deep purple rim definition and long legged sticky high viscosity. Nose resembles red fruit varnish, stewed black fruit, tar, medicinal alcohol, and spicy tobacco. Nearly overripe red and black fruit characteristics with cherry compote, loganberries and elderberry juice, followed by a supple tannin mid-palate and rounded short finish. Tasting of Pauillac, Saint Estephe, and Saint JulienTasting the wines in the northern Médoc appellations of Pauillac, Saint Estephe and Saint Julien finally brought this variable vintage into clear focus. We can safely say that all the top wines of this vintage will be from these areas. Some truly mind-boggling wines were made at Lafite-Rothschild, Latour, Montrose, Cos d'Estournel, Pichon Lalande, Leoville Las Cases, Pontet Canet, and Talbot, rivaling and perhaps even surpassing their amazing efforts in the great 2000 vintage. Some delicious wines were also made in the Haut Médoc appellation, from producers such as Bernadotte, Belgrave, and La Tour Carnet. The wines were much more balanced and homogenous in these appellations, than what we have tasted so far on the Right Bank. In fact, it sometimes seemed as if we were tasting wines from a different vintage, as there were no signs of the high, unbalanced alcohol levels and drying tannins that we encountered on the Right Bank so far. Eighteen wines of the 58 tasted from the 2003 vintage can be highly recommended from the northern Médoc. 2003 is now the fourth straight year of outstanding success and quality for the northern Médoc, the first time ever in documented history. PauillacChateau Clerc Milon Deep opaque blackish red wine with fine crimson to pink rim definition and high viscosity. Nose of extracted black currant fruit, boysenberries, mint, and fresh cut cassis bush, spice elements and minerals. Rather restrained palate showing good amounts of black currant fruit, soft supple tannin structure, good medium body weight, with a medium supple finish. Chateau d'ArmailhacDeep opaque blackish red wine with fine crimson to pink rim definition and high viscosity. Big concentrated nose of very classic black fruit, crème de cassis, spice box, tobacco leaf and minerals. Good rounded and balanced black fruit palate with spiced elements, firm tannin structurem good rounded mid-palate and long finish. Chateau BatailleyDeep brooding blackish purple color with firm red to fuchsia rim definition and high viscosity. Big, rather alcoholic nose at first, but then good amounts of black fruits, blackberry liqueur, black currants, loganberry and earthy minerals. Good forward palate of crushed black fruit with firm tannin structure, but too much alcohol through the mid-palate going into a firm tannic yet lengthy finish. Chateau Croizet-BagesDeep opaque blackish red wine with fine crimson to pink rim definition and high viscosity. Pungent black currant bush, green bell pepper skins, quite unripe on the nose with zesty minerals. Palate confirms the nose. Wine has decent body weight and some black currant fruit but is green and slightly diusjointed through the mid-palate and has a tannic finish. Chateau Lynch-MoussasDeep brooding blackish purple color with firm red to fuchsia rim definition and high viscosity. Rather restrained nose with good blackberry extraction, oak references, cedar box, chalky minerals, and some underlying alcohol. Palate is quite fruit forward with good amounts of black currants and loganberries. Mid-palate has distinct sloe fruit elements, firm tannin structure, and has a rather ascorbic finish. Chateau Lynch BagesDeep brooding blackish purple color with firm red to pinkish rim definition and high viscosity. Restrained, but rather complex layered nose of black fruit extract, crème de cassis, spices, cedar box, tobacco leaf, graphite, and minerals. Big chewy black fruit palate with firm tannin structure, great body weight, black currant bush, ripe cranberry through the middle, and good lingering finish. Chateau Grand-Puy DucasseDeep opaque blackish red wine with fine crimson to pink rim definition and high viscosity. Interesting somewhat dusty nose of crushed black currants, elderberry fruit, sloe fruit, new oak references, sweet spices, and minerals. Overpowering oak on the palate, leading into a moderately crushed black fruit, black currant foliage mid-palate, with firm dry tannin structure. Medium long finish. Chateau Haut-Bages LiberalDeep brooding blackish purple color with firm red to crimson rim definition and high viscosity. Rather restrained nose of quite chalky black currant fruit, phenolics, oak references and toasty minerals. Palate of loganberry, sloe fruit, elderberry fruit, with a firm tannin structure through the middle to the medium, slightly ascorbic finish. Chateau Pichon Longueville Baron *Deep brooding blackish purple color with firm red to fuchsia rim definition and high viscosity. Huge forward concentrated nose of crushed black fruit, crème de cassis, vanilla, raspberry crème brulée, oak references and soft liquid notes. Massively endowed wine with bright forward crushed black currant palate, boysenberry sorbet, and a firm supple tannin structure through the middle, going into a long tasty black fruit finish. Chateau Pontet Canet *Deep brooding blackish purple color with firm red to fuchsia rim definition and high viscosity. Big extracted spicy black fruit nose, crème de cassis, blackberry liqueur, alcohol, and mineral notes. Hugely concentrated palate that shows good amounts of complexity with ripe crushed blackberry and elderberry fruit juice. Firm supple tannin structure through the middle, with great delineation and long, long finish. Carruades de Lafite *(33 hl/ha, 50% Merlot, 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc) Deep semi-opaque purplish color with fuchsia band going out into a bright pink rim definition, with high viscosity. Nose of pure extracted cassis, black currant bush, graphite, blackberry, and earthy minerals. Sweet attack of extracted black currant juice on the front palate then juicy black fruit following, very supple tannin structure, great delineation through the mid-palate and soft black currant pastille finish. Chateau Duhart Milon(33 hl/ha, 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot) Deeply opaque blackish red to purple color with fuchsia rim definition, and high viscosity. Nose of earthy, meaty black fruit components, spice elements, alcohol, and underlying black currant bush and minerals. Spicy black fruit on the front palate, with crushed black currants, brambleberry juice, earthy minerals and oak references. Tannins through the mid-palate are soft and supple, with quite an elegant finish. Chateau Lafite Rothschild*(86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot) Inky black purple colored wine in the glass with deep purplish fuchsia rim definition and ultra high viscosity. Elegant nose filled with essence of black currant, new oak, graphite, cedar box, minerals and phenolics. Huge mouthful of pure complex crème de cassis with amazing delineation, incredibly supple tannins and a wonderful, slightly earthy mineral mid-palate, going into a superb balanced and lengthy finish that still is spiked with licorice root and oak references. Chateau Mouton RothschildDeep purplish red opaque color with fuchsia to pink rim definition, with medium high viscosity. Restrained nose of spicy black currant juice, alcohol, new oak references, lead pencil, tar, phenolics and minerals. Good amounts of black currant juice on the palate with some blackberry liqueur, spice box components, herb undertones and phenolic, minerally mid-palate going into a tobacco leaf cassis medium finish. Aile d'Argent 2002 (white wine of Chateau Mouton Rothschild)Pale greenish tinged yellow color with glass clear rim definition and pretty legged high viscosity. Forward nose of crushed white currants, green apple skins, gooseberries, citrus rind, winter melon and chalk. Almost sweetish attack of crushed white fruit on the palate followed by nicely delineated white currant juice, white cranberry, apples, and chalky minerals. Mid-palate has great balance between fruit and acidity and the finish is quite lengthy with a gooseberry spritz. Pauillac(3rd wine of Chateau Latour, 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 48% Merlot) Deeply opaque purplish red color with purple fuchsia rim definition and painted high viscosity. Meaty fleshy nose of crushed black fruit, spice elements, braised liver, tobacco leaf, and quite earthy minerals. Soft supple black fruit entrance on the palate with good extraction and concentration of blackberries, cassis and loganberries. Mid-palate is rounded and the tannin structure is supple into the medium finish. Les Forts de Latour *(78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot) Deeply opaque purplish red color with purple fuchsia rim definition and painted high viscosity. Nose of crushed black currant, oak references, vanilla, crème caramel, crème de cassis, spice box, and minerals. Huge chewy mouthful of spice-laden black fruit with cassis, sweetish extraction of blackberry, boysenberry sorbet, loganberries, beautifully balanced mid-palate with big tannin structure. The finish is deliciously supple and long with yet more fruit extract. Chateau Latour *(81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot) Deeply opaque purplish red color with purple fuchsia rim definition and painted high viscosity. Huge complex nose of a plethora of black berry fruits, with exotic spices, tobacco, cedar box, oak references, phenolics and minerals. Monster mouthful of phenomenally concentrated wine with big tannin structure, yet loads of elegance and finesse. The fruits just keep coming in the blackest range of the book with a super mid-palate and length to die for.Lingers for a full two minutes plus in the finish with hints of oak, spicy black currants, licorice root and minerals. Réserve de la Comtesse 2002 *(72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 0.5% Cabernet Franc, 0.5% Petit Verdot) Deep blackish red color with opaque core out into a crimson to pink rim definition and medium high viscosity. Nose of pure loganberry juice with black currant pastilles, cassis, elegance, spice, slight oak references. Rounded fruit forward palate, with mixed black berries, cassis, blackberry liqueur, great tannin structure through the mid-palate, with a long fruity licorice root finish. Réserve de la Comtesse 2003 *(44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc) Deeply opaque blackish red color with deep crimson red rim definition and high viscosity. Quite restrained nose, showing good amounts of crushed black fruit, spicy oak references, fresh, almost minty cedar box and minerals. Very soft black fruit on the palate with supple tannins. Great delineation through the mid-palate with hints of cassis, oak references, and just great supple length. Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 2002 *(51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Verdot) Deep blackish red color with opaque core going out into a crimson rim definition and high painted viscosity. Notes of crushed black fruit, oak, Bananas Foster, coconut, crème brulée, vanilla, and blackberry liqueur jump out of the glass for a truly exceptionally complex experience. On the palate, it starts out with great softness, black berry fruits, then accelerates incredibly through the fresh mid-palate with big spicy black currants and loganberries, before going into a great finish with supple tannins, lingering for a full minute. Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 2003 *(65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot) Inky purple black color with deep reddish purple rim definition, and huge viscosity. Pure freshly crushed black currants, with crème de cassis, spice box, minty freshness, phenolics and graphite. Sweet jammy fruit attack on the palate filled with a plethora of crushed black fruits going into a supple and round mid-palate with outstanding ripe tannin structure, and an incredible lengthy finish. ListracChateau Clarke * Deep blood ruby red color, with an opaque core going out into a light red rim definition, with high viscosity. Highly evolved nose of super concentrated black berry fruit with crème de cassis, loads of new oak, vanilla, crème brulée, spices, tobacco and underlying minerals. Palate has good amounts concentrated and extracted red and black berry fruit with blackberry and cassis dominating. Mid-palate shows firm tannin structure that goes through to the finish, which lingers with some licorice root on the palate. Chateau FonréaudDeep purplish red opaque color with light pinkish red rim definition and medium high viscosity. Nose of crushed black currant, raspberries, cranberries, and fruit driven minerals. Palate has decent amounts of crushed red and black berry fruit, some cranberry juice, good tannin structure, medium mineral-laden finish. Chateau Fourcas HostenSemi-opaque deep ruby red color, with purplish red rim definition, and medium high viscosity. Nose of bright red fruit, with alcohol, phenolics and minerals. Palate has crushed red berry fruit, decent tannin structure, hollow middle, and shortish drying finish. Chateau Fourcas DupréSemi-opaque deep ruby red color, with purplish red rim definition, and medium high viscosity. Nose of spicy black currant fruit, spice box, boysenberry sorbet, and chalky minerals. Good concentration on the palate, red and black berry fruit, cranberry, red plums, firm tannin structure, and a decent finish. MoulisChateau Chasse Spleen Deep blood ruby red color, with an opaque core going out into a light red rim definition, with high viscosity. Quite classic cassis nose, with hints of mint and a freshness on the black currant bush, then oak, tobacco and minerals. Well concentrated palate with firm tannin structure, crushed blackberries, spicy cassis and rather short finish. Chateau Maucaillou *Deep purplish red color, with opaque core going out into a purplish pink rim definition with mediumm high viscosity. Concentrated spicy nose of crushed blackberry fruit, with new oak references, spice box, nutmeg, Cherry Hering liqueur. Surprising black fruit concentration on the palate, with good delineated tannin structure, quite supple in the middle, and nice mineral finish. Good mouthfeel and weight to the wine. Chateau PoujeauxDeep purplish red opaque color with light pinkish red rim definition and medium high viscosity. Spicy nose of crushed black currants, tobacco leaf, wild black cherries, cassis, phenolics and minerals. Great freshness on the palate with lots of crushed black currants, boysenberry, loganberry and elderfruit. Middle shows supple tannins with good structure, and the finish is quite decent. MédocChateau Potensac (43 hl/ha, 43.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 23.5% Cabernet Franc) Bright purple color with screaming pink to fuchsia rim definition and high viscosity. Forward sweet crushed red fruit, with soft raspberry and brambleberry characteristics, even a bit of bubble gum, then phenolics and minerals. Well structured palate full of bright red fruits, cranberry juice, firm tannin structure through the mid-palate, into a medium finish with hints of toast. Chateau GreysacDeep blood ruby red color, with an opaque core going out into a light red rim definition, with high viscosity. Cassis black currant bush right upfront on the nose, some green elements underlying and chalky minerals. Palate confirms the nose, with green bell pepper skins, slightly unripe tannins, good amounts of cassis, some freshness through the middle and a drying finish. Chateau La Tour de ByDeep purplish red color, with an opaque core going out into a light red rim definition, with high viscosity. Roasted meat, spicy black fruit, beef jerky, some pepper components and earthy minerals. Palate is slightly unbalanced, with firm tannin structure, gamey components and dusty minerals. Some iron on the finish. Haut MédocChateau Coufran Deeply opaque purple red color with dark red to pink rim definition and high viscosity. Nose of freshly squeezed black currants, spice box, earthy minerals and licorice root. Crushed sweet cassis fruit black currant, then some greenish elements, possibly a ripeness issue, good tannin structure through the middle and medium, slightly bitter finish. Chateau BeaumontDeep opaque ruby red color, with pinkish rim definition and high viscosity. Crushed red and black berry fruit, loganberries, children's vitamins and bright cherry fruit. Quite sweet crushed red and black berry fruit on the front palate, then quickly revealing some rather greenish elements with a pretty decent tannin structure and slightly ascorbic finish. Chateau CitranDeep opaque ruby red color, with pinkish rim definition and medium high viscosity. Rather restrained nose revealing spicy black fruit, new oak references, some cassis and minerals. Unbalanced palate with high acidity, some measure of crushed blackberries, but the tannins are out of whack, finishing with very bitter medium ascorbic astringency. Chateau de LamarqueDeep blackish red color, going out into a purplish red rim definition with high viscosity. Nose of fresh cut black currant bush, loganberries, oak references and minerals. Palate has powerful firm tannins with underlying crushed black currants, sloe fruit, a funny coffe ground-like mid-palate and a rather short finish. Chateau MalescasseDeep blackish red color, going out into a crimson red rim definition with high viscosity. Nose of meaty, quite spicy black currants, sloe fruit, carpaccio, and earthy minerals. Unbalanced palate showing little fruit but with high acidity and tannins, with ascorbic elements going into a short and drying finish. Chateau CantemerleDeep blackish red color, going out into a crimson red rim definition with high viscosity. Earthy spicy crushed black fruits, dominated by loganberry, tobacco leaf and chalky minerals. Rather sweet black fruit entry on the palate followed by well-structured but firm tannins leading into a drying mid-palate and a shortish finish. Chateau Belgrave *Deeply opaque blackish purple color with deep purple painted rim definition and high viscosity. Big extracted blackberry fruit, plums, spice elements, boysenberry sorbet, very Right Bank-like on the nose. Massive mouthful of concentrated black currant and blackberry fruit with big firm but quite supple tannins, spicy mid-palate and medium finish. Chateau La LaguneDeeply opaque blackish purple color with deep purplish red rim definition and high viscosity. Bright freshly cut black currants, blackberries, loganberries, new oak references and minerals. Palate confirms the nose with good amounts of crushed black fruit firm yet supple tannin structure going into the mid-palate that shows softness of the black fruit and a medium finish. Chateau CamensacDeeply opaque blackish purple color with deep purple painted rim definition and high viscosity. Forward candied black fruit on the nose, with ripe cassis, bubble gum and lively minerals. Interesting melange of sweetish crushed red and black berry fruit upfront with the bubble gum component continuing through the middle with firm tannin structure and medium cassis candy finish. Chateau La Tour Carnet *Deep opaque ruby red color, with pinkish rim definition and high viscosity. Complex nose of highly extracted fresh forward crushed black currant, crème de cassis, blackberry liqueur, tobacco leaf, graphite and good chalky minerals. Greatly concentrated palate with supple tannin structure, loads of black crushed fruit, boysenberry sorbet, jammy middle and a lengthy firm finish. Chateau Bernadotte 2002 *(50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot) Deep semi-opaque blood ruby red with light red to pinkish rim definition and medium high viscosity. Great extraction of warm crushed black berry fruit with crème de cassis, blackberry liqueur, spices, vanilla and oak references. Superbly balanced mouthful of mixed berry fruits with black currants, spicy blackberry, elderberry fruit, great tannin structure, rounded mid-palate and superb medium long finish. Chateau Bernadotte 2003 *(57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot) Deep semi-opaque blood ruby red with purple to pink rim definition and medium high viscosity. Nose has bright crushed black and red berry fruit with blueberries, brambleberries, huckleberry sauce, spice, oak references and minerals. Big rpounded fruity mouthful of wine, with lots of black currant and other berry fruit, superb tannin structure, with great balance through the mid-palate and a rounded supple finish that really lingers. Bernadotte just keeps getting better and better! Right Bank We tasted through over one hundred wines from this group of Right Bank producers, with 67 of the the top wines worthy of tasting notes. However, we could recommend only four wines. High alcohol levels was a definite issue in many of the wines and while that is not entirely unknown in the New World, it can tend to derail the overall balance in these wines, which most certainly happened here. Many of these wines also had unpleasant dusty, bitter or dry tannins, perhaps a reflection of the predominant Merlot grape suffering particularly under the extraordinarily hot and dry growing season of 2003. We were particularly disappointed in the wines from usually consistent, high-quality producers, which again says something about the poor raw materials with which they had to work. In the next couple of days, we will taste an extensive range of all the top St. Emilion and Pomerol wines, to determine whether this was a major issue among the majority of Right Bank wines. Bordeaux and Bordeaux SuperieurAmavinum de Chateau La Roche Beaulieu Color is bright fuchsia purple in the glass. Nose of dusty red fruit, cranberry, chalky minerals, alcohol, and black currant bush. In the mouth, crushed red fruit with mineral layers, alcohol, and vague oak references. Short finish. GirolateColor is deep opaque, purplish red, high viscosity, with fuchsia rim. Nose of extremely extracted black fruit, blackberry liqueur, concentrate of cassis and alcohol and vanilla. Big powerful wine in the mouth with crushed blackberries, crème de cassis, vanilla oak references and alcohol. Tastes like an old-vine tempranillo with a great finish. Chateau MarjosseDeep crimson red, with streaks of purple. Nose is a pungent red berry compote, cranberry juice, respberry sorbet, alcohol and minerals. Plenty of red fruit on the palate, with a disappointingly hollow mid-palate and short alcoholic finish. Chateau Beaulieu Comtes de TastesDeep purplish red color, with fuchsia rim, high painted viscosity. Nose is a somewhat restrained mix of red and black berries, phenolics, wet stones, and chalky minerals. Palate is rather weak, but shows a bit of red berry fruit, forward tannins and lots of alcohol. Slightly bitter at the end. Chateau Clos de La Tour Reserve du Chateau *Firm, deep, even blood ruby red, with high viscosity. Nose is pure black currant juice, blackberry jam, and raspberry sorbet, with hints of vanilla and oak. Powerful and beautifully balanced palate, with loads of red and black berry fruits, crème de cassis, raspberry coulis and minerals. Tannic yet complex finish. Chateau Fonqueyres Cuvée DorothéeDeep even, semi-opaque ruby red color, with high viscosity. Nose is laden with oak, vanilla, crushed black fruit, phenolics and minerals. Palate has big tannin structure, with lots of new oak written all over it. Then comes fruit and chalky minerals. Decent finish. BalthusDeep, semi-opaque, purplish red color, with fuchsia rim and medium-high viscosity. Nose of red fruits, crushed walnuts, blue cheese, phenolics, alcohol, minerals, and crème brulée from oak references. Sturdy palate, with loads of crushed red and black fruit, toast points, loads of oak, crème brulée and vanilla. Great mid-palate and awesome finish, but the oak and alcohol is overwhelming. ReignacDeep purplish red color, with fuchsia streaks and rim definition and very high viscosity. Nose is very hot, with loads of alcohol, loads of phenolics, very little fruit and some mineral. Palate is quite restrained, with notes of red and black fruit, alcohol and little else. Chateau Thieuley Réserve Francis CourselleBright fuchsia red colored wine with high viscosity. Nose of ripe red berry fruit, blackberry bush, alchol and minerals. Palate is unbalanced, heavy tannin structure, loads of alcohol, oak references and diluted short finish. Chateau Tour du Mirambeau Cuvée PassionDeep crimson red with purplish rim definition, medium high viscosity. Nose of ripe walnuts, red fruit, alcohol and minerals. Sweetish red fruit on the palate with notes of vanilla, new oak, and solid tannin structure. Medium finish. Chateau Hostens Picant Lucullus Cuvée d'ExceptionDeeply opaque, blackish pruple colored wine with fuchsia rim definition and ultra high painted viscosity. Interesting nose with ripe figs, walnut shells, earthy minerals, oak references, and chalk. Big upfront tannins, powerful sloe fruit references and chalky minerals, with some earthiness through the mid-palate. Medium to long alcoholic finish. FronsacChateau de Carles Deeply opaque, blackish purple color with fuchsia rim definition and high painted viscosity. Nose of crushed blackberries, alcohol and minerals, with slight oak references and cherry liqueur. Good forward crushed, slightly spicy black berry fruit with high alcohol, good minerals and body structure. Mid-palate is firm with oak references and the finish quite supple. Chateau Haut Mazeris(80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon/Cabernet Franc) Deep semi-opaque blood ruby red color with a deep red to pinkish rim definition, and high viscosity. Quite restrained nose showing some crushed red and black berry fruit with phenolic undertones, ripe red cherries, cranberry juice and minerals. Palate is dominated by cherry liqueur, boysenberry, sloe fruit and some amounts of oak and chalky minerals, going into a decent mid-palate. Pleasant licorice root finish. Chateau ChadenneDeeply opaque, purplish ruby red color. Huge viscosity. Nose of crushed brambleberry, licorice root, oak references, alcohol and minerals. Big powerful palate of crushed black fruit, new oak references, extracted elderberry fruit. Chewy wine, good finish. Chateau DalemDeeply opaque, purplish ruby red color. Huge viscosity. This wine smells just like an Australian Shiraz, very New World. Huge concentrated black fruit, loads of new oak, almost American new oak. This wine could have been made in the New World. Good concentrated ripe berry fruit, good tannin structure, loads of new oak. Quite a lovely finish. Chateau de la DauphinePurplish crimson, semi-opaque red color, with bright pink rim definition, and high viscosity. Nose of crushed red berries, black currant bush and minerals. Palate is quite restrained, thin mid-palate short finish. Chateau FontenilDeep opaque, fuchsia red to purplish wine with high viscosity. Nose has loads of new oak, red and black berry fruit, alcohol, and vanilla. The oak is almost overpowering on the palate, then some concentrated berry fruit and alcohol. Disappointing finish. Haut-CarlesDeep purplish red color, with fuchsia streak and painted viscosity. Nose of crushed black currant, children's multi-vitamin, grape juice concentrate and minerals. Palate has great structure, loads of berry fruit, pungent new oak all over, and a lovely balanced mid-palate and good finish. Chateau Moulin Haut-LaroqueDeeply opaque, ruby red color with fuchsia rim definition. Ultra high viscosity. Alcohol, crushed red fruit, undergrowth, forest fern, and chalky minerals. Thin alcoholic palate that doesn't really show much potential. Chateau de la RiviereDeep blood ruby red color, with purplish red rim definition and medium high viscosity. Nose of cooked red fruit and blackberry compote, even stewed strawberries, then alcohol, and hints of oak. Tastes almost like a Syrah wine, but the tannins are bitter and ruin the finish. Chateau Les Trois CroixDeep blood ruby red color, with purplish red rim definition and high viscosity. Overpowering alcoholic nose, reveals hints of red fruits, and earthy minerals, but little else. Palate confirms the nose. A wine out of balance with a short finish. Chateau La Vieille CureDeep crimson red color with purplish band and pinkish rim, medium high viscosity. Nose has lots of new oak, red and black currant, spicy cherry and cedar box. Palate begins with ripe black fruit but then the new oak and alcohol takes over and the tannins finish up the wine. Chateau VillarsDeep purplish red color, with fuchsia rim definition. Ultra high viscosity. Nose of dusty vacuum cleaner bag, with green bell peppers, earthy minerals and alcohol. Palate is disappointing, the wine is out of balance. Short tannic finish. Chateau BarrabaqueDeeply opaque purple fuchsia colored wine, with bright fuchsia nail-polish rim definition. Sticky painted high viscosity. Nose of crushed black fruits with brambleberry, loganberry, and blackberry jam. Palate is very disappointing with some oak references, medium tannin structure and shortish finish. Chateau Canon de BremSemi-opaque crimson red color, with medium high viscosity. Bright red berry compote on the nose, strawberry jam, alcohol and chalky minerals. Decently structured palate follows through with good red fruit and tannins, with medium finish. Chateau Cassagne Haut-CanonDeep purplish red color, with pinkish rim definition, high viscosity. Nose of dust cloth, alcohol, sloe fruit and wet stone. Palate is overpowered by too much alcohol, weak tannins and no balance. Chateau du GabyDeep purplish red color with fuchsia rim definition and sticky high viscosity. Nose of ultra concentrated black berry fruit, red fruit phenolics, crème de cassis, and powerful new oak references. Massively concentrated palated with tons of fruit, big tannin structure, lots of new oak, acidity, and lengthy finish. Chateau Moulin Pey-LabrieDeep purplish red color with fuchsia rim definition and sticky high viscosity. Nose of soft supple black fruit, blueberry jam, raspberry coulis, Bing cherry juice and new oak. Great palate, tons of extracted black fruit, oak references, crème de cassis. Slightly ascorbic through the middle, tannin structure saves the finish. Canon FronsacChateau Haut Mazeris (80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon/Cabernet Franc) Deep blackish purple red wine with purple fuchsia rim definition, and medium high viscosity. Jammy notes of crushed blackberries, blueberries and brambleberries dominate the nose, with hints of spice box and vanilla. Very chewy black fruit palate with forest berries, marmalade and sweet blueberry jam, going into a black liqueur mid-palate with a nice rounded supple tannin finish. Premières Côtes de BordeauxChateau Carignan Prima Deeply opaque, inky-black to purplish wine, with fuchsia rim definition and massive viscosity. New World nose of extracted black fruit, with blackberry liqueur, brambleberry, and wild cherry jam. Huge fruit bomb upfront on the palate, but quickly overtaken by firm tannin structure and tons of new oak. Disappointingly short alcoholic finish. Sortilege de Chateau PlaisanceDeeply opaque, crimson purplish red color with fuchsia rim definition and medium high viscosity. Nose of peppery black currant bush, slight body odor, with a phenolic mineral character. Palate is overpowered by alcohol and bitter tannins. Out of balance wine. Chateau Mont-PeratDeeply opaque, inky red wine with purple rim definition. Medium high painted viscosity. Nose of super extracted blackberry fruit, blueberry jam, blackberry liqueur and alcohol. Forward sweetish black fruit concentrate with good amounts of tannin structure, new oak references, and decent finish. Côtes de BourgChateau Fougas Maldoror Deeply opaque, inky red wine with purple rim definition. Medium high viscosity. Highly concentrated and extracted red and black berry fruit, new oak references, alcohol and minerals. Nicely concentrated blackberry and cherry fruit on the palate, but then comes the tannins and the alcohol, with brings it slightly out of balance. Côtes de CastillonChateau d'Aiguilhe * (80% Merlot, 20 Cabernet Franc) Deeply opaque, blackish purple wine, with fuchsia rim definition and long legged high viscosity. Forward nose of pure extracted blackberry jam, blueberry, raspberry, fruit of the forest marmalade, crushed Bing cherry, creme brulée and new oak. Massively concentrated palate of extracted black berry fruit with tons of backbone, solid yet supple tannin structure, morello cherry juice, boysenberry sorbet, and a lovely finish. Chateau AmpeliaDeeply opaque, purplish red wine with purple rim definition and high viscosity. Nose has lovely sweet red fruit extract, crème de cassis, and blackberry liqueur. Palate of black fruit varnish, good tannin structure, but with a short disappointing finish. Chateau Cap de FaugeresDeep opaque purplish red color with fuchsia to pink rim definition and high painted viscosity. Fresh Morello cherry juice on the nose, red licorice vines, candied red fruit and raspberry jam. Upfront sweetish red berry concentrate on the palate, but wine disintegrates through the mid-palate and finishes weak with bitter tannins. Chateau Cote MontpezatSemi-opaque, medium purplish red color, with bright pinkish rim definition and medium high viscosity. Nose of fermenting red berry juice, wheat beer, raspberry sorbet and alcohol spritz. Wine may still be going through some stage of fermentation but shows some fruit on the palate. Unbalanced finish. Chateau Joanin BécotDeep blackish purple wine with fuchsia rim, ultra high painted viscosity. Nose of black forest cake, fresh black licorice, spice box, tobacco and minerals. Massively structured wine, with good fruit concentrate,m blackberry liqueur, chalky minerals, great tannins and semi-alcoholic tannins. Chateau VeyryDeeply opaque crimson to purple red color, with fuchsia rim and high painted viscosity. Tons of new oak, blackberry fruit concentrate, with underlying hints of raspberry jam and alcohol. Palate of well-concentrated red and black berry fruits, big tannin structure. Medium finish. Clos Puy Arnaud *Semi-opaque purplish red color, with pink to fuchsia rim definition and high viscosity. Nose of pure blueberry marmalade, raspberry sorbet, crème de cassis, and red fruit compote. Very forward on the nose. Superbly delineated palate with tons of chewy sweet red fruit, blackberry jam and crushed raspberries, lovely tannin structure and excellent finish. Bordeaux Côtes de FrancsChateau Marsau Deep crimson to purplish red color, with fine pinkish rim definition and medium high viscosity. Nose of malted red fruits, some raspberry sorbet and chalky minerals. Palate has some red fruit references, decent tannin structure and short finish. Chateau PuygueraudDeeply opaque, inky to purple red wine, with deep fuchsia rim definition and high viscosity. Very restrained nose, showing little or no fruit. Lots of alcohol and minerals. Palate confirms the nose, the alcohol is overpowering, tannin structure is firm and the finish medium. Puisseguin-St-EmilionChateau Branda Deeply purple red wine with fuchsia streaks going out into a painted pinkish rim definition with medium high viscosity. Nose of creushed blackberries, candied blueberry, raspberry jam, crème brulée, and oak references. Highly concentrated fruit extract on the palate followed by gobs of licorice, red berry coulis, firm tannin structure, alcohol through the mid-palate and lengthy finish. Tasting of Pomerol and St. EmilionWe wrapped up our week of tastings with the top Pomerol and St. Emilion wines today, and our initial fears were largely confirmed. While the wines and alcohols were more in balance than what we had tasted so far, there was a disturbing common denominator among the vast majority of Pomerol and St. Emilion wines; sweet ripe fruit on the front palate, but then a hollow mid-palate, with a diluted short finish with dry, sometimes bitter tannins. In Pomerol, only four out of 32 wines tasted can be recommend, with Petit Village presenting a nice surprise with their structured, well-balanced wine. The Moueix family also produced good wines at Trotanoy and Pétrus. In St. Emilion, we were also disappointed by many of the top producers. Only seven out of 62 wines tasted in the appellation can be recommended. Properties on water-retentive clay, calcareous, and limestone soils clearly did better than ones on more gravelly soils. Notable winners were Beau-Séjour Bécot, La Gaffeliere, Canon-La-Gaffeliere, and an interesting little property called La Fleur Cardinale. PomerolChateau Gazin Deep opaque blackish purple color, with a bright purple to violet rim definition with high viscosity. Quite restrained nose with subtle crushed black fruit, blackberries, oak references and phenolics. Powerful sweetish black fruit entry on the palate with good concentration, showing boysenberry, loganberry and essence of blackberry, with a very fine tannin structure, low acidity and a smooth medium palate. Chateau ClinetDeep opaque blackish purple color, with a deep crimson to bright red rim definition with high viscosity. Aromatic nose of toasted bread, meaty, slightly spicy blackberries, new oak references, beef carpaccio and minerals. Good fruit concentration on the front palate with some crushed blackberry fruits, going into a hollow, slightly smoky mid-palate with an incredibly abrupt and almost diluted finish. Vieux Chateau CertanDeep opaque blackish purple color, with a deep crimson to pinkish rim definition with high viscosity. Good concentration of mixed red and black berry fruit on the nose, with slightly spicy underlying black berry concentrate, spice box, sweet tobacco and chalky minerals. Wonderfully extracted crushed blackberries, huckleberries and loganberries on the palate, with slightly spicy almost peppery notes on the palate, and superbly balanced with a fine tannin structure and a long supple licorice root finish. Chateau BeauregardDeep opaque blackish purple color, with a deep crimson to pinkish rim definition with high viscosity. Slightly restrained nose, revealing spicy crushed black fruits, with underlying phenolics, white pepper and minerals. Sweetish black fruit entry on the palate with some underlying herbs going into a thin mid-palate with a fine tannin structure and a short finish. Chateau La Croix de GayDeep opaque blackish purple color, with a bright purple to violet rim definition with high viscosity. Quite pungently spicy black fruit on the nose, with tobacco leaf, spice box and minerals. Good concentration of crushed black berry fruit on the front palate, with soft supple tannins going through the mid-palate which is slightly hollow, into a short slightly smoky finish. Chateau La PointeDeep opaque blackish purple color, with a bright purple to violet rim definition with high viscosity. Highly extracted nose of crushed loganberries, blueberry jam, new oak references, vanilla, spice box, tobacco and phenolics. Good sweetish crushed black berry fruit entry on the palate with underlying minerality going into a moderate mid-palate with soft tannin structure and a short finish. Chateau La ConseillanteDeep opaque blackish purple color, with a deep crimson to pinkish rim definition with high viscosity. Good concentration of spicy almost peppery crushed blackberry fruit on the nose, with toast points, spice box, tobacco leaf and minerals. Powerful, quite extracted black fruit on the palate, with good body weight, fine tannin structure and minerality going through the mid-palate into a firm rounded finish. Chateau La CabanneDeep opaque blackish purple color, with a bright purple to violet rim definition with high viscosity. Somewhat phenolic nose of slightly spicy, crushed brambleberries with an underlying black currant bush characteristic and alcohol. Sweetish crushed blackberry fruit entry on the palate with very firm tannin structure going through an unbalanced mid-palate and a tannic drying finish. Chateau Petit Village *Deep opaque blood ruby red color, with a deep crimson to ruby rim definition with high viscosity. Nose is very restrained with some good underlying blackberry concentrate and a spicy almost Banyuls-like character with phenolics. Pleasant mouthfeel on the entry with extracted sweetish blackberries, huckleberries and loganberries, going into a mid-palate with firm tannin structure, good berry fruit delineation and a nice lengthy finish. Chateau Lafleur GazinInky black, deeply opaque, with a blackish purple rim definition and medium high viscosity. Nose of crushed red and black berry fruits, with crème de cassis, blackberry liqueur, raspberry coulis, and blueberry soup, some spice elements and liquid minerals. Big mouthfeel on the front palate with loads of concentrated black cherries, loganberries, boysenberry sorbet and a well-structured mid-palate with supple tannins, going into a long berry-like finish. Chateau La GraveInky black, deeply opaque, with a blackish purple rim definition and medium high viscosity. Restrained nose, revealing hints of dusty berries with good underlying concentration of wild black cherries, spicy blackberry, tobacco leaf and minerals. Beautifully rounded and concentrated palate, full of extracted black cherries, blackberry liqueur, cassis and minerals through the mid-palate into a medium balanced finish. Chateau Bourgneuf-VayronInky black, deeply opaque, with a purplish fuchsia rim definition and high viscosity. Slightly restrained nose with good elements of black fruit, spicy components, phenolics, blackberry liqueur and minerality. Good mouthfeel with extracted black berry fruit on the front palate, then followed by wild cherries, crushed boysenberry and a mid-palate that reveals good supple tannin structure, going into a mineral berry finish. Chateau Latour (Pomerol) *Deeply opaque, blackish crimson red with a dark red to pink rim definition and painted medium high viscosity. Big forward nose of crushed mixed red and black berry fruit, boysenberry sorbet, raspberry coulis, blueberry jam, almost peachy undertones. Rich, supple mouthful of extracted berry fruit in the mouth, going into a mid-palate showing firm but supple tannin structure, with yet more boysenberry, brambleberry and excellent delineation right through the medium finish. Chateau Vray Croix de GayDeeply opaque, blackish purple red with a deep purplish red rim definition and painted high viscosity. On the nose, classic crushed black berry notes, powerful, yet restrained black fruit and spice box undertones. Decent concentration of black fruits on the palate, with wild cherries, brambleberries, and a supple tannin structure going through the mid-palate, going into a pleasant berry finish. Chateau Certan MarzelleDeeply opaque, blackish crimson red with a dark red to pink rim definition and pretty legged painted high viscosity. Quite restrained nose with spicy cherry blackberry liqueur, huckleberry and phenolics. Palate confirms the nose, the wine is quite tight but does reveal decent berry concentration with spicy undertones through the mid-palate and a supple tannin finish. Chateau La Fleur PetrusDeeply opaque, blackish purple red with a deep purplish red rim definition and painted high viscosity. Restrained, slightly phenolic nose of crushed spicy blackberries, tobacco leaf, huckleberry and earthy minerals. Big mouthfeel on the sweetish berry fruit-laden palate, going right through to the mid-palate revealing firm tannin structure and a lengthy, yet austere finish. Chateau HosannaDeeply opaque, blackish purple red with a deep purplish red rim definition and painted high viscosity. Big, meaty, concentrated black fruit nose, with blueberry jam, blackberry liqueur, spicy phenolics, and minerals. Powerful on the palate, with spicy blackberry components, minerals and good tannin structure. Mid-palate reveals oak references and the finish is medium with good suppleness. Chateau Trotanoy *Black as night to deep opaque purple color, with highly saturated deep violet rim definition and long legged painted high viscosity. Quite restrained nose, revealing deeply concentrated crushed black berry fruit with notes of wild cherries, boysenberry sorbet, and blackberry liqueur. Monster concentration on the palate with black fruits, spicy undertones, big yet supple tannin structure and juicy sort of blueberry mid-palate, with a great medium finish. Chateau Petrus *Black as night to deep dense opaque purple color, with highly saturated deep violet rim definition and long legged painted high viscosity. Intensely concentrated yet restrained nose of crushed blackberries, cherry liqueur, huckleberries, brambleberries and complex phenolics and minerals. Huge mouthfeel on the front palate with loads of crushed black berry fruits, with spice undertones going into a firm powerful tannin structure on the mid-palate and a medium long berry and spice finish. Fugue de Nenin(21 hl/ha, 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc) Deep opaque purplsih red color with purple to pink rim definition and high viscosity. Nose of bright red fruits with rapsberries, cherries, red plum skins, phenolics and minerals. Good amounts of forward red fruits on the palate with cranberry juice, going into a decent mid-palate with good tannin structure and quite a soft finish. Chateau Nenin(21 l/ha, 75% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc) Deep blackish purple color with fuchsia rim definition and high viscosity. Quite restrained nose of meaty black fruit, with earth, alcohol, game and chalky minerals. Quite restrained palate showing some amount of black fruit with cranberry concentrate, firm tannin structure going into the slightly green mid-palate and supple licorice root finish. Chateau Beau SoleilDeep crimson to purplish ruby red with pink rim definition and medium viscosity. Slightly closed wine, revealing some crushed red and black berry fruit and plummy sort of character on the nose. Palate has a fallen fruit sort of character to it, almost like fermenting berries, big tannins and short finish. Chateau BellegraveDeep purplish red color, with fuchsia to pink rim definition and medium high viscosity. Nose of concentrated black fruits with red fruit extracts underlying, alcohol and minerals. Palate is extremely restrained, not showing much in the way of fruit, only tannins. Chateau Le Bon PasteurDeep purplish red color, with fuchsia to pink rim definition and high viscosity. Nose of candied red fruits, blackberry concentrate, alcohol and chalky minerals. Highly restrained palate, showing little if any fruit, good tannin structure, medium finish. Chateau BonalgueDeep purplish red color, with fuchsia to pink rim definition and very high viscosity. Nose is overpowered by lots of alcohol, blackberry liqueur and cassis. Palate has a greenish component to it and the fruit seems hidden behind the medium tannin structure and the alcohol. Chateau ClinetDeep semi-opaque crimson red color with even red rim definition. Very jammy red fruit nose, blackberry liqueur, spice box, minerals and alcohol. Very restrained palate, showing little or no fruit character, incredibly short finish. Chateau La Croix du CasseDeep opaque purplish red with fuchsia rim definition and medium high viscosity. Nose has some components of black fruit but is overpowered by way too much alcohol. Palate has decently concentrated black fruit extract with notes of blackberries, good tannin structure, short finish. Chateau L'EnclosBlackish purple color, with painted fuchsia rim definition and high sticky viscosity. Super concentrated nose of black fruit extract, crème de cassis, vanilla, new oak, and blackberry liqueur. Restrained palate showing decent berry fruit concentration, very fine tannin structure, almost closed therefore revealing little on the finish. Chateau La Fleur de GayBlackish red color with purple rim definition and high viscosity. Nose of blackberry, blueberry liqueur, alcohol, and hints of new oak. Palate again restrained, showing some degree of fruit concentration, but otherwise seemingly high alcohol and fine tannin structure. Chateau MazeyresPurple colored wine, with bright fuchsia rim definition and medium painted viscosity. Nose has distinct fermentation qualities, meaning the wine could still be going through malolcatic fermentation. Palate confirms nose, with breadlike characteristics, toast points, big tannin structure, and some red fruit. Chateau MontvielPurple colored wine, with bright fuchsia rim definition and medium painted viscosity. New World nose of concentrated crushed berry fruit, tons of new oak, almost American, crème de cassis, vanilla, and burnt plastic. Nicely balanced palate, with soft crushed black fruit concentrate, blueberry extract and chewy wine. Great tannin structure, medium to long finish. Chateau RougetDeeply opaque blackish red color, purple rim definition, medium high viscosity. Nose of extracted black fruit, new oak, jam, and minerals. Restrained palate, seemingly high alcohol, good to firm tannin structure and decent finish. St. EmilionChateau Angelus Deeply opaque blackish purple color with saturated purple to violet rim definition and ultra high painted viscosity. Slightly restrained on the complex nose, but with very spicy tobacco notes, crushed loganberries and elderberries, then elements of blackberry foliage and phenolics. Palate has good concentration of very spicy crushed black berry fruits, elderberry juice and oak references, going into a mid-palate with a firm tannin structure that carries through to the lingering finish. Chateau Balestard La TonnelleDeeply opaque blackish purple color with saturated purple to violet rim definition and high viscosity. Concentrated crushed mixed black berry fruit notes on the nose, with blackberry liqueur, wild cherry extract and new oak references. Palate has sweetish blackberry fruit on the entry with spice elements and minerality going into a mid-palate showing firm tannin structure and a good berry and licorice root finish. Chateau Beau-Sejour Becot *Deeply opaque blackish purple color with saturated purple to violet rim definition and ultra high painted viscosity. Pretty concentrated nose of crushed mixed black and red berries, blackberry liqueur, violets, spice box and phenolics. Sweetish crushed mixed black berry fruit entrance on the palate with good concentration of huckleberry juice, boysenberry and ripe extracted blackberries, going into a mid-palate with a firm tannin structure and a good, solid finish, with yet more berry and oak references. Chateau BerliquetDeep semi-opaque, blood ruby red, going out into a dark crimson rim definition, with high viscosity. Nose of forward mixed crushed red and black berry fruit, with vanilla, spice box and oak references. Palate has decent concentration of mixed berries with underlying notes of loganberries going into a mid-palate that has supple tannin structure and decent medium finish. Chateau CanonDense blackish crimson color with deep ruby to pink rim definition and medium high viscosity. Slightly restrained nose, revealing phenolics, blueberry sorbet, crushed blackberries and underlying chalky minerality. Palate is rather lean, with some measure of mixed blackberry fruit, quite hollow mid-palate and short almost diluted finish. Chateau Cap de MourlinDeeply opaque blackish purple color with saturated purple to violet rim definition and high viscosity. Concentrated mixed black berry fruit nose with blueberry extract, blackberry liqueur, new oak references, violets and vanilla. Big concentrated mouthfeel on entry, with crushed sweetish wild black cherries, loganberries, and huckleberries, going into a mid-palate showing a firm tannin structure that carries into a medium chewy berry finish. Chateau DassaultDeep, saturated blackish purple color with purple to violet rim definition and high viscosity. Concentrated and extracted black berry fruit on the nose, with new oak references, vanilla and spice box. Sweetish black fruit on the palate, with firm tannin structure going into a slightly hollow mid-palate and although there are some berry characters, the finish is drying and shortish. Chateau FigeacDense blackish crimson color with deep ruby to pink rim definition and medium high viscosity. Pretty concentrated black fruit with minty freshness and phenolics on the nose. Quite earthy, slightly spicy black fruit components, with brambleberries, huckleberries and sloe fruit, going a mid-palate showing firm tannin structure and a moderately lengthy finish with slight oak references. Chateau FonplégadeDense blackish crimson color with deep ruby to pink rim definition and medium high viscosity. Quite restrained nose with a Port-like character, showing burnt black fruit, toast and underlying phenolics. Smoky black fruit entry on the palate with a rather thin mid-palate, going into a smoky insipid finish. Clos FourtetDeeply opaque blackish purple color with saturated purple to violet rim definition and ultra high painted viscosity. Slightly restrained nose, revealing concentrated mixed black berry fruit, blackberry liqueur, wild cherries, oak references, boysenberry sorbet and phenolics. Good firm black fruit concentrate on the palate, going into a slightly hollow mid-palate with moderate tannin structure and a short finish. Chateau Franc-MayneDeep, saturated blackish purple color with purple to violet rim definition and high viscosity. Deeply concentrated crushed blackberry nose, with fresh cut oak staves, spice box, vanilla, and cardamom. Good mixed black berry fruit entry on the palate, a firm tannin structure going into the mid-palate and a decent moderate berry-laden finish. Chateau Grand MayneDeep, saturated blackish purple color with purple to violet rim definition and high viscosity. Slightly restrained nose, showing good concentrated berry fruit with spice components, spicy blackberries, tobacco leaf and oak references. Good crushed black berry fruit entrance on the palate, with a fine tannin structure, going into a mid-palate that is slightly hollow, with a decent licorice root finish. Chateau La CouspaudeDeeply opaque blackish purple color with saturated purple to violet rim definition and ultra high painted viscosity. Concentrated notes of mixed black berries, extracted huckleberries, phenolics, vanilla, mocha and new oak references. Good concentration with lots of black fruit on the palate, showing supple tannins going into a mid-palate which has loganberries, oak references and a good medium finish. Chateau La DominiqueDense blackish crimson color with deep saturated ruby to crimson rim definition and medium high viscosity. Nose of pure blackberry juice, crème de cassis, boysenberry sorbet and underlying phenolics. Good sweetish mixed black berry fruit on the palate with solid tannin structure going into a well-balanced mid-palate, but with a slightly shortish tannic finish. Chateau La Gaffeliere *Dense blackish crimson color with deep saturated ruby to crimson rim definition and medium high viscosity. Highly concentrated crushed mixed berry fruit with cherry liqueur, blackberry liqueur, soft vanilla, crème brulée, and oak references. Hugely concentrated mixed black berry fruit on the palate, with loads of huckleberries, blackberry jam, great tannin structure, going into a well-delineated mid-palate, showing yet more berry fruit, with a long solid finish. Chateau Larcis DucasseDense blackish crimson color with deep saturated ruby to crimson rim definition and high viscosity. Good forward crushed black fruit, with brandied wild cherries, blackberry liqueur, oak references and minerals. Forward concentrated, slightly spicy blackberries on the palate, going into a smoky mid-palate with good tannin structure and a fine medium finish. Chateau LarmandeDeep semi-opaque blackish crimson color with blood ruby to crimson rim definition and medium high viscosity. Slightly restrained nose with some mixed black berry fruit concentration, new oak references, boysenberry and spice components. Decent black fruit entry on the palate, with a supple tannin structure, going into a slightly hollow mid-palate and a shortish, mineral-laden berry finish. Chateau Pavie *Deeply opaque blackish purple color with saturated purple to violet rim definition and ultra high painted viscosity. Hugely concentrated blackberry nose, with extract of black plum and almost Zinfandel-like character, with underlying vanilla spice, sweet tobacco, and minerals. Powerful and concentrated mouthful of extracted crushed mixed black berry fruit, with elements of smoke, tar, great balance, firm tannin structure, going through to a mid-palate which has spice box and huckleberry, and a firm longish finish. Chateau Pavie DecesseDense blackish crimson color with deep saturated ruby to crimson rim definition and high viscosity. Nose of highly extracted blackberry fruit, with crème de cassis, cedar box, spicy tobacco and blackberry liqueur. Great solid mouthfeel, with concentrated huckleberries, loganberries, smoke elements and boysenberries, going into a powerful mid-palate with great tannin structure and a long lingering, slightly smoky licorice root finish. Chateau Troplong MondotDense blackish crimson color with deep saturated ruby to crimson rim definition and high viscosity. Deeply concentrated mixed black berry fruit nose, with brambleberries, boysenberry sorbet, slight oak references, vanilla and spice box. Soft, yet concentrated mixed black berry fruit palate, with good supple tannin structure, nice blackberry mid-palate with oak references, going into a lingering black fruit and vanilla finish. Chateau TrottevieilleDense blackish crimson color with deep saturated ruby to crimson rim definition and high viscosity. Slightly restrained nose, revealing blackberries, loganberries, oak references and vanilla spice. Sweetish crushed black berry fruit on the palate entry, then moderate tannin structure and oak references, going into a nicely balanced mid-palate, with a good, slightly spicy berry medium finish. Chateau Pavie MacquinDeeply opaque blackish purple color with saturated purple to violet rim definition and ultra high painted viscosity. Monster concentrated black fruit nose, with crème de cassis, blackberry liqueur, blueberry pie, raspberry coulis, spice box, and underlying minerality. Big bodied, concentrated mixed black berry fruit, with boysenberry, brambleberry and huckleberry character on the palate, going into a mid-palate with supple tannins and a shortish to medium finish. Chateau BellevueDeeply opaque blackish purple color with saturated purple to violet rim definition and ultra high painted viscosity. Deeply concentrated blueberry nose, with extract of boysenberry, wild cherry liqueur, spice references and oak. Good sweetish mixed black berry fruit on the palate, with supple tannin structure, well-balanced mid-palate, and a lovely berry-laden, yet shortish finish. Le Petit ChevalDeep purplish red color with semi-opaque appearance, fuchsia rim definition and high viscosity. Nose with immediate alcohol on the front, then underlying black fruit character, spicy currants and pepper. Good sweetish berry concentrate on front palate, decent delineation into the mid-palate and shortish finish. Chateau Cheval Blanc56% Cabernet Franc, 44% Merlot Deep blackish purple color, with opaque core, going out into a dense fuchsia rim, with high viscosity. Restrained notes of crushed spicy blackberries, wild black cherry, and somewhat peppery undertones. Palate has some good black fruit character with a nicely balanced mid-palate, soft supple tannins and a rather short finish. Chateau de Fonbel80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon Deep opaque, blackish purple red color, with violet to fuchsia rim definition, and ultra high viscosity. Good extracted red and black berry fruit, with crème de cassis, raspberry coulis, and phenolics. Quite extracted red berry fruit on the palate with underlying black currant, and boysenberry, going into a hollow mid-palate and an incredibly short finish. Chateau Moulin Saint-Georges85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc Inky, purplish black colored wine, with intense screaming fuchsia rim definition, and medium high viscosity. Quite spicy nose of extracted blackberries, with crushed loganberries, huckleberries, phenolics and minerals. Decently concentrated crushed black berry fruit on the entry of the palate, with moderate tannin structure, totally hollow mid-palate and short drying finish. Chapelle d'Ausone40% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Franc, 20% Merlot Press Wine from the Ausone wine. Inky, purplish black colored wine, with intense violet to fuchsia rim definition, and high viscosity. Big concentrated spice box nose with lots of forward crushed black berry fruit, huckleberries, brambleberries, tobacco leaf, tar, and minerals. Powerful entry on the palate, with slightly spicy crushed blackberries, blueberry coulis and boysenberries, then moderate to firm tannin structure through the slightly hollow mid-palate into a drying shortish finish. Chateau Ausone55% Cabernet Franc, 45% Merlot Inky, purplish black colored wine, with intense deep purple to fuchsia rim definition, and painted medium high viscosity. Quite restrained nose, revealing deep concentrated crushed mixed black berry fruit with spice box, vanilla spice, new oak references, with underlying notes of sweet tobacco. Incredibly restrained palate that shows great initial complexity, with crushed slightly spicy blackberries, huckleberries, and a firm tannin structure through the hollow mid-palate, into a short quite diluted drying finish. Chateau Beauséjour Duffau LagarrosseSemi-opaque deep ruby red going out into a fuchsia to pink rim definition, with high viscosity. Quite restrained nose of black berries, phenolics, oak and minerals. On the palate, good crushed red and black fruits upfront, with a decent mouthfeel, going into a hollow mid-palate, dry tannins and a short finish. Chateau Le PrieuréDeeply opaque, blackish purple color with fuchsia rim definition and high painted viscosity. Nose of blackberry jam, crushed huckleberries, spice box, minerals and alcohol. Quite powerful crushed berry fruit on the front palate, but them quickly overtaken by high alcohol, with a mid-palate of minerals and a slightly firm, tannic finish. Chateau BelairDeep opaque blackish, crimson red color, with a light purple to pink rim definition, and a medium high painted viscosity. Restrained nose of spice-laden blackberries, spicy, almost peppery characteristics on a good mineral base, with tobacco leaf and cedar. Highly concentrated blackberry and cassis fruit, with elements of wild black cherries, spicy plummy undertones and firm yet supple tannin structure through the mid-palate, with a good medium finish. Chateau Magdelaine *Deep blackish purple colored wine, with a firm dark purplish to pink rim definition and ultra high painted viscosity. Slightly restrained nose, revealing crushed mixed black berry fruit, brambleberries, loganberries and spicy mineral undertones. Big, powerful structure with tons of concentrated black berry fruits with hints of huckleberry sauce, wild black cherries and great complexity through the mid-palate, showing a firm yet supple tannin structure going through to the lengthy finish. Chateau ArmensDeep inky red, purplish wine with fuchsia rim definition and painted medium high viscosity. Notes of slightly underripe red and black fruit dominate the nose, then ascorbic acid, alcohol and fermenting grape juice. Palate shows much better fruit characteristics, with good brambleberry concentrate and raspberry sorbet, decent tannin structure and medium finish. Chateau Bellefont-BelcierDeep crimson red, ruby streaks, with purplish rim definition, and very high viscosity. Nose slightly dusty with black and red fruit extract, alcohol, phenolics, and minerals. Palate is rather unbalanced with alcohol, slightly bitter tannins and rather short finish. Chateau BoutisseDeep crimson red, ruby streaks, with purplish rim definition, and very high viscosity. Nose of alcoholic red fruit compote with sweaty overtones. Palate is insipid and short. Chateau Croix de LabrieDeep purplish to fuchsia color, pink rim definition and high viscosity. Nose of raspberry bonbons, blueberry sorbet, new oak, and minerals. Big red and black berry fruit concentrate, with massive tannin structure that somehow manages to balance out the alcohol in the wine. Chateau Faugeres *Blackish red to purple color, with bright purple rim definition, ultra high viscosity. Almost Banyuls-like nose, with fresh black licorice, creamy blackberry extract and oak references. Palate has many of the same characteristics as the nose. The wine has a good balance, and great finish. Péby FaugeresDeeply opaque blackish purple wine with fuchsia rim definition and sticky high viscosity. Nose is the epitomy of a concentrated Banyuls Grand Cru, super-extracted sweet black fruit, sweet licorice, alcohol, crème brulée, oak references, and soft minerals. Completely over the top extraction and concentration of black berry fruit with great firm tannic mid-palate and excellent long finish. La Fleur d'ArthusSemi-opaque bright purplish red wine, with pink rim definition and high viscosity. Nose of ripe red fruit, berry coulis, and oak references. Palate of slightly spicy, almost peppery Rhone-like red fruit, with good firm tannin structure and decent finish. Chateau Fleur CardinaleDeep brooding purple red wine, with bright pinkish purple rim definition, and sticky high painted viscosity. Nose of extracted blackberries, crushed rapsberries, phenolics and oak references. Palate disappoints with overpowering alcohol and bitter tannins. Chateau PatrisDeep brooding purple red wine, with bright pinkish purple rim definition, and sticky high painted viscosity. Nose of fermenting blackberry juice, grape juice, phenolics, and earthiness. Palate confirms the nose. The wine has not finished fermentation yet and is not balanced. Short finish. Chateau La GomerieDeep purple red wine with bright fuchsia rim definition and medium high viscosity. Nose of red and black licorice, crushed blackberries, red fruit characteristics and phenolics. Palate is full of alcoholic but ripe berry fruit, aggressive tannin structure and medium finish. SanctusDeeply painted blackish purple wine with bright fuchsia rim definition, and high viscosity. Big extracted red and black berry fruit nose, with loads of alcohol and oak references. Powerful mouth-filling palate with lots of berry extract, but then the alcohol and firm tannin structure takes over towards the finish. Chateau Quinault L'EnclosUltra deep purple red wine with bright purplish pink rim definition and high viscosity. Nose is fairly restrained but reveals good amounts of crushed black fruit, oak references, and alcohol. Palate disappoints and is out of balance fruit/alcohol/tannins; finish is the only redeeming factor. Chateau Grand PontetUltra deep purple red wine with bright purplish pink rim definition and high viscosity. Nose is quite restrained but there are semi-fermenting crushed red and black fruit underlying. Hints of herbs, minerals and phenolics. Palate shows less restraint and good amounts of crushed blackberries, loganberries, and sloe fruit comes through. Decent medium finish. Chateau La ClotteUltra deep purple red wine with bright purplish pink rim definition and high viscosity. Slightly closed nose, showing new oak, crushed bright red fruit, alcohol and chalky minerals. Palate shows less restraint and good amounts of raspberries and cherries. Good tannin structure carries the wine through to the medium finish. Clos de L'Oratoire(90% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc) Deeply opaque ruby red color, with bright purplish pink rim definition and high viscosity. Nose of extracted black cherry fruit, with brambleberries, new oak, vanilla, spices, nutmeg, and minerals. Palate is a restrained yet supple blend of crushed blackberries, cranberry liqueur, blueberry sorbet, without the sweetness, and a firm tannin structure going into a medium finish. Chateau Canon La Gaffeliere *(55% Cabernet Franc, 40% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon) Deeply opaque ruby red color, with bright purplish pink rim definition and high viscosity. Huge pungent nose of pure black fruit, including crushed boysenberry, loganberries, spice box, tobacco, vanilla, and new oak. Elegant restrained palate, punctuated by superbly delineated black fruit with blueberry skins, spice characteristics, oak references. Beautifully balanced mid-palate with a supple tannin finish. La Mondotte(80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc) Deep blackish purple opaque color with purplish fuchsia rim definition and ultra high viscosity. Nose of pure concentrated blackberry liqueur, blueberry coulis, extract of black currant, mint, new oak, and alcohol. Palate has ripe concentrated amounts of crushed black fruit dominated by brambleberry, slightly spicy blackberries, and blueberry extract. Great structure and backbone with supple tannins through the mid-palate going into a long licorice root finish. Chateau Bel-Air-OuÿDeep crimson red color, semi-opaque core, going out into a fine pinkish rim definition, medium high viscosity. Meaty nose, with some animalistic character, green bell pepper, ascorbic minerals. Palate much more pleasant than the nose with crushed red and black fruit, medium bodied wine, decent mouthfeel, good tannins, short finish. Prieuré LescoursDeep crimson red color, semi-opaque core, going out into a fine pinkish rim definition, medium high viscosity. Mineral-driven red fruit nose with meaty undertones, beef carpaccio, vitamins and cranberry juice. Palate shows decent amounts of red fruit with some cranberry characteristics, lots of chalky minerals and short finish. Clos Badon ThunevinDeep opaque, blackish red color, purplish to pink rim definition and very high painted viscosity. Nose of extracted red and black berry fruit, fresh cut new oak, alcohol, blackberry liqueur, and cherry filled chocolate. Palate has good amounts of extracted blackberry fruit with some red currants intermingled with spices, minerals, and mocha. Mid-palate is quite balanced and medium finish with good tannin structure. Virginie de Valandraud (Second wine of Valandraud)Deep semi-opaque blood red ruby color and fine dark red to pinkish rim definition and high viscosity. Nose of pure mocha, vanilla, crème caramel, coffee grounds, crushed black cherries, spice box, blackberries, and stony minerals. Palate is quite restrained compared to the nose, but the wine has good weight, with yet more mocha, milk chocolate, berry components, new oak. Mid-palate is well-balanced, and wine has excellent tannin structure and good length. Chateau de Valandraud (Kosher version)Deep blackish red color with even pinkish red rim definition and ultra high viscosity. Meaty nose of spicy crushed blackberries, mocha, mintiness, phenolics, oak references and soft mineral characteristics. Big chewy mouthful of spicy black fruit with wild black cherries, firm tannin structure, decent mid-palate, and bitter chocolate finish. Chateau de Valandraud(52% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Franc, 3% Malbec) Deeply opaque blackish purple wine with fuchsia rim and high painted viscosity. Quite restrained nose, revealing spicy black fruit, coffee grounds, chocolate liqueur, meaty crushed blackberries. Lovely rounded restrained yet well-balanced palate, with firm supple tannin structure showing nice amounts of crushed black fruit dominated by brambleberry, oak references, and cranberry sorbet. Lovely finish. Clos de Sarpe(85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, made from 50-80 year old vines and yields of less than 2 tons per acre) Nice even semi-opaque purplish red color, pink rim definition and high viscosity. Super extracted port-like nose, with gobs of blackberry jam, blueberry marmalade, cherry liqueur, phenolics, crème brulée, oak references, and spicy vanilla beans. Bright crushed ripe red cherry palate with good amounts of other red berry fruits, blackberry liqueur, great freshness, pleasant tannin structure and vanillin through the middle into the toasty finish. Les Angelots de Gracia (Second wine of Gracia)Deep semi-opaque, blackish red with crimson to pink rim definition and high viscosity. Quite restrained nose of meaty black fruit, coffee grounds, vanilla bean, spice box, and some green components. Palate of decently rounded red and black cherries with some amounts of cranberry sorbet, medium body structure, fine tannins and licorice-like finish. GraciaOpaque, blackish crimson red with purple rim definition and medium high viscosity. Nose of crushed blackberries, spices, oak references, and vanilla. Palate of slightly greenish cherry pits, cranberry characteristics and medium body weight, firm tannin structure and short finish. Chateau Fleur Cardinale *(70% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon) Deeply opaque blackish red color with purple rim definition and high viscosity. Incredibly concentrated black fruit liqueur nose with concentrated licorice-like, almost candied fruits, port wine extract and alcohol. Massive concentration of black fruit with extract of black cherries, black currants, spices, tobacco and big structure through the full mid-palate, going into a deeply concentrated black fruit finish with hints of licorice root coming through at the end. Chateau FombraugeDark red opaque core going out into a ruby red to pinkish rim definition with high viscosity. On the nose there is crushed black fruit, some alcohol, red currants underlying with red cherries and hints of oak. Palate is over-concentrated with a huge tannin structure followed by English licorice, out-of-whack alcohol and little to no balance in the wine. The finish overcomes the high tannin and alcohol, but the wine is flawed. Magrez-FombraugeDeeply opaque blackish ruby red color with crimson to pinkish rim definition and ultra high viscosity. Pungent nose of extracted black fruit, berry concentrate, blackberry jam and liqueur, spice box, tobacco leaf, tar and phenolics. The palate has big bodied weight with concentrated blackberry and cherry fruit, huge tannin structure that somehow mellows out to become a good balanced mid-palate going into a licorice root finish. Lalande de PomerolChateau Perron La Fleur Deeply opaque blackish red color, purple rim definition, high viscosity. Restrained nose, showing good underlying crushed berry fruit concentrate, new oak references, then vanilla and minerals. Quite a decently balanced wine on the palate, good red fruit extract, firm tannin structure and long finish. La Fleur de BouardDeeply opaque blackish purple color, with fuchsia rim definition and medium high painted viscosity. Nose has greenish stalky black fruit, licorice root, earthy minerals and alcohol. Wine seems like unripe fruit has gotten into the blend. It shows green bell pepper skins, and black currant foliage, with medium finish. Chateau Jean de Gué Cuvée Prestige *Purplish fuchsia color with almost screaming pink rim definition and high viscosity. Nose of crushed red and black berry fruits, crème brulée, vanilla, new oak references, spice box, and tobacco. Sweetish mix of black and red berry concentrate, with respberry coulis, blueberry sorbet, some mineral characteristics and great balance through the mid-palate, and long finish. Chateau La SerguePurplish fuchsia color with almost fuchsia rim definition and high viscosity. Nose of overpowering alcohol with crushed black fruit underlying, then followed by remnants of fermentation and new oak. Palate disappoints with very restrained, barely noticeable fruit and extremely short finish. Spain - Ribera del DueroFlor de Pingus 2003 Deep blackish red color with purplish fuchsia rim definition, and ultra high viscosity. Enormous spicy black fruit nose with meaty beef jerky-like characteristics, saddle leather, tobacco leaf and stewed red bell pepper skins. Palate is quite restrained but shows decent amounts of black cherry, blackberry liqueur, alcohol, and hints of oak and mocha. Solid tannin structure. Pingus 2003Huge blackish red colored wine, with pretty purple rim definition, and long legged painted viscosity. Nose of spicy blackberry components, Cherry Hering liqueur, cooked red fruits, plum skins, meaty minerals and phenolics. Concentrated cherry and cranberry on the palate with serious amounts of tannin structure, full bodied mid-palate showing meaty minerals and a slightly mouth-puckering finish. Big structured wine built for ageing. PortugalChryseia 2003* Deeply opaque screaming fuchsia to shocking pink color with highly viscous painted out of this world extracted fuchsia meniscus. The nose is a pure concentrated fruit bomb concoction of blueberry jam, brambleberry pie, spice box, mocha, tobacco leaf, lead pencil, candied red fruits and cranberry extract. In the mouth, the wine is fat with forward extracted fruit, enormous mouth-filling crushed black and red fruit wih loads of blueberry jam, spices, cardamon, marmalade, spicy blackberry liqueur, vanilla, new oak references and hints of toasty minerals. The mid-palate is incredibly rich and balanced, yet has overwhelming amounts of fruit and the finish is one of the longest ever, clocking in at an amazing 2+ minutes, and it still lingers….Phenomenal result and most likely to be called greatest dry red wine made in the Portugal ever! |