Pessac-LéognanChâteau Branon
“Very pure and elegant on the nose - blackberry and black cherry fruits with nuances of graphite providing a mineral feel. The palate expresses excellent depth and with lots of power and concentration. Flavours of mocha, blackberry together with fine but persistent tannins create a mouth-filling concentration. Quite complex and very long on the finish.” Drink from 2025. Genesis score 18+.
“The fruit from this vineyard, planted on a small outcropping of gravel close to both Haut-Bailly and Malartic-Lagraviere, used to be blended with Haut-Bergey until the Garcin family decided it had such an impressive potential that it had to be culled out. A blend of equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, the production is a tiny 6,000-8,000 bottles. The debut vintage, 2000, was one of the superstars of that superlative vintage. The 2010 reveals awesome potential. It offers a dense opaque purple color along with a glorious as well as classic Graves bouquet of smoky barbecue scents, blackberries, cassis, tobacco leaf and plums. Deep, full-bodied and pure with singularity, freshness and precision, this stunning 2010 should be accessible in 2-3 years and last for 2-3 decades.” 96-98 Robert Parker
“Really juicy and racy, with a great graphite spine supporting the dark linzer torte, boysenberry and blackberry fruit. Very fresh and long, with a tarry note hanging on nicely.” 92-95 James Molesworth
“Very dark with great freshness. Minerals and refinement. Nicely directed. Dry finish. Vital and vibrant but it cuts off a bit at the end and seems a bit too forced and harsh.” 15.5/20 Jancis Robinson
“This has great fruit. So pure and beautiful, with blueberry, currant and raspberries. Full, yet very reserved, with a long, long finish.” 93-94 James Suckling
Clos Floridene
“Great purity on the nose with aromas of sweet red berry fruits, a touch of blackberry and a little cassis. Quite suave on
the palate, the fruits are decadent and upfront and the texture round and supple - a very graceful style. The back palate
grows and delivers a punch of concentrated dark fruits. The finish is long with a well-judged amount of oak.”
Drink from 2018. Genesis score 16.
“This Clos Floridene is a little pinched at the moment with a pleasant herbaceous quality. Good definition. The palate is medium-bodied with attractive, harmonious dark berried fruit, good acidity and fine length. Nothing outrageous here...just very fine Pessac wine to accompany your meal.” Tasted April 2011. 90-92 Neil Martin
“This focused red delivers a pure beam of cherry and red currant fruit easily holding sway over mineral and sweet tobacco notes, with a very pure, fresh finish and lovely mouthfeel.” 90-93 James Molesworth
“Fresh and bloody, lively, full of fruit. Sweet start and then fresh. Chewy end. Neat and polished and well mannered. Though only mid body.” 16/20 Jancis Robinson
Clos Floridene white
“Super fresh, with light green apple and lime zest aromas. The palate is softer with the fruit very dominant. Wonderful white stone fruit flavours linger and the acidity is balanced. Pricise, the palate lingers on the finish.” Drink from 2012. Genesis score 16.5.
“Lush but focused, with straw, creamed gooseberry and verbena notes gliding along, backed by a light butter hint on the finish. Nice length.” Score 88-91 James Molesworth
Domaine de Chevalier
63% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot
“Very broad nose with blackcurrant and blackberry fruits with some spice and a little truffle too. The palate has brilliant minerality with plenty of seasoned oak, not over the top but in check with the rich black fruits. There is loads of power and weight giving a very long and persistent finish.” Drink from 2018. Genesis score 17.5.
“Consultant Stephane Derenoncourt along with owner Olivier Bernard have done a fabulous job over recent years, but the tannic, backward 2010 Domaine de Chevalier seemed primary and difficult to assess when I tasted it on three separate occasions. The natural alcohol is 13.5% from a blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and the rest Petit Verdot. A youthful inky/blue/purple color is opaque to the rim and the nose offers elegant aromas of crushed rocks, acacia flowers, boysenberries, black currants and subtle toast as well as oak. This thick, rich, tannic, backward wine will require patience. I would guess 7-10 years of cellaring will be essential, but this is a 30- to 40- year wine.”
91-93 Robert Parker
“Tasted three times, the Domaine de Chevalier has great precision on the nose with pure dark blackberry, dark plum, black olive compote and crushed flowers. The palate is just superb, mainly because of the crispness and tension in the tannic structure, framing a very precise, very focused Domaine de Chevalier that should age beautifully. It is almost understated but with great mineralité on the finish and superb persistency. Watch it blossom in bottle.” Tasted April 2011. 93-95 Neil Martin
“This is loaded, with layers of gorgeous plum sauce, linzer torte and blackberry fruit melding beautifully with charcoal, spice and anise. The long, dark finish has some power in reserve, but it's rounded and enticing.”
92-95 James Molesworth
“Dark crimson. So racy and inky, mineral and sinewy. Chewy. SO youthful! Racy and sinewy. Lively, fragrant. Mouth filling and vibrant though it has yet to evolve much character but the balance seems promising. Acid dominates tannin here.” 17.5/20 Jancis Robinson
“This is the most structured and powerful DC in a long, long time. Full bodied, with polished and rich tannins and a long finish. Tasted twice.The rising star of Bordeaux?” 95-96 James Suckling
Domaine de Chevalier Blanc white
“A very exotic and enticing nose, fresh with light honey and blossom aromas – well balanced with oak too. The mouth feel is lovely and succulent and the palate shows notes of mandarin and white stone fruits. A touch of oak complements the fruit and gives added complexity to the well-judged acidity. A lingering finish.” Drink from 2015. Genesis score 18.
“Composed of 85% Sauvignon Blanc and 15% Semillon, and in need of 8-10 years of cellaring, this is one of the most backward dry whites of the vintage with unbelievable minerality and personality.” 92-94 Robert Parker
“Much more restrained and subtle than the dry white from its new sister property Lespault-Martillac. Tense and long lived with great electricity. Still very astringent and taut with some exotic aromas on the nose and then a certain green grassiness on the palate. Still extremely youthful. May well last longer than I suggest. Tasted both open and blind.” 17.5+/20 Jancis Robinson
“This is a remarkable wine with a density of fruit that reminds me of a Montrachet from a great vintage. it’s full bodied, dense and rich -- almost oily -- but then it turns bright and fresh with a powerful backbone of acidity. A marvel.”
99-100 James Suckling
Château Haut Bailly
62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc
“Dark purple. Wonderful dark black fruit nose, a hint of spice with a touch of cassis. The palate is very mineral like and complete with sweet ripe plum and blackberry flavours. Noticeable tannins are present, but it is very complex with plenty of power. The finish is long with a touch of oak. This will age beautifully.”
Drink from 2022. Genesis score 17+.
“Proprietor Robert Wilmers and general manager/winemaker Veronique Sanders have done an extraordinary job at this estate, which has now become one of the superstars of Bordeaux as recent vintages have admirably demonstrated. An opulently styled effort, the blue/purple-hued 2010 offers a sweet kiss of graphite, charcoal, black cherries, black currants and compelling forest floor-like notes. A seamless integration of acidity, tannin, alcohol and oak is found in this full-bodied yet delicate, precise 2010. There is plenty of tannin but it is well-hidden behind the extravagant quantity of fruit. Give it 5-7 years and drink it over the following 35-40 years.” 95-97 Robert Parker
“The nose is very dense and rather introspective at first, gradually unfurling in the glass with blackberry, boysenberry and a slight “clayey” aroma that moves towards coca with continued aeration. The palate is full-bodied and very powerful, very structured and tannic although the tannins and not quite as fine as say, Smith Haut-Lafitte or Pape-Clement. Touches of graphite linger on the aftertaste. The sample at the Château needed a little more tension and precision...the sample at the UGC gave it to me!” Tasted April 2011. 92-95 Neil Martin
“Blackish crimson. Really savoury, well integrated, interesting-already nose. Then a bit inky on the palate at the moment. Medium bodied and very Cabernet. Needs lots of time. A dry wine, be warned. Classical stuff.”
17/20 Jancis Robinson
“Wow. What a superb nose of blackberries, flowers and licorice. Full bodied, with a powerful palate of super rich fruit yet bright tannins and loads of blackberries and citrus on the finish. This is really structural with amazing purity of fruit. It is so direct and powerful. Chic brick house of a wine.” 95-96 James Suckling
Château Haut Bergey
“A terrific Haut Bergey. An exuberant nose of blackberry, dark cherry and overlying toasty notes. Full-bodied with amazing purity and very concentrated. The finish is long with good freshness.” Drink from 2019. Genesis score 17.
“This estate is well-worth following given the fact that is always a realistic value and in most top vintages an over-achiever as well. Owned by the Garcin family, the 2010 Haut-Bergey (from a vineyard near Haut-Bailly) is composed of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot (unusual for this area). Possessing a deep ruby/purple hue as well as notes of creosote, charcoal, tobacco leaf, black currants and cherries, this sleeper of the vintage is opulent and luscious with a multilayered texture. Surprisingly forward with excellent freshness and depth, no hard edges, and a heady finish, it can be enjoyed over the next 10-12 years.” 92-94 Robert Parker
“A blend of 65% and 70% Merlot, the Haut-Bergey 2010 has a very attractive bouquet, very pure with blackberry sorbet, raspberry and wild strawberry. Good definition. The palate is full-bodied with a svelte, silky smooth texture, good acidity, very harmonious with admirable purity. Caressing on the finish. I think that this has great potential.” Tasted April 2011. 92-94 Neil Martin
“Seriously ripe, with dense, succulent plum and black currant fruit paste notes, laced with extra spice, anise and tar This has great drive and cut, and is still a bit compact. Seems set for the longer haul. A seriously good showing for this estate.” 92-95 James Molesworth
“Almost cheesy nose. And the fruit does not seem as fresh as most, as though it were made a little more oxidatively than some? Drying tannins on the finish.” 16/20 Jancis Robinson
“This is a wine that shows lots of chocolate, tobacco and currants. Full body, with velvety tannins and a long finish. All there.” 92-93 James Suckling
L’Etoile de Bergey
“Deep purple. Fantastic purity, fine and elegant with generous ripe red fruits. The palate is structured and very upfront in style. There is good use of oak with the fruit more forward on the palate. The tannins are round and hold well on the finish.” Drink from 2016. Genesis score 15+
“The Second wine of Haut-Bergey has a blackberry, raspberry and a touch of anchovies. The palate is medium-bodied with light tannins, quite simply but smooth and harmonious with dark berried fruit and a hint of liquorice on the finish.” Tasted April 2011. 85-87 Neil Martin
“This is intriguing, with a flash of mesquite up front, followed by tangy damson plum, ripe linzer torte and lush blackberry notes all mingling though the anise- and tar-filled finish. A very solid second wine.” 89-92 James Molesworth
“Loads of blueberry and currants and minerals. Full and refined but a little short.” 89-90 James Suckling
Château Haut Bergey Blanc white
80% Sauvignon Blanc and 20% Semillon.
“Delicious citrus filled nose, plenty of zesty lime together with some crushed stone-like minerality. The palate is very juicy and vibrant with fresh acidity. Very elegant and balanced with white stone fruits and a touch of oak to complement. A lovely lift on the finish which is long and persistent.” Drink from 2015. Genesis score 17.
“Lemon custard, honeyed figs and melons emerge from this medium-bodied, impressively endowed wine.”
90-92 Robert Parker
“Tasted twice with consistent notes, the Haut-Bergey Blanc has a lovely fresh nose of lime flower, grapefruit and lees. Good definition and vibrancy here. The palate is well balanced with good mineralité, a nice fatness in the middle with a fresh, joyful finish. Impressive.” Tasted April 2011. 90-92 Neil Martin
“Pale straw. Lightly honeyed nose. Just a tiny bit pastry cream and suppressed. Astringent finish. Doesn’t quite sing.” 17/20 Jancis Robinson
“An interesting mix of citrus fruit and vanilla follow through to a full bodied white this is fresh and round.”
90-91 James Suckling
Château Haut Brion
57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc.
“Very fresh upfront nose full with dark plum, currant and blueberry aromas – very polished in style with cedar and notes
of cassis. The tannins are well-structured in the mouth and together with pleasing acidity create a polished feel. The fruit is to the front which then leads to a slight black pepper finish with rich black fruits, liquorice and spices that give a very masculine feel. Very well balanced and even more exotic and concentrated than usual. Drink from 2040.
Genesis score 19+.
“Following a harvest that finished on October 10, Haut-Brion produced a 2010 that should turn out to be one of its all-time greats ... an amazing feat given what they have accomplished over recent vintages. A blend of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc that came in at 14.6% alcohol, the 2010 boasts an opaque purple color as well as a gorgeous perfume of scorched earth/burning embers, blueberries, black currant liqueur and crushed rocks. Full and opulent with nobility, finesse, purity and elegance, this amazing effort possesses extraordinary levels of extract as well as formidable, but sweet, well-integrated tannins. It requires 8-10 years of cellaring and should drink well for 50+ years.” 98-100 Robert Parker
“A blend of 23% Merlot, 47% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Cabernet Franc, this has a quintessential Haut-Brion nose with that trait of fresh black olives defining the nose straight out of the blocks. It is a little less opulent than La Mission but with slightly better clarity at this stage. The palate displays very fine, succulent tannins and like the La Mission there is a Pauillac-like personality thanks to the graphite imparted by the ripe Cabernet Sauvignon. Wonderful definition towards the finish. This is a superb Haut-Brion.” Tasted March 2011. 96-98 Neil Martin
“Sappy, dense and packed, with layers of kirsch, melted licorice snap, anise and black tea. Just as dense, if not more so, on the finish, with extra tar, violet and blackberry confiture. There's massive grip on the back end, but this is velvety and caressing. Easily the most backward of the first-growths at this stage.”96-99 James Molesworth
“Full, opulent nose in which the classic Haut-Brion aroma is well masked by lots of slightly austere fruit. Very fine tannins – very drying finish. An extremely slow burner. Much drier than La Mission, and at the moment not desperately expressive. Its lips are pursed at the moment, and so are mine tasting it. Unusual to come across such a long-term wine even here. This may not make a massive impact en primeur because it is keeping so much in reserve. I think it will eventually make a great wine but it’s surly at the moment.” 14.6%. 18++/20 Jancis Robinson
“Wonderful aromas of dark fruits with sweet tobacco and lilac character. Blackberries too. Amazing nose. This is tight and powerful with beautiful tannins and a racy structure. It lasts for minutes. Super refined yet muscular style of Haut-Brion due to a much lower percentage of Merlot in the blend. I like the 2009 better. Its more typical.”
97-99 James Suckling
Château La Mission Haut Brion
62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc.
“Very dark complex nose with an assortment of ripe black fruits, mocha, a touch of cedar and some classy oak. So polished with immense concentration on the palate. Blue fruits hit the palate immediately alongside fine structured tannins and some toasty oak. Huge power on the finish, very long and lasting.”
Drink from 2035. Genesis score 18.5.
“One of the most powerful La Missions ever produced, the 2010, a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc, achieved 15% natural alcohol (even higher than the 2009's 14.7%). Nevertheless, the pH is normal which gives the wine an extraordinary precision, freshness and vibrancy despite its massive size. A blue/purple color is followed by a classic nose of blueberry liqueur, creme de cassis, spring flowers and crushed rocks. This monumental, full-bodied, incredibly rich La Mission-Haut-Brion will need a decade of cellaring and should last for 40-50 years. It is slightly fatter and creamier than its sibling rival, the 2010 Chateau Haut-Brion.” 98-100 Robert Parker
“The La Mission Haut-Brion, a blend of 37% Merlot, 62% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Cabernet Franc, 3.57pH and knocking in at....15.1% alcohol. It has a wonderful nose with crushed stone, black plum and graphite, with an almost Pauillac-like personality. The palate is medium-bodied and quite structured on the entry, the Cabernet in the driving seat lending cedar and graphite. Linear, strict, brilliant focused with good tension on the finish, you have to give to Jean-Philippe Delmas that the alcohol is cunningly disguised, but on the other hand, how about drinking more the a glass? That remains to be seen, hence my caution.” Tasted March 2011. 92-94? Neil Martin
“This is loaded, with a torrent of pastis, crushed plum, blueberry and boysenberry fruit, backed by tarry tannins and a long, spice- and graphite-filled finish. Big, but very, very sleek. Highest percentage of Cabernet ever for La Mission” (62 percent). 95-98 James Molesworth
“Very deep crimson – glowing. Scented and really quite muted and even austere on the nose. And then very fleshy and even rather gorgeous on the palate. Wonderfully refined tannins and quite broad fruit but there is a nub of something a little green in the fruit itself? Demanding on the taster – not least because this will need long ageing. Nothing hot about this. Great freshness and sweetness. The acidity nicely counterbalances the alcohol.” 15.1%.18/20 Jancis Robinson
“This is very perfumed for La Mission with dark berry, light chocolate, flowers, and minerals. Full and silky with fine tannins and a bright and tangy finish. Intense and powerful. Refined. Long.” 95-96 James Suckling
Château Les Carmes Haut Brion
55% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Cabernet Franc.
“A superb nose full with aromas of plum, blackcurrant, blueberry, a touch of cedar and a little cigar box. Lots of purity coming through on the palate with a hint of super-ripeness, but with the acidity to give some freshness too. There is plenty of power on the palate with good tannin and structure. Very long on the finish”. Drink from 2023.
Genesis score 17.5+.
“This attractive, finesse-styled wine exhibits a dark ruby/purple color as well as smoky blue fruits intermixed with a hint of menthol, medium body and an elegant, restrained style. The tannins are noticeable, but they are not terribly intense for a 2010. Give this one 2-3 years in the cellar and drink it over the following 10-15 years.” 88-90 Robert Parker
“Tasted on three occasions, a couple of samples suggested a little over-ripeness, although the sample at the UGC was much more controlled on the nose with lifted blackberry, dark cherries, black olive compote and a touch of violet. The palate has good weight on the entry, dense, broody black fruits, less opulent than recent vintages, quite introspective towards the finish but sure to blossom by the time of bottling.” Tasted April 2011. Score ? Neil Martin
“Rather simple ripe fruit aromas. Lots of gas, sweetness but no great intensity. A tiny bit scrawny.”
16-/20 Jancis Robinson
“Complex red with chocolate, berry, currants and nutmeg as well as other dried spices. Full and velvety with a long, long finish. Best ever from here.” 93-94 James Suckling
Le Clarence Haut Brion
52% Merlot, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon,10% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot
“Very high-toned red and black fruits, fine oak notes with hints of liquorice and graphite. The palate is very earthy in style, warm with a well-rounded mouth feel. The black fruits persist towards the front of the palate, then the oak comes through towards the back creating the earthy component. Excellent acidity and tannin make way for a very lengthy and robust finish.” Drink from 2021. Genesis score 17.
“Probably the greatest second wine made at this estate since the 1989 Bahans-Haut-Brion, this blend of 52% Merlot, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot reveals elegant minerality along with lots of sweet black cherry and raspberry fruit intermixed with hints of damp earth and forest floor. Medium to full-bodied and lush, it should drink beautifully for 10-15 years.” 90-93 Robert Parker
“A blend of 52% Merlot, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, this has a very different nose to the La Chapelle, the Cabernet very potent here, crushed stones with a hint of graphite. This has more backbone that the La Chapelle, very fine tannins with good acidity, dense blackberry, cassis and a touch of black plum, strict and linear towards the finish which is more masculine than the La Chapelle. Do not overlook this second label.” Tasted March 2011. 92-94 Neil Martin
“Very bright blueish purple. Lighter nose than Chapelle La Mission but very refined and aromatic. Drawing-room refinement, really quite spindly. All frame and not much flesh at the moment. Very, very dry on the finish. There is even a hint of green. Will need quite a time to broaden out.” 14.4%. 17/20 Jancis Robinson
“This is a fresh and lively young wine. The second wine of Haut-Brion has a lot of linear richness. I really like the texture of this with super polished tannins and vibrant acidity.” 93-94 James Suckling
La Chapelle de la Mission Haut Brion
47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot and 26% Cabernet Franc
“Perfumed nose of violet, black cherry and raspberry fruit - overtones of cedar, cigar box and a little graphite come through too. Wonderful purity on the palate, concentrated with excellent depth. Full-bodied the palate reveals layers of black and red fruits, there are hints of cassis and light nuances of menthol.”
Drink from 2023. Genesis score 17.
“The finest La Chapelle de la Mission ever made (this cuvee now includes the production from the now extinct La Tour Haut-Brion vineyard), the 2010 is composed of 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot and 26% Cabernet Franc. With amazing viscosity, a thick, earthy, forest-scented nose and copious quantities of black fruits and minerality, plus full body and supple tannins, it should drink well for 15 or more years.” 91-94 Robert Parker
“A bright purple colour, this has a rounded, opulent bouquet with great purity, the 27% Merlot ebullient and luscious. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, very elegant and refined with an almost understated and yet precise, minerally finish. Very caressing and refined.” Tasted March 2011. 91-93 Neil Martin
“Offers a very sleek, seamless feel, with a rush of violet and pastis notes and a dense, sappy, plum-filled finish. Not as overtly bright as many other 2010s, but you know the freshness is there since this is big yet light on its feet.”
92-95 James Molesworth
“Dark lustrous crimson. Ripe sumptuous, top-quality nose. Very sumptuous and almost forward. Only on the end is one aware of the tannin and acidity. Very polished tannins until a slight stringiness on the finish betrays that this is not the grand vin. Chewy finish. But the fruit just goes on and on. Really pretty special stuff, apparently plumped out a bit. Will we see a third wine then?!” 14.8%. 17/20 Jancis Robinson
“The second wine of La Mission shows a lot of restraint this year. Blueberry and lemon rind aromas and flavors. It’s full and silky with fine tannins and a fresh finish. Tangy acidity and bright fruit in the end.” 93-94 James Suckling
Château Pape Clément Rouge
“Very dark purple. Rich aromas of black fruits with notes of graphite provide tremendous depth and complexity. Very ripe with huge extraction and an abundance of oak gives plenty of power. Rich with black fruits, it is so concentrated but held together with vibrant acidity. There is some heat with plenty of length on the finish.” Drink from 2023.
Genesis score 17.5+
“Bernard Magrez’s flagship estate continues to produce consistently beautiful wines and that includes his sensational 2010. The fruit was harvested between September 24 and October 20, and the result is an opaque purple-colored blend of equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot that achieved 13.5% alcohol naturally. Subtle notions of smoke, graphite, oak, black cherries and blackberries jump from the glass of this impressively perfumed claret. Medium to full-bodied, strikingly elegant and less thick and intense than a structured vintage such as 2005, the 2010 possesses remarkably sweet tannin (sweeter than the 2005) as well as a full-bodied, long finish. It should be drinkable at an early age and keep for 20-25 years.” 93-95+ Robert Parker
“Tasted three times, the Pape-Clement ’10 is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Merlot, this has a surprisingly conservative bouquet but with very fine delineation and clarity. Blackberry and a touch of briary. The palate is very well balanced, very fine tannins and superb tension, the acidity lending this great poise and freshness. Good grip on the finish, this is an outstanding Pape-Clement.” Tasted March 2011. 94-96 Neil Martin
“A flashy, modern style, with lots of dark fig, anise and graphite notes, pushed by more black currant sauce and tar. Ample toast runs through the finish, but this has plenty of raw material.” 93-96 James Molesworth
“Very dark with even a hint of brown. Direct and leathery on the nose. Then very sweet – almost right-bank sweetness – but then it returns to acidity and fine tannin. A dramatic even if not-that-comfortable wine. Almost too drying on the finish but it works in the end. Slightly tarry finish. Not the most succulent.” 16.5/20 Jancis Robinson
“Very chewy, with wonderful blueberry and mineral character. Hints of mint too. Full and super classy. Love the texture of the tannins. Hyper-refined in texture.” 96-97 James Suckling
Château Smith Haut Lafitte
“Wonderfully perfumed on the nose, pure and delicious. A classy style, very ripe and quite juicy with excellent depth. Not as rich as the Pape Clément but somewhat more sophisticated. Ripe black fruits burst through on the palate. Well- extracted, the tannins are round and are complemented with a touch of light spice. The finish is long with a bit of crunchy black fruit to give balance.” Drink from 2023. Genesis score 17+.
“A qualitative home run, right up there with the profound 2005 and more opulent 2009, Smith-Haut-Lafitte has turned in a remarkable performance in this vintage, but then again, so have many other chateaux. A blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, the wine has an inky/purple color and an extraordinary nose of graphite, blackberries, cassis, licorice, smoke, and camphor. The unbelievable skyscraper-like texture, stunning purity, and formidable intensity make for a remarkably rich, long, full-bodied wine that is classic Graves, but at the same time a staggering 2010.” Anticipated maturity: 2015-2035+. 95-97 Robert Parker
“With a pH of 3.62, the Grand Vin is a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, the bouquet is very intense and focused, stricter than the 2009 last year with blackberry, a touch of cassis and a hint of boysenberry. Fine delineation, the mineralité beginning to emerge after one minute in the glass. One is immediately struck by the almost citrus-like freshness on the entry, tight at first but then fanning out beautifully across the mouth towards the wonderfully structured finish that has more tension than it knows what to do with. Very persistent, very long. Tasted twice with consistent notes.” Tasted April 2011. 93-95 Neil Martin
“Really ripe, but with great focus, as linzer torte, blackberry, plum sauce and anise notes are woven tightly together, all carried by tar and graphite, with a long, seamless finish.” 96-96 James Molesworth
“Savoury and appealing on the nose. Very fresh – admirably fresh. Very Graves and fragrant with firm minerality and very dry finish. Nothing overdone. Nicely balanced for the long term.” 17/20 Jancis Robinson
“Wonderful aromas of currants, berries and minerals. Very stoney. Full bodied, with an intense and dense palate structure. Loads of blackberries, sweet tobacco and hot stones. Long finish. We will see if it’s better than the 2009 or not.” 95-96 James Suckling
