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Inventory updated: Fri, Apr 09, 2021 04:02 PM cst
Pauillac – All in stock
Today we are highlighting our fine selection of wines from the Bordeaux left-bank appellation of Pauillac. For many connoisseurs the cassis, graphite and tobacco notes found in the wines from here offer the quintessential Bordeaux experience, and it is from here that three of the five First Growths are found, along with several of the Super Seconds. Our selection on offer features many of the top names from across the appellation, including Mouton, Lafite, Pichon Lalande and Lynch Bages - and a rare 6L bottle of Chateau Latour - and I would urge you to take advantage of this offer while the wines remain available.
The following are the wines remaining from the offer sent on Thursday, March 18, 2021. Please enter your desired quantities and click the 'Add' button.
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Additional Wines from the Same Producer
Remaining Wines from the Offer
| Producer |
Vint. |
Wine |
Price |
Qty |
Order |
| | Bordeaux Red |
| Carruades de Lafite |
1998 |
Pauillac  Writing on Label |
$225 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 90 (4/2001): This has become one of the finest second wines produced. The 1998 (a blend of 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 4.5% Cabernet Franc, and 1.5% Petit Verdot) is an Outstanding effort. While very Lafite-like (although more supple and forward), it exhibits a dense ruby/purple color in addition to an excellent bouquet of black fruits, smoke, earth, and minerals, supple tannin, an excellent texture, and a long, fine finish. Anticipated maturity: now-2015._x000D__x000D__x000D_
VM 88+ (6/2001): Ruby-red. Red berries and mint on the reticent nose. Juicy, leanish and a bit closed in on itself, with slightly green flavors of dark berries and minerals. Quite dry but offers sneaky intensity and a lingering finish. This should benefit from a few years of patience. Very much like Lafite in miniature. _x000D__x000D__x000D_
WS 88 (1/2001): Attractive aromas of licorice, currant and berry. Medium- to full-bodied, with chewy tannins and a black olive and berry aftertaste. A serious second wine. Best after 2005. 29,165 cases made. |
|
|
1998 |
Pauillac Nicked Label |
$225 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 90 (4/2001): This has become one of the finest second wines produced. The 1998 (a blend of 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 4.5% Cabernet Franc, and 1.5% Petit Verdot) is an Outstanding effort. While very Lafite-like (although more supple and forward), it exhibits a dense ruby/purple color in addition to an excellent bouquet of black fruits, smoke, earth, and minerals, supple tannin, an excellent texture, and a long, fine finish. Anticipated maturity: now-2015._x000D__x000D__x000D_
VM 88+ (6/2001): Ruby-red. Red berries and mint on the reticent nose. Juicy, leanish and a bit closed in on itself, with slightly green flavors of dark berries and minerals. Quite dry but offers sneaky intensity and a lingering finish. This should benefit from a few years of patience. Very much like Lafite in miniature. _x000D__x000D__x000D_
WS 88 (1/2001): Attractive aromas of licorice, currant and berry. Medium- to full-bodied, with chewy tannins and a black olive and berry aftertaste. A serious second wine. Best after 2005. 29,165 cases made. |
|
|
2003 |
Pauillac Very Lightly Scuffed Label |
$279 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 93 (4/2006): A spectacular value as well as a sleeper of the vintage is the 135,000-bottle cuvee of 2003 Carruades de Lafite (50% Merlot, 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2% Cabernet Franc). This amazing effort rivals such superb second wines as the 1989 Bahans-Haut-Brion and 1982 Forts de Latour. A serious red, it is sexy, opulent, rich, and luscious with silky tannin, enormous body, and wave after wave of mocha-infused black cherry and cassis fruit. It is almost too good to be believed. While drinkable now, it should evolve for 12-15 years or longer.
WS 89 (3/2006): Aromas of sweet tobacco, berry and chocolate follow through to a full-bodied palate, with silky tannins and a medium finish. Slightly hollow midpalate but very nicely done. Second wine of Lafite. Best after 2007. 20,000 cases made.
VM 88 (6/2006): Red-ruby. Expressive aromas of currant, leather, game and tobacco, with a whiff of band-aid. Sweet and smooth on entry, then a bit green and dry-edged in the middle palate, with notes of tobacco, leather and meat. Seems dryer in bottle, and far less primary, than the sample I tasted in the spring of 2004.
NM 87 (3/2011): Tasted blind at Farr Vintner’s Left Bank tasting. This has a very expressive, quite floral, Margaux-like nose with fine delineation: blackberry, pencil shavings and smoke. The palate displays a little hardness on the entry, firm backbone here; the fruit not quite in synch with the rest of the wine and jutting out on the finish. |
|
|
2003 |
Pauillac |
$299 |
4 |
|
| |
WA 93 (4/2006): A spectacular value as well as a sleeper of the vintage is the 135,000-bottle cuvee of 2003 Carruades de Lafite (50% Merlot, 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2% Cabernet Franc). This amazing effort rivals such superb second wines as the 1989 Bahans-Haut-Brion and 1982 Forts de Latour. A serious red, it is sexy, opulent, rich, and luscious with silky tannin, enormous body, and wave after wave of mocha-infused black cherry and cassis fruit. It is almost too good to be believed. While drinkable now, it should evolve for 12-15 years or longer.
WS 89 (3/2006): Aromas of sweet tobacco, berry and chocolate follow through to a full-bodied palate, with silky tannins and a medium finish. Slightly hollow midpalate but very nicely done. Second wine of Lafite. Best after 2007. 20,000 cases made.
VM 88 (6/2006): Red-ruby. Expressive aromas of currant, leather, game and tobacco, with a whiff of band-aid. Sweet and smooth on entry, then a bit green and dry-edged in the middle palate, with notes of tobacco, leather and meat. Seems dryer in bottle, and far less primary, than the sample I tasted in the spring of 2004.
NM 87 (3/2011): Tasted blind at Farr Vintner’s Left Bank tasting. This has a very expressive, quite floral, Margaux-like nose with fine delineation: blackberry, pencil shavings and smoke. The palate displays a little hardness on the entry, firm backbone here; the fruit not quite in synch with the rest of the wine and jutting out on the finish. |
|
| Ch. Duhart Milon |
1996 |
Pauillac |
$135 |
6 |
|
| |
NM 93 (9/2006): A much more intense cedar, blackberry nose. Still quite backward and classic in style. Well-structured palate, good definition, fresh, cedary, pencil-shavings. Robust on the finish. Masculine, but very class indeed. Needs 10+ years.
WA 90 (4/1999): A strong case can be made that this is the finest Duhart produced since the 1982. The color is a saturated dark ruby/purple. The bouquet offers aromas of blackberry fruit intermixed with licorice, minerals, and dried herbs. Rich and intense, with considerable finesse, medium to full body, and Outstanding concentration and purity, this should be a reasonably priced wine. It reflects the increased attention Lafite's administrator, Charles Chevalier, has been giving this nearby estate. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2020.
WS 89 (12/2007): Some plum and fresh herb character, with hints of cedar and lemon. Medium-bodied, with silky tannins and a medium finish.--'95/'96 Bordeaux retrospective. Drink now. |
|
|
2002 |
Pauillac (375 ML) |
$39 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2002 |
Pauillac (375 ML) |
$39 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Ch. Haut Batailley |
2006 |
Pauillac |
$60 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 91 (7/2016): Tasted at a vertical tasting at the château. The 2006 Haut Batailley is a wine that I have always appreciated and at ten years of age, I have no reason to change that view. It has a such a lively and vivacious bouquet, especially when compared to the sultrier (if ultimately superior 2005 Haut-Batailley). The palate is underpinned by very fine tannin, the acidity quite noticeable but simply lending freshness and tension. There is a sense of this being a Pauillac that is tightly coiled and there is a lot of energy on the finish. This is a great success for the vintage, but if you can wait another couple of years, it should manifest more intriguing secondary notes and turn into a more interesting Pauillac. |
|
|
2006 |
Pauillac |
$60 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 91 (7/2016): Tasted at a vertical tasting at the château. The 2006 Haut Batailley is a wine that I have always appreciated and at ten years of age, I have no reason to change that view. It has a such a lively and vivacious bouquet, especially when compared to the sultrier (if ultimately superior 2005 Haut-Batailley). The palate is underpinned by very fine tannin, the acidity quite noticeable but simply lending freshness and tension. There is a sense of this being a Pauillac that is tightly coiled and there is a lot of energy on the finish. This is a great success for the vintage, but if you can wait another couple of years, it should manifest more intriguing secondary notes and turn into a more interesting Pauillac. |
|
|
2006 |
Pauillac |
$60 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 91 (7/2016): Tasted at a vertical tasting at the château. The 2006 Haut Batailley is a wine that I have always appreciated and at ten years of age, I have no reason to change that view. It has a such a lively and vivacious bouquet, especially when compared to the sultrier (if ultimately superior 2005 Haut-Batailley). The palate is underpinned by very fine tannin, the acidity quite noticeable but simply lending freshness and tension. There is a sense of this being a Pauillac that is tightly coiled and there is a lot of energy on the finish. This is a great success for the vintage, but if you can wait another couple of years, it should manifest more intriguing secondary notes and turn into a more interesting Pauillac. |
|
| Ch. Lacoste Borie |
2005 |
Pauillac (3.0 L) Lightly Scuffed Label; Lightly Torn Label |
$175 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Ch. Lafite Rothschild |
1966 |
Pauillac Base Neck Fill; Nicked Label; Bin-Soiled Label; Nicked Capsule |
$550 |
1 |
|
| |
NM 96 (4/2008): My God, this is a wonderful mature Lafite. Served blind chez Rosemary George MW it has a definable Pauillac nose with subtle notes of cedar, sous-bois and a touch of dried blood. It has incredible harmony and purity – a bouquet that has you instantly captivated. The palate does not disappoint: a beguiling sense of natural harmony and delineation, not the weight of Latour nor the femininity of Margaux, but a Lafite aiming for understated sophistication. Delicate cedar and cigar box towards the finish that just goes on and on. This bottle vindicates my first encounter in Bordeaux, when it similarly bewitched its audience. Absolutely sublime. A point.
WA 84 (2/1996): Except for the 1966 and 1870 vintages of Lafite-Rothschild, these wines were poured on virgin territory on my palate. Isn't it ironic that the most disappointing wine (forgetting the spoiled 1875 Lafite-Rothschild, which had frightful levels of volatile acidity) was the youngest wine, the 1966 Lafite. With a light to medium ruby/garnet color, this wine exhibited a classy, weedy, herbal, Cabernet-dominated nose, soft, washed-out flavors, and little body and length. It is also beginning to dry out. I suppose if one were to taste a 30-year old Cabernet from Monterey County, California, it might reveal similar characteristics. The 1966 Lafite-Rothschild has consistently been a major disappointment from what is an irregular, but very good vintage.
WS 84 (11/1991): Mature, spicy bouquet isn't backed up by much flavor, but it's a light, elegant, ready-to-drink claret. Disappointing for the vintage.--Lafite Rothschild vertical.
MB [****] (4/1998): This is the sort of wine that, if not treated with care and concentration, might pass for- well, a decent drink but nothing special. There is simply no doubt in my mind that it needs plenty of air, plenty of time in decanter and glass. It is like an exceptionally shy person who has to be gently courted to bring out his or her true qualitites. I have well over two dozen well-spread notes. At its best it is the epitome of my 'lean, long-distance runn'. But not all notes have been brilliant. Just to deal with the more recent. In 12995 a fragrant obttle from the Nicolas cellar in Paris mischievously thrust, blind, by Rodenstock, into a 'flight' of pre-phylloxera chateaux. To be honest it was more than lean. It was a bit raw. The next year, in New York, a tasting of 1966 first growths to celebrat ethe 30th anniversary of Christie's wine department: the Lafite was elegant but again a bit 'edgy'. The following week, on the precise anniversary (11 October 1966), of my first sale, at a very grand dinner in the Great Room in King Street, London, no fewer than three imperiales, one magnificent, the others as I shall describe. The best had a good level and a deeply coloured, velvety-ended cork. Bouquet with the fragrance that only Lafite can exude. Lovely flavour, lean, good length. A jolly good drink. I don't know where the other 'imps'came from but one had a rough sort of cork and old weevil traces. Somewhat oxidised but seemed to gain its second breath. We drank it last. The third imperials was a disaster. Upon removing the capsule, the slightly depressed cork was seething with live weevils, yet afterremoving the crumbly cork, it was surprislyg, better than No. 2! Most recently, a classic jeroboam, harmonious, refreshing but with fading fruit, at a tasting I conducted for Vinum magazine in Zurich. It has passed the finishing post |
|
|
1966 |
Pauillac |
$550 |
1 |
|
| |
NM 96 (4/2008): My God, this is a wonderful mature Lafite. Served blind chez Rosemary George MW it has a definable Pauillac nose with subtle notes of cedar, sous-bois and a touch of dried blood. It has incredible harmony and purity – a bouquet that has you instantly captivated. The palate does not disappoint: a beguiling sense of natural harmony and delineation, not the weight of Latour nor the femininity of Margaux, but a Lafite aiming for understated sophistication. Delicate cedar and cigar box towards the finish that just goes on and on. This bottle vindicates my first encounter in Bordeaux, when it similarly bewitched its audience. Absolutely sublime. A point.
WA 84 (2/1996): Except for the 1966 and 1870 vintages of Lafite-Rothschild, these wines were poured on virgin territory on my palate. Isn't it ironic that the most disappointing wine (forgetting the spoiled 1875 Lafite-Rothschild, which had frightful levels of volatile acidity) was the youngest wine, the 1966 Lafite. With a light to medium ruby/garnet color, this wine exhibited a classy, weedy, herbal, Cabernet-dominated nose, soft, washed-out flavors, and little body and length. It is also beginning to dry out. I suppose if one were to taste a 30-year old Cabernet from Monterey County, California, it might reveal similar characteristics. The 1966 Lafite-Rothschild has consistently been a major disappointment from what is an irregular, but very good vintage.
WS 84 (11/1991): Mature, spicy bouquet isn't backed up by much flavor, but it's a light, elegant, ready-to-drink claret. Disappointing for the vintage.--Lafite Rothschild vertical.
MB [****] (4/1998): This is the sort of wine that, if not treated with care and concentration, might pass for- well, a decent drink but nothing special. There is simply no doubt in my mind that it needs plenty of air, plenty of time in decanter and glass. It is like an exceptionally shy person who has to be gently courted to bring out his or her true qualitites. I have well over two dozen well-spread notes. At its best it is the epitome of my 'lean, long-distance runn'. But not all notes have been brilliant. Just to deal with the more recent. In 12995 a fragrant obttle from the Nicolas cellar in Paris mischievously thrust, blind, by Rodenstock, into a 'flight' of pre-phylloxera chateaux. To be honest it was more than lean. It was a bit raw. The next year, in New York, a tasting of 1966 first growths to celebrat ethe 30th anniversary of Christie's wine department: the Lafite was elegant but again a bit 'edgy'. The following week, on the precise anniversary (11 October 1966), of my first sale, at a very grand dinner in the Great Room in King Street, London, no fewer than three imperiales, one magnificent, the others as I shall describe. The best had a good level and a deeply coloured, velvety-ended cork. Bouquet with the fragrance that only Lafite can exude. Lovely flavour, lean, good length. A jolly good drink. I don't know where the other 'imps'came from but one had a rough sort of cork and old weevil traces. Somewhat oxidised but seemed to gain its second breath. We drank it last. The third imperials was a disaster. Upon removing the capsule, the slightly depressed cork was seething with live weevils, yet afterremoving the crumbly cork, it was surprislyg, better than No. 2! Most recently, a classic jeroboam, harmonious, refreshing but with fading fruit, at a tasting I conducted for Vinum magazine in Zurich. It has passed the finishing post |
|
|
1966 |
Pauillac |
$550 |
2 |
|
| |
NM 96 (4/2008): My God, this is a wonderful mature Lafite. Served blind chez Rosemary George MW it has a definable Pauillac nose with subtle notes of cedar, sous-bois and a touch of dried blood. It has incredible harmony and purity – a bouquet that has you instantly captivated. The palate does not disappoint: a beguiling sense of natural harmony and delineation, not the weight of Latour nor the femininity of Margaux, but a Lafite aiming for understated sophistication. Delicate cedar and cigar box towards the finish that just goes on and on. This bottle vindicates my first encounter in Bordeaux, when it similarly bewitched its audience. Absolutely sublime. A point.
WA 84 (2/1996): Except for the 1966 and 1870 vintages of Lafite-Rothschild, these wines were poured on virgin territory on my palate. Isn't it ironic that the most disappointing wine (forgetting the spoiled 1875 Lafite-Rothschild, which had frightful levels of volatile acidity) was the youngest wine, the 1966 Lafite. With a light to medium ruby/garnet color, this wine exhibited a classy, weedy, herbal, Cabernet-dominated nose, soft, washed-out flavors, and little body and length. It is also beginning to dry out. I suppose if one were to taste a 30-year old Cabernet from Monterey County, California, it might reveal similar characteristics. The 1966 Lafite-Rothschild has consistently been a major disappointment from what is an irregular, but very good vintage.
WS 84 (11/1991): Mature, spicy bouquet isn't backed up by much flavor, but it's a light, elegant, ready-to-drink claret. Disappointing for the vintage.--Lafite Rothschild vertical.
MB [****] (4/1998): This is the sort of wine that, if not treated with care and concentration, might pass for- well, a decent drink but nothing special. There is simply no doubt in my mind that it needs plenty of air, plenty of time in decanter and glass. It is like an exceptionally shy person who has to be gently courted to bring out his or her true qualitites. I have well over two dozen well-spread notes. At its best it is the epitome of my 'lean, long-distance runn'. But not all notes have been brilliant. Just to deal with the more recent. In 12995 a fragrant obttle from the Nicolas cellar in Paris mischievously thrust, blind, by Rodenstock, into a 'flight' of pre-phylloxera chateaux. To be honest it was more than lean. It was a bit raw. The next year, in New York, a tasting of 1966 first growths to celebrat ethe 30th anniversary of Christie's wine department: the Lafite was elegant but again a bit 'edgy'. The following week, on the precise anniversary (11 October 1966), of my first sale, at a very grand dinner in the Great Room in King Street, London, no fewer than three imperiales, one magnificent, the others as I shall describe. The best had a good level and a deeply coloured, velvety-ended cork. Bouquet with the fragrance that only Lafite can exude. Lovely flavour, lean, good length. A jolly good drink. I don't know where the other 'imps'came from but one had a rough sort of cork and old weevil traces. Somewhat oxidised but seemed to gain its second breath. We drank it last. The third imperials was a disaster. Upon removing the capsule, the slightly depressed cork was seething with live weevils, yet afterremoving the crumbly cork, it was surprislyg, better than No. 2! Most recently, a classic jeroboam, harmonious, refreshing but with fading fruit, at a tasting I conducted for Vinum magazine in Zurich. It has passed the finishing post |
|
|
1966 |
Pauillac |
$550 |
1 |
|
| |
NM 96 (4/2008): My God, this is a wonderful mature Lafite. Served blind chez Rosemary George MW it has a definable Pauillac nose with subtle notes of cedar, sous-bois and a touch of dried blood. It has incredible harmony and purity – a bouquet that has you instantly captivated. The palate does not disappoint: a beguiling sense of natural harmony and delineation, not the weight of Latour nor the femininity of Margaux, but a Lafite aiming for understated sophistication. Delicate cedar and cigar box towards the finish that just goes on and on. This bottle vindicates my first encounter in Bordeaux, when it similarly bewitched its audience. Absolutely sublime. A point.
WA 84 (2/1996): Except for the 1966 and 1870 vintages of Lafite-Rothschild, these wines were poured on virgin territory on my palate. Isn't it ironic that the most disappointing wine (forgetting the spoiled 1875 Lafite-Rothschild, which had frightful levels of volatile acidity) was the youngest wine, the 1966 Lafite. With a light to medium ruby/garnet color, this wine exhibited a classy, weedy, herbal, Cabernet-dominated nose, soft, washed-out flavors, and little body and length. It is also beginning to dry out. I suppose if one were to taste a 30-year old Cabernet from Monterey County, California, it might reveal similar characteristics. The 1966 Lafite-Rothschild has consistently been a major disappointment from what is an irregular, but very good vintage.
WS 84 (11/1991): Mature, spicy bouquet isn't backed up by much flavor, but it's a light, elegant, ready-to-drink claret. Disappointing for the vintage.--Lafite Rothschild vertical.
MB [****] (4/1998): This is the sort of wine that, if not treated with care and concentration, might pass for- well, a decent drink but nothing special. There is simply no doubt in my mind that it needs plenty of air, plenty of time in decanter and glass. It is like an exceptionally shy person who has to be gently courted to bring out his or her true qualitites. I have well over two dozen well-spread notes. At its best it is the epitome of my 'lean, long-distance runn'. But not all notes have been brilliant. Just to deal with the more recent. In 12995 a fragrant obttle from the Nicolas cellar in Paris mischievously thrust, blind, by Rodenstock, into a 'flight' of pre-phylloxera chateaux. To be honest it was more than lean. It was a bit raw. The next year, in New York, a tasting of 1966 first growths to celebrat ethe 30th anniversary of Christie's wine department: the Lafite was elegant but again a bit 'edgy'. The following week, on the precise anniversary (11 October 1966), of my first sale, at a very grand dinner in the Great Room in King Street, London, no fewer than three imperiales, one magnificent, the others as I shall describe. The best had a good level and a deeply coloured, velvety-ended cork. Bouquet with the fragrance that only Lafite can exude. Lovely flavour, lean, good length. A jolly good drink. I don't know where the other 'imps'came from but one had a rough sort of cork and old weevil traces. Somewhat oxidised but seemed to gain its second breath. We drank it last. The third imperials was a disaster. Upon removing the capsule, the slightly depressed cork was seething with live weevils, yet afterremoving the crumbly cork, it was surprislyg, better than No. 2! Most recently, a classic jeroboam, harmonious, refreshing but with fading fruit, at a tasting I conducted for Vinum magazine in Zurich. It has passed the finishing post |
|
|
1966 |
Pauillac |
$550 |
1 |
|
| |
NM 96 (4/2008): My God, this is a wonderful mature Lafite. Served blind chez Rosemary George MW it has a definable Pauillac nose with subtle notes of cedar, sous-bois and a touch of dried blood. It has incredible harmony and purity – a bouquet that has you instantly captivated. The palate does not disappoint: a beguiling sense of natural harmony and delineation, not the weight of Latour nor the femininity of Margaux, but a Lafite aiming for understated sophistication. Delicate cedar and cigar box towards the finish that just goes on and on. This bottle vindicates my first encounter in Bordeaux, when it similarly bewitched its audience. Absolutely sublime. A point.
WA 84 (2/1996): Except for the 1966 and 1870 vintages of Lafite-Rothschild, these wines were poured on virgin territory on my palate. Isn't it ironic that the most disappointing wine (forgetting the spoiled 1875 Lafite-Rothschild, which had frightful levels of volatile acidity) was the youngest wine, the 1966 Lafite. With a light to medium ruby/garnet color, this wine exhibited a classy, weedy, herbal, Cabernet-dominated nose, soft, washed-out flavors, and little body and length. It is also beginning to dry out. I suppose if one were to taste a 30-year old Cabernet from Monterey County, California, it might reveal similar characteristics. The 1966 Lafite-Rothschild has consistently been a major disappointment from what is an irregular, but very good vintage.
WS 84 (11/1991): Mature, spicy bouquet isn't backed up by much flavor, but it's a light, elegant, ready-to-drink claret. Disappointing for the vintage.--Lafite Rothschild vertical.
MB [****] (4/1998): This is the sort of wine that, if not treated with care and concentration, might pass for- well, a decent drink but nothing special. There is simply no doubt in my mind that it needs plenty of air, plenty of time in decanter and glass. It is like an exceptionally shy person who has to be gently courted to bring out his or her true qualitites. I have well over two dozen well-spread notes. At its best it is the epitome of my 'lean, long-distance runn'. But not all notes have been brilliant. Just to deal with the more recent. In 12995 a fragrant obttle from the Nicolas cellar in Paris mischievously thrust, blind, by Rodenstock, into a 'flight' of pre-phylloxera chateaux. To be honest it was more than lean. It was a bit raw. The next year, in New York, a tasting of 1966 first growths to celebrat ethe 30th anniversary of Christie's wine department: the Lafite was elegant but again a bit 'edgy'. The following week, on the precise anniversary (11 October 1966), of my first sale, at a very grand dinner in the Great Room in King Street, London, no fewer than three imperiales, one magnificent, the others as I shall describe. The best had a good level and a deeply coloured, velvety-ended cork. Bouquet with the fragrance that only Lafite can exude. Lovely flavour, lean, good length. A jolly good drink. I don't know where the other 'imps'came from but one had a rough sort of cork and old weevil traces. Somewhat oxidised but seemed to gain its second breath. We drank it last. The third imperials was a disaster. Upon removing the capsule, the slightly depressed cork was seething with live weevils, yet afterremoving the crumbly cork, it was surprislyg, better than No. 2! Most recently, a classic jeroboam, harmonious, refreshing but with fading fruit, at a tasting I conducted for Vinum magazine in Zurich. It has passed the finishing post |
|
|
1970 |
Pauillac (1.5 L) |
$1,200 |
1 |
|
| |
MB [****] (12/2000): The 1970 Lafite was anything but a slow developer, its nose and taste opening up through the 1970s. By 1979 it was showing its paces at Dr. Marvin Overton's grand Lafite tasting. My notes were as follows: (appearance) medium deep, rich, attractive, still undeveloped; (nose) intense, veery fruity, exhibiting more of a Cabernet Sauvignon aroma (than its flanking vintages), evolving richly, biscuity; medium dry, fairly full-bodied, with 'ripeness and roundness'. Wonderful development through the 1980s. In 1981 'really with the richness of a '34 or a '20'. Opulent bouquet. A soft velvety texture. 'Absolutely delicious', 'perfect now'. And so it went on. Not a blockbuster, but flavoury, savoury, cedary. All 5-start. By the mid-1980s, surprising drinkable, its great length, what the French call persistence, so admirable, also its aftertaste. I think that it was at its best around that time. Half a dozen notes during the last decade. In 1996, a tasting event, fabulous even by Rodenstock's own standards, we tasted - blind- a whole 'flight' of great wines in magnums. It might seem a bit over the top but I preferred the 1970 from Glamis Castle to the 1970. The latter had a touch of sourness on the palate. Still tannic. Very distinctive. Later that autumn a very good bottle at the annual Wine Committee dinner at the Athenaeum (club not hotel) From a low-keyed start its bouquet opened up beuatifully, as only Lafite can. Rich, but quite a bit of acidity. The following year, a most disappointing dried out jeroboam at a Bacchus Society Installation Dinner in Coral Gables; but this must have been bad cellaring, sometime in the past. Most recently, medium pale, fully mature, slightly orange-tinged; very mature, cheesy, with a medicinal Pauillac bouquet; surprisingly sweet, attractive, with very noticeable tannin and acidity. It needed food. It is very much in decline.
WS 89 (5/1993): Pale garnet; cedary nose, with vanilla nuances; very concentrated; shows elegant, stylish cassis and tea flavors, but lacks the density and vigor of Mouton and Latour; also not up to the Imperial bottle tasted earlier.
WA 85 (6/1996): A moderately good showing for this wine, Lafite's 1970 has consistently left me disappointed. The wine is beginning to reveal some of the classic Lafite nose of cedar, lead pencil, dried red and black fruits, and spice. The wine's bouquet would merit an Outstanding rating if it were slightly more intense. On the palate, the annoyingly high acidity continues to be problematic, largely because the wine does not possess the flesh, fat, and extract to cover its angular structure. I have had some sour, acidic bottles of the 1970 Lafite, but this offering had better balance than previous examples. This is a wine that has far greater value on the auction block than on the dinner table. |
|
|
1970 |
Pauillac High-Shoulder Fill; Bin-Soiled Label; Lightly Scuffed Label |
$450 |
1 |
|
| |
MB [****] (12/2000): The 1970 Lafite was anything but a slow developer, its nose and taste opening up through the 1970s. By 1979 it was showing its paces at Dr. Marvin Overton's grand Lafite tasting. My notes were as follows: (appearance) medium deep, rich, attractive, still undeveloped; (nose) intense, veery fruity, exhibiting more of a Cabernet Sauvignon aroma (than its flanking vintages), evolving richly, biscuity; medium dry, fairly full-bodied, with 'ripeness and roundness'. Wonderful development through the 1980s. In 1981 'really with the richness of a '34 or a '20'. Opulent bouquet. A soft velvety texture. 'Absolutely delicious', 'perfect now'. And so it went on. Not a blockbuster, but flavoury, savoury, cedary. All 5-start. By the mid-1980s, surprising drinkable, its great length, what the French call persistence, so admirable, also its aftertaste. I think that it was at its best around that time. Half a dozen notes during the last decade. In 1996, a tasting event, fabulous even by Rodenstock's own standards, we tasted - blind- a whole 'flight' of great wines in magnums. It might seem a bit over the top but I preferred the 1970 from Glamis Castle to the 1970. The latter had a touch of sourness on the palate. Still tannic. Very distinctive. Later that autumn a very good bottle at the annual Wine Committee dinner at the Athenaeum (club not hotel) From a low-keyed start its bouquet opened up beuatifully, as only Lafite can. Rich, but quite a bit of acidity. The following year, a most disappointing dried out jeroboam at a Bacchus Society Installation Dinner in Coral Gables; but this must have been bad cellaring, sometime in the past. Most recently, medium pale, fully mature, slightly orange-tinged; very mature, cheesy, with a medicinal Pauillac bouquet; surprisingly sweet, attractive, with very noticeable tannin and acidity. It needed food. It is very much in decline.
WS 89 (5/1993): Pale garnet; cedary nose, with vanilla nuances; very concentrated; shows elegant, stylish cassis and tea flavors, but lacks the density and vigor of Mouton and Latour; also not up to the Imperial bottle tasted earlier.
WA 85 (6/1996): A moderately good showing for this wine, Lafite's 1970 has consistently left me disappointed. The wine is beginning to reveal some of the classic Lafite nose of cedar, lead pencil, dried red and black fruits, and spice. The wine's bouquet would merit an Outstanding rating if it were slightly more intense. On the palate, the annoyingly high acidity continues to be problematic, largely because the wine does not possess the flesh, fat, and extract to cover its angular structure. I have had some sour, acidic bottles of the 1970 Lafite, but this offering had better balance than previous examples. This is a wine that has far greater value on the auction block than on the dinner table. |
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1970 |
Pauillac |
$450 |
1 |
|
| |
MB [****] (12/2000): The 1970 Lafite was anything but a slow developer, its nose and taste opening up through the 1970s. By 1979 it was showing its paces at Dr. Marvin Overton's grand Lafite tasting. My notes were as follows: (appearance) medium deep, rich, attractive, still undeveloped; (nose) intense, veery fruity, exhibiting more of a Cabernet Sauvignon aroma (than its flanking vintages), evolving richly, biscuity; medium dry, fairly full-bodied, with 'ripeness and roundness'. Wonderful development through the 1980s. In 1981 'really with the richness of a '34 or a '20'. Opulent bouquet. A soft velvety texture. 'Absolutely delicious', 'perfect now'. And so it went on. Not a blockbuster, but flavoury, savoury, cedary. All 5-start. By the mid-1980s, surprising drinkable, its great length, what the French call persistence, so admirable, also its aftertaste. I think that it was at its best around that time. Half a dozen notes during the last decade. In 1996, a tasting event, fabulous even by Rodenstock's own standards, we tasted - blind- a whole 'flight' of great wines in magnums. It might seem a bit over the top but I preferred the 1970 from Glamis Castle to the 1970. The latter had a touch of sourness on the palate. Still tannic. Very distinctive. Later that autumn a very good bottle at the annual Wine Committee dinner at the Athenaeum (club not hotel) From a low-keyed start its bouquet opened up beuatifully, as only Lafite can. Rich, but quite a bit of acidity. The following year, a most disappointing dried out jeroboam at a Bacchus Society Installation Dinner in Coral Gables; but this must have been bad cellaring, sometime in the past. Most recently, medium pale, fully mature, slightly orange-tinged; very mature, cheesy, with a medicinal Pauillac bouquet; surprisingly sweet, attractive, with very noticeable tannin and acidity. It needed food. It is very much in decline.
WS 89 (5/1993): Pale garnet; cedary nose, with vanilla nuances; very concentrated; shows elegant, stylish cassis and tea flavors, but lacks the density and vigor of Mouton and Latour; also not up to the Imperial bottle tasted earlier.
WA 85 (6/1996): A moderately good showing for this wine, Lafite's 1970 has consistently left me disappointed. The wine is beginning to reveal some of the classic Lafite nose of cedar, lead pencil, dried red and black fruits, and spice. The wine's bouquet would merit an Outstanding rating if it were slightly more intense. On the palate, the annoyingly high acidity continues to be problematic, largely because the wine does not possess the flesh, fat, and extract to cover its angular structure. I have had some sour, acidic bottles of the 1970 Lafite, but this offering had better balance than previous examples. This is a wine that has far greater value on the auction block than on the dinner table. |
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1970 |
Pauillac |
$450 |
1 |
|
| |
MB [****] (12/2000): The 1970 Lafite was anything but a slow developer, its nose and taste opening up through the 1970s. By 1979 it was showing its paces at Dr. Marvin Overton's grand Lafite tasting. My notes were as follows: (appearance) medium deep, rich, attractive, still undeveloped; (nose) intense, veery fruity, exhibiting more of a Cabernet Sauvignon aroma (than its flanking vintages), evolving richly, biscuity; medium dry, fairly full-bodied, with 'ripeness and roundness'. Wonderful development through the 1980s. In 1981 'really with the richness of a '34 or a '20'. Opulent bouquet. A soft velvety texture. 'Absolutely delicious', 'perfect now'. And so it went on. Not a blockbuster, but flavoury, savoury, cedary. All 5-start. By the mid-1980s, surprising drinkable, its great length, what the French call persistence, so admirable, also its aftertaste. I think that it was at its best around that time. Half a dozen notes during the last decade. In 1996, a tasting event, fabulous even by Rodenstock's own standards, we tasted - blind- a whole 'flight' of great wines in magnums. It might seem a bit over the top but I preferred the 1970 from Glamis Castle to the 1970. The latter had a touch of sourness on the palate. Still tannic. Very distinctive. Later that autumn a very good bottle at the annual Wine Committee dinner at the Athenaeum (club not hotel) From a low-keyed start its bouquet opened up beuatifully, as only Lafite can. Rich, but quite a bit of acidity. The following year, a most disappointing dried out jeroboam at a Bacchus Society Installation Dinner in Coral Gables; but this must have been bad cellaring, sometime in the past. Most recently, medium pale, fully mature, slightly orange-tinged; very mature, cheesy, with a medicinal Pauillac bouquet; surprisingly sweet, attractive, with very noticeable tannin and acidity. It needed food. It is very much in decline.
WS 89 (5/1993): Pale garnet; cedary nose, with vanilla nuances; very concentrated; shows elegant, stylish cassis and tea flavors, but lacks the density and vigor of Mouton and Latour; also not up to the Imperial bottle tasted earlier.
WA 85 (6/1996): A moderately good showing for this wine, Lafite's 1970 has consistently left me disappointed. The wine is beginning to reveal some of the classic Lafite nose of cedar, lead pencil, dried red and black fruits, and spice. The wine's bouquet would merit an Outstanding rating if it were slightly more intense. On the palate, the annoyingly high acidity continues to be problematic, largely because the wine does not possess the flesh, fat, and extract to cover its angular structure. I have had some sour, acidic bottles of the 1970 Lafite, but this offering had better balance than previous examples. This is a wine that has far greater value on the auction block than on the dinner table. |
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1970 |
Pauillac |
$450 |
1 |
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| |
MB [****] (12/2000): The 1970 Lafite was anything but a slow developer, its nose and taste opening up through the 1970s. By 1979 it was showing its paces at Dr. Marvin Overton's grand Lafite tasting. My notes were as follows: (appearance) medium deep, rich, attractive, still undeveloped; (nose) intense, veery fruity, exhibiting more of a Cabernet Sauvignon aroma (than its flanking vintages), evolving richly, biscuity; medium dry, fairly full-bodied, with 'ripeness and roundness'. Wonderful development through the 1980s. In 1981 'really with the richness of a '34 or a '20'. Opulent bouquet. A soft velvety texture. 'Absolutely delicious', 'perfect now'. And so it went on. Not a blockbuster, but flavoury, savoury, cedary. All 5-start. By the mid-1980s, surprising drinkable, its great length, what the French call persistence, so admirable, also its aftertaste. I think that it was at its best around that time. Half a dozen notes during the last decade. In 1996, a tasting event, fabulous even by Rodenstock's own standards, we tasted - blind- a whole 'flight' of great wines in magnums. It might seem a bit over the top but I preferred the 1970 from Glamis Castle to the 1970. The latter had a touch of sourness on the palate. Still tannic. Very distinctive. Later that autumn a very good bottle at the annual Wine Committee dinner at the Athenaeum (club not hotel) From a low-keyed start its bouquet opened up beuatifully, as only Lafite can. Rich, but quite a bit of acidity. The following year, a most disappointing dried out jeroboam at a Bacchus Society Installation Dinner in Coral Gables; but this must have been bad cellaring, sometime in the past. Most recently, medium pale, fully mature, slightly orange-tinged; very mature, cheesy, with a medicinal Pauillac bouquet; surprisingly sweet, attractive, with very noticeable tannin and acidity. It needed food. It is very much in decline.
WS 89 (5/1993): Pale garnet; cedary nose, with vanilla nuances; very concentrated; shows elegant, stylish cassis and tea flavors, but lacks the density and vigor of Mouton and Latour; also not up to the Imperial bottle tasted earlier.
WA 85 (6/1996): A moderately good showing for this wine, Lafite's 1970 has consistently left me disappointed. The wine is beginning to reveal some of the classic Lafite nose of cedar, lead pencil, dried red and black fruits, and spice. The wine's bouquet would merit an Outstanding rating if it were slightly more intense. On the palate, the annoyingly high acidity continues to be problematic, largely because the wine does not possess the flesh, fat, and extract to cover its angular structure. I have had some sour, acidic bottles of the 1970 Lafite, but this offering had better balance than previous examples. This is a wine that has far greater value on the auction block than on the dinner table. |
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1977 |
Pauillac (6x1.5L) |
$6,600 |
2 |
|
| |
WS 87 (11/1991): Full of lively cranberry, raspberry and herb flavors, with smoky accents and very firm acidity. Very good wine from an unheralded vintage. Drink now through 2000.--Lafite Rothschild vertical.
MB [*] (9/1989): Could be a dashed sight worse. An effort at fragrance and flavour but dry, lean and tart. Not worth pursuing even out of curiosity. |
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1982 |
Pauillac |
$2,300 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 97+ (6/2009): This is a denser version of the 1990 that stylistically reminds me of what the young 1959 probably tasted like. Still backward with a deep ruby/plum color revealing only a touch of lightening at the edge, the wine offers up an extraordinary nose of caramelized herbs, smoke, cedar, pen ink, black currants, and earth. The gorgeous aromatics are followed by a full-bodied, plump, rich, fleshy wine with low acidity. With 6-8 hours decanting in a closed decanter, it will offer beautiful drinking, but it needs another 5-8 years to reach full maturity. It is capable of lasting 50-60 years. This classic Lafite is not as fat and concentrated as the 1982 Latour, nor as complex or concentrated as the 1982 Mouton Rothschild, but it is a winner all the same.
NM 97 (7/2018): The 1982 Lafite-Rothschild can be a variable performer. There was a period when it was dwarfed by Latour. However, two recent bottles demonstrate a wine that perhaps has just taken 30+ years to reach its zenith. The bouquet is very intense with blackberry, cedar, graphite and hints of morels, gathering momentum in the glass, perhaps with just a touch more VA than its peers. The palate is medium-bodied and very fresh, lively and tensile with a fine thread of acidity. There is more cohesion and finesse than bottles encountered a decade ago, and a delicate but firm structure that frames the pure blackberry and cedar notes on the sustained finish. Wonderful. Tasted at the Lafite-Rothschild dinner at Amuse Bouche in Hong Kong and then blind at the Lafite-Rothschild 150th anniversary dinner at the property. Neal Martin.
JS 96 (11/2010): I am impressed with the loads of ripe fruit with almost dried raspberries and blackberries and a minty undertone on the nose. It's full bodied, with bay leaf, berries that turn to mineral undertones. It's full-bodied, with round tannins and a lingering finish of chocolate, cedar and other woods. I would leave it another three to four years to soften and open just a tiny bit; otherwise, decant three hours in advance.
VM 95+ (8/2002): Good full, deep red. Slightly high-toned, highly nuanced nose of currant, roasted meat, cedar, marzipan, smoke and tobacco. Supple on entry, then firmed by sound acids. Still quite unevolved but seems distinctly less deep than the bottle of '59 I tasted alongside it. A rather muscular style of Lafite, finishing with big, tongue-dusting tannins. Drink 2005 through 2030. 93+. My second bottle showed a darker red-ruby color; higher-pitched aromas of redcurrant, cedar, orange peel and coconut; a bright, very tight palate impression, with strong acidity contributing to the impression of steely spine; and a very subtle and very long, firmly tannic finish. This bottle seemed even less evolved than the first sample. Stephen Tanzer. |
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1982 |
Pauillac Corroded Capsule |
$2,400 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 97+ (6/2009): This is a denser version of the 1990 that stylistically reminds me of what the young 1959 probably tasted like. Still backward with a deep ruby/plum color revealing only a touch of lightening at the edge, the wine offers up an extraordinary nose of caramelized herbs, smoke, cedar, pen ink, black currants, and earth. The gorgeous aromatics are followed by a full-bodied, plump, rich, fleshy wine with low acidity. With 6-8 hours decanting in a closed decanter, it will offer beautiful drinking, but it needs another 5-8 years to reach full maturity. It is capable of lasting 50-60 years. This classic Lafite is not as fat and concentrated as the 1982 Latour, nor as complex or concentrated as the 1982 Mouton Rothschild, but it is a winner all the same.
NM 97 (7/2018): The 1982 Lafite-Rothschild can be a variable performer. There was a period when it was dwarfed by Latour. However, two recent bottles demonstrate a wine that perhaps has just taken 30+ years to reach its zenith. The bouquet is very intense with blackberry, cedar, graphite and hints of morels, gathering momentum in the glass, perhaps with just a touch more VA than its peers. The palate is medium-bodied and very fresh, lively and tensile with a fine thread of acidity. There is more cohesion and finesse than bottles encountered a decade ago, and a delicate but firm structure that frames the pure blackberry and cedar notes on the sustained finish. Wonderful. Tasted at the Lafite-Rothschild dinner at Amuse Bouche in Hong Kong and then blind at the Lafite-Rothschild 150th anniversary dinner at the property. Neal Martin.
JS 96 (11/2010): I am impressed with the loads of ripe fruit with almost dried raspberries and blackberries and a minty undertone on the nose. It's full bodied, with bay leaf, berries that turn to mineral undertones. It's full-bodied, with round tannins and a lingering finish of chocolate, cedar and other woods. I would leave it another three to four years to soften and open just a tiny bit; otherwise, decant three hours in advance.
VM 95+ (8/2002): Good full, deep red. Slightly high-toned, highly nuanced nose of currant, roasted meat, cedar, marzipan, smoke and tobacco. Supple on entry, then firmed by sound acids. Still quite unevolved but seems distinctly less deep than the bottle of '59 I tasted alongside it. A rather muscular style of Lafite, finishing with big, tongue-dusting tannins. Drink 2005 through 2030. 93+. My second bottle showed a darker red-ruby color; higher-pitched aromas of redcurrant, cedar, orange peel and coconut; a bright, very tight palate impression, with strong acidity contributing to the impression of steely spine; and a very subtle and very long, firmly tannic finish. This bottle seemed even less evolved than the first sample. Stephen Tanzer. |
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1982 |
Pauillac |
$2,400 |
1 |
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| |
WA 97+ (6/2009): This is a denser version of the 1990 that stylistically reminds me of what the young 1959 probably tasted like. Still backward with a deep ruby/plum color revealing only a touch of lightening at the edge, the wine offers up an extraordinary nose of caramelized herbs, smoke, cedar, pen ink, black currants, and earth. The gorgeous aromatics are followed by a full-bodied, plump, rich, fleshy wine with low acidity. With 6-8 hours decanting in a closed decanter, it will offer beautiful drinking, but it needs another 5-8 years to reach full maturity. It is capable of lasting 50-60 years. This classic Lafite is not as fat and concentrated as the 1982 Latour, nor as complex or concentrated as the 1982 Mouton Rothschild, but it is a winner all the same.
NM 97 (7/2018): The 1982 Lafite-Rothschild can be a variable performer. There was a period when it was dwarfed by Latour. However, two recent bottles demonstrate a wine that perhaps has just taken 30+ years to reach its zenith. The bouquet is very intense with blackberry, cedar, graphite and hints of morels, gathering momentum in the glass, perhaps with just a touch more VA than its peers. The palate is medium-bodied and very fresh, lively and tensile with a fine thread of acidity. There is more cohesion and finesse than bottles encountered a decade ago, and a delicate but firm structure that frames the pure blackberry and cedar notes on the sustained finish. Wonderful. Tasted at the Lafite-Rothschild dinner at Amuse Bouche in Hong Kong and then blind at the Lafite-Rothschild 150th anniversary dinner at the property. Neal Martin.
JS 96 (11/2010): I am impressed with the loads of ripe fruit with almost dried raspberries and blackberries and a minty undertone on the nose. It's full bodied, with bay leaf, berries that turn to mineral undertones. It's full-bodied, with round tannins and a lingering finish of chocolate, cedar and other woods. I would leave it another three to four years to soften and open just a tiny bit; otherwise, decant three hours in advance.
VM 95+ (8/2002): Good full, deep red. Slightly high-toned, highly nuanced nose of currant, roasted meat, cedar, marzipan, smoke and tobacco. Supple on entry, then firmed by sound acids. Still quite unevolved but seems distinctly less deep than the bottle of '59 I tasted alongside it. A rather muscular style of Lafite, finishing with big, tongue-dusting tannins. Drink 2005 through 2030. 93+. My second bottle showed a darker red-ruby color; higher-pitched aromas of redcurrant, cedar, orange peel and coconut; a bright, very tight palate impression, with strong acidity contributing to the impression of steely spine; and a very subtle and very long, firmly tannic finish. This bottle seemed even less evolved than the first sample. Stephen Tanzer. |
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1988 |
Pauillac (1.5 L) ex-Negociant |
$2,499 |
3 |
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| |
WA 94 (10/1994): Broodingly backward and in need of considerable bottle age, the 1988 is a classic expression of Lafite. This deeply-colored wine exhibits the tell-tale Lafite bouquet of cedar, subtle herbs, dried pit fruits, minerals, and cassis. Extremely concentrated, with brilliantly focused flavors and huge tannins, this backward, yet impressively endowed Lafite-Rothschild may well turn out to be the wine of the vintage! Anticipated maturity: 2000-2035.
WS 94 (12/2008): Beautiful and subtle on the nose, with mineral, berry, licorice and dark chocolate. Full-bodied, with supersilky tannins and a pretty balance of fruit and mint. Long and caressing. Real claret here. Everyone talks about 1989, but this is very close in quality. '88/'98 Bordeaux blind retrospective (2008). Drink now.
MB [**[**]] (6/2000): It is not only unpleasant but self-defeating to taste young wine from the cask in cold glasses in a cold cellar; and with relatively tough wines like the '88s, even more difficult. My more useful notes therefore stem from the mid-1990s, the first detailed note being made at a tasting I organised and conducted in March 1995 at the millionaires' retreat in the Bahamas, Lyford Cay. The Lafite, in magnums, crsip, blackcurrant aroma. On the palate surprisingly agreeable (for a tough vintage), and less severly tannic than expected. Fleshy but unready of course. Next an austere bottle in 1997, then, at Penning-Rowsell's '10-year' tasting of first gorwths, fairly deep; a fragrant, mild tea, well-developed nose; sweet, 'rather strange flavour.' and soft tannins. Most recently, at a Bordeaux Club dinner (decanted at 5.45pm, severed around 8.30pm): very deep, opaque core; attractive, very vanillin nose; surprisingly sweet, lean, with good flavour and masked tannin. At it's best, say, 2010-2025.
NM 88 (2/2012): Tasted at the IMW Lafite seminar in London. It is several years since I last tasted the 1988 and at 23-years of age it has a very classic, autumnal, leafy, dusty bouquet with dried herbs dominating the aromatics. It is well defined with fine lift and offering a subtle note of orange blossom and mint with continued aeration. The palate is well balanced with dusty black fruit; a tertiary Lafite-Rothschild that is fully mature with a dry, rather masculine finish that is persistent but missing some joie-de-vivre. The 1988 appears to be in decline, perhaps with the exception of larger formats. |
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1988 |
Pauillac Base Neck Fill |
$799 |
2 |
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| |
WA 94 (10/1994): Broodingly backward and in need of considerable bottle age, the 1988 is a classic expression of Lafite. This deeply-colored wine exhibits the tell-tale Lafite bouquet of cedar, subtle herbs, dried pit fruits, minerals, and cassis. Extremely concentrated, with brilliantly focused flavors and huge tannins, this backward, yet impressively endowed Lafite-Rothschild may well turn out to be the wine of the vintage! Anticipated maturity: 2000-2035.
WS 94 (12/2008): Beautiful and subtle on the nose, with mineral, berry, licorice and dark chocolate. Full-bodied, with supersilky tannins and a pretty balance of fruit and mint. Long and caressing. Real claret here. Everyone talks about 1989, but this is very close in quality. '88/'98 Bordeaux blind retrospective (2008). Drink now.
MB [**[**]] (6/2000): It is not only unpleasant but self-defeating to taste young wine from the cask in cold glasses in a cold cellar; and with relatively tough wines like the '88s, even more difficult. My more useful notes therefore stem from the mid-1990s, the first detailed note being made at a tasting I organised and conducted in March 1995 at the millionaires' retreat in the Bahamas, Lyford Cay. The Lafite, in magnums, crsip, blackcurrant aroma. On the palate surprisingly agreeable (for a tough vintage), and less severly tannic than expected. Fleshy but unready of course. Next an austere bottle in 1997, then, at Penning-Rowsell's '10-year' tasting of first gorwths, fairly deep; a fragrant, mild tea, well-developed nose; sweet, 'rather strange flavour.' and soft tannins. Most recently, at a Bordeaux Club dinner (decanted at 5.45pm, severed around 8.30pm): very deep, opaque core; attractive, very vanillin nose; surprisingly sweet, lean, with good flavour and masked tannin. At it's best, say, 2010-2025.
NM 88 (2/2012): Tasted at the IMW Lafite seminar in London. It is several years since I last tasted the 1988 and at 23-years of age it has a very classic, autumnal, leafy, dusty bouquet with dried herbs dominating the aromatics. It is well defined with fine lift and offering a subtle note of orange blossom and mint with continued aeration. The palate is well balanced with dusty black fruit; a tertiary Lafite-Rothschild that is fully mature with a dry, rather masculine finish that is persistent but missing some joie-de-vivre. The 1988 appears to be in decline, perhaps with the exception of larger formats. |
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1995 |
Pauillac Very Lightly Scuffed Label |
$749 |
1 |
|
| |
JS 98 (6/2016): I pulled this lone bottle out of my cellar at the last minute to remind some Italian vintners of the great quality of the 1995 Bordeaux vintage. They seem to be finally opening up! What a red with incredible depth and finesse. Cedar, cigar box and toabaaco character with currants and fresh tobacco undertones. It's full-bodied yet tight and dense. Precision. So refined and intense. Such freshness and beauty. Drink or hold.
WS 96 (7/2007): Intense aromas of blackberries, black licorice and currants, with mineral undertones. Full-bodied, with a solid core of tannins and a long, silky finish. Still holding back, but is concentrated and powerful. The 1996 is always talked about, but I think this is superior and will be in the future.--'95/'96 Bordeaux retrospective. Best after 2010. 20,000 cases made.
WA 95 (2/1998): The 1995 Lafite-Rothschild (only one-third of the harvest made it into the final blend) is a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, and 8% Cabernet Franc. The wine was showing spectacularly well when I tasted it in November, 1997. It exhibits a dark ruby purple color, and a sweet, powdered mineral, smoky, weedy cassis-scented nose. Beautiful sweetness of fruit is present in this medium-bodied, tightly-knit, but gloriously pure, well-delineated Lafite. The 1995 is not as powerful or as massive as the 1996, but it is beautifully made with Outstanding credentials, in addition to remarkable promise. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2028.
VM 93+ (6/1998): Dark ruby-red. Sappy, expressive aromas of cherry, plum, minerals, woodsmoke and game, plus an exotic suggestion of baked apple. Rather subtle on the attack, then quickly expands to fill the mouth. A big, deep, very rich vintage for Lafite, unusually generous at this early stage and extremely long on the aftertaste. But went into a shell with aeration, and showed a hint of tobacco leaf vegetility. Finishing notes of coconut, woodsmoke and tobacco add flavor interest. Stephen Tanzer.
NM 93-95 (1/2000): Tasted several times: still closed when tasted blind in 2001, feminine in 2003 when it was just lacking that degree of complexity for a truly great Lafite. Then at the CECWINE vertical in September 2004. A moderate ruby hue. Very fresh, floral nose. Quite minerally, becoming dominated by cassis with aeration with a touch of mocha. The palate is feminine, elegant with a citrus freshness and good acidity. Medium-bodied. Light-weight for a First Growth and lacking persistency and length on the finish. A featherweight Lafite. Finally at the Lafite vertical in December 2005. A very deep garnet core. The nose is still very masculine: pencil lead, blackberry, black cherry and a touch of smoke. Much more typicity than the 2000. The palate has good structure, excellent acidity. Very minerally, liquorice and burnt toast. Very fine definition and good weight. Superb balance and poise. This is an archetypal Lafite this is just getting into its stride. Fresh, crisp finish with a touch of green pepper from the Cabernet Franc. |
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1995 |
Pauillac Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$749 |
1 |
|
| |
JS 98 (6/2016): I pulled this lone bottle out of my cellar at the last minute to remind some Italian vintners of the great quality of the 1995 Bordeaux vintage. They seem to be finally opening up! What a red with incredible depth and finesse. Cedar, cigar box and toabaaco character with currants and fresh tobacco undertones. It's full-bodied yet tight and dense. Precision. So refined and intense. Such freshness and beauty. Drink or hold.
WS 96 (7/2007): Intense aromas of blackberries, black licorice and currants, with mineral undertones. Full-bodied, with a solid core of tannins and a long, silky finish. Still holding back, but is concentrated and powerful. The 1996 is always talked about, but I think this is superior and will be in the future.--'95/'96 Bordeaux retrospective. Best after 2010. 20,000 cases made.
WA 95 (2/1998): The 1995 Lafite-Rothschild (only one-third of the harvest made it into the final blend) is a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, and 8% Cabernet Franc. The wine was showing spectacularly well when I tasted it in November, 1997. It exhibits a dark ruby purple color, and a sweet, powdered mineral, smoky, weedy cassis-scented nose. Beautiful sweetness of fruit is present in this medium-bodied, tightly-knit, but gloriously pure, well-delineated Lafite. The 1995 is not as powerful or as massive as the 1996, but it is beautifully made with Outstanding credentials, in addition to remarkable promise. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2028.
VM 93+ (6/1998): Dark ruby-red. Sappy, expressive aromas of cherry, plum, minerals, woodsmoke and game, plus an exotic suggestion of baked apple. Rather subtle on the attack, then quickly expands to fill the mouth. A big, deep, very rich vintage for Lafite, unusually generous at this early stage and extremely long on the aftertaste. But went into a shell with aeration, and showed a hint of tobacco leaf vegetility. Finishing notes of coconut, woodsmoke and tobacco add flavor interest. Stephen Tanzer.
NM 93-95 (1/2000): Tasted several times: still closed when tasted blind in 2001, feminine in 2003 when it was just lacking that degree of complexity for a truly great Lafite. Then at the CECWINE vertical in September 2004. A moderate ruby hue. Very fresh, floral nose. Quite minerally, becoming dominated by cassis with aeration with a touch of mocha. The palate is feminine, elegant with a citrus freshness and good acidity. Medium-bodied. Light-weight for a First Growth and lacking persistency and length on the finish. A featherweight Lafite. Finally at the Lafite vertical in December 2005. A very deep garnet core. The nose is still very masculine: pencil lead, blackberry, black cherry and a touch of smoke. Much more typicity than the 2000. The palate has good structure, excellent acidity. Very minerally, liquorice and burnt toast. Very fine definition and good weight. Superb balance and poise. This is an archetypal Lafite this is just getting into its stride. Fresh, crisp finish with a touch of green pepper from the Cabernet Franc. |
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1995 |
Pauillac |
$749 |
1 |
|
| |
JS 98 (6/2016): I pulled this lone bottle out of my cellar at the last minute to remind some Italian vintners of the great quality of the 1995 Bordeaux vintage. They seem to be finally opening up! What a red with incredible depth and finesse. Cedar, cigar box and toabaaco character with currants and fresh tobacco undertones. It's full-bodied yet tight and dense. Precision. So refined and intense. Such freshness and beauty. Drink or hold.
WS 96 (7/2007): Intense aromas of blackberries, black licorice and currants, with mineral undertones. Full-bodied, with a solid core of tannins and a long, silky finish. Still holding back, but is concentrated and powerful. The 1996 is always talked about, but I think this is superior and will be in the future.--'95/'96 Bordeaux retrospective. Best after 2010. 20,000 cases made.
WA 95 (2/1998): The 1995 Lafite-Rothschild (only one-third of the harvest made it into the final blend) is a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, and 8% Cabernet Franc. The wine was showing spectacularly well when I tasted it in November, 1997. It exhibits a dark ruby purple color, and a sweet, powdered mineral, smoky, weedy cassis-scented nose. Beautiful sweetness of fruit is present in this medium-bodied, tightly-knit, but gloriously pure, well-delineated Lafite. The 1995 is not as powerful or as massive as the 1996, but it is beautifully made with Outstanding credentials, in addition to remarkable promise. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2028.
VM 93+ (6/1998): Dark ruby-red. Sappy, expressive aromas of cherry, plum, minerals, woodsmoke and game, plus an exotic suggestion of baked apple. Rather subtle on the attack, then quickly expands to fill the mouth. A big, deep, very rich vintage for Lafite, unusually generous at this early stage and extremely long on the aftertaste. But went into a shell with aeration, and showed a hint of tobacco leaf vegetility. Finishing notes of coconut, woodsmoke and tobacco add flavor interest. Stephen Tanzer.
NM 93-95 (1/2000): Tasted several times: still closed when tasted blind in 2001, feminine in 2003 when it was just lacking that degree of complexity for a truly great Lafite. Then at the CECWINE vertical in September 2004. A moderate ruby hue. Very fresh, floral nose. Quite minerally, becoming dominated by cassis with aeration with a touch of mocha. The palate is feminine, elegant with a citrus freshness and good acidity. Medium-bodied. Light-weight for a First Growth and lacking persistency and length on the finish. A featherweight Lafite. Finally at the Lafite vertical in December 2005. A very deep garnet core. The nose is still very masculine: pencil lead, blackberry, black cherry and a touch of smoke. Much more typicity than the 2000. The palate has good structure, excellent acidity. Very minerally, liquorice and burnt toast. Very fine definition and good weight. Superb balance and poise. This is an archetypal Lafite this is just getting into its stride. Fresh, crisp finish with a touch of green pepper from the Cabernet Franc. |
|
|
2002 |
Pauillac |
$695 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 94 (4/2005): A brilliant offering and a candidate for wine of the vintage, this is classic Lafite that reminded me somewhat of the 1976, although the vintage conditions were completely different. This is a medium-weight, quintessentially elegant style of Lafite with notes of lead pencil shavings/graphite along with black currants, plums, and crushed rocks/mineral. Wonderfully pure, dense, with a deep ruby/purple color and loads of fruit, definition, and a long finish, this is a brilliant, elegant Lafite Rothschild that builds incrementally in the mouth and has more power and density than it initially seems. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2025.
WS 95 (3/2005): Bubbling over with crushed berries, currants and spices, with tobacco notes. Beautiful. Full-bodied, with gorgeously velvety tannins and a long finish of pretty fruit. This is a racy yet elegant Lafite. Classy. Best after 2010. 16,000 cases made.
VM 92+ (5/2005): Bright, dark ruby-red. Subdued but pure aromas of currant, plum, minerals, graphite, and sexy, coconutty oak; showed a floral note with aeration. Extremely suave, fine-grained and concentrated, with a strong spine of acidity. Finishes firmly tannic, subtle and very long. This should develop slowly. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2002 |
Pauillac |
$650 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 94 (4/2005): A brilliant offering and a candidate for wine of the vintage, this is classic Lafite that reminded me somewhat of the 1976, although the vintage conditions were completely different. This is a medium-weight, quintessentially elegant style of Lafite with notes of lead pencil shavings/graphite along with black currants, plums, and crushed rocks/mineral. Wonderfully pure, dense, with a deep ruby/purple color and loads of fruit, definition, and a long finish, this is a brilliant, elegant Lafite Rothschild that builds incrementally in the mouth and has more power and density than it initially seems. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2025.
WS 95 (3/2005): Bubbling over with crushed berries, currants and spices, with tobacco notes. Beautiful. Full-bodied, with gorgeously velvety tannins and a long finish of pretty fruit. This is a racy yet elegant Lafite. Classy. Best after 2010. 16,000 cases made.
VM 92+ (5/2005): Bright, dark ruby-red. Subdued but pure aromas of currant, plum, minerals, graphite, and sexy, coconutty oak; showed a floral note with aeration. Extremely suave, fine-grained and concentrated, with a strong spine of acidity. Finishes firmly tannic, subtle and very long. This should develop slowly. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2002 |
Pauillac |
$650 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 94 (4/2005): A brilliant offering and a candidate for wine of the vintage, this is classic Lafite that reminded me somewhat of the 1976, although the vintage conditions were completely different. This is a medium-weight, quintessentially elegant style of Lafite with notes of lead pencil shavings/graphite along with black currants, plums, and crushed rocks/mineral. Wonderfully pure, dense, with a deep ruby/purple color and loads of fruit, definition, and a long finish, this is a brilliant, elegant Lafite Rothschild that builds incrementally in the mouth and has more power and density than it initially seems. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2025.
WS 95 (3/2005): Bubbling over with crushed berries, currants and spices, with tobacco notes. Beautiful. Full-bodied, with gorgeously velvety tannins and a long finish of pretty fruit. This is a racy yet elegant Lafite. Classy. Best after 2010. 16,000 cases made.
VM 92+ (5/2005): Bright, dark ruby-red. Subdued but pure aromas of currant, plum, minerals, graphite, and sexy, coconutty oak; showed a floral note with aeration. Extremely suave, fine-grained and concentrated, with a strong spine of acidity. Finishes firmly tannic, subtle and very long. This should develop slowly. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2002 |
Pauillac |
$650 |
5 |
|
| |
WA 94 (4/2005): A brilliant offering and a candidate for wine of the vintage, this is classic Lafite that reminded me somewhat of the 1976, although the vintage conditions were completely different. This is a medium-weight, quintessentially elegant style of Lafite with notes of lead pencil shavings/graphite along with black currants, plums, and crushed rocks/mineral. Wonderfully pure, dense, with a deep ruby/purple color and loads of fruit, definition, and a long finish, this is a brilliant, elegant Lafite Rothschild that builds incrementally in the mouth and has more power and density than it initially seems. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2025.
WS 95 (3/2005): Bubbling over with crushed berries, currants and spices, with tobacco notes. Beautiful. Full-bodied, with gorgeously velvety tannins and a long finish of pretty fruit. This is a racy yet elegant Lafite. Classy. Best after 2010. 16,000 cases made.
VM 92+ (5/2005): Bright, dark ruby-red. Subdued but pure aromas of currant, plum, minerals, graphite, and sexy, coconutty oak; showed a floral note with aeration. Extremely suave, fine-grained and concentrated, with a strong spine of acidity. Finishes firmly tannic, subtle and very long. This should develop slowly. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2002 |
Pauillac |
$650 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 94 (4/2005): A brilliant offering and a candidate for wine of the vintage, this is classic Lafite that reminded me somewhat of the 1976, although the vintage conditions were completely different. This is a medium-weight, quintessentially elegant style of Lafite with notes of lead pencil shavings/graphite along with black currants, plums, and crushed rocks/mineral. Wonderfully pure, dense, with a deep ruby/purple color and loads of fruit, definition, and a long finish, this is a brilliant, elegant Lafite Rothschild that builds incrementally in the mouth and has more power and density than it initially seems. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2025.
WS 95 (3/2005): Bubbling over with crushed berries, currants and spices, with tobacco notes. Beautiful. Full-bodied, with gorgeously velvety tannins and a long finish of pretty fruit. This is a racy yet elegant Lafite. Classy. Best after 2010. 16,000 cases made.
VM 92+ (5/2005): Bright, dark ruby-red. Subdued but pure aromas of currant, plum, minerals, graphite, and sexy, coconutty oak; showed a floral note with aeration. Extremely suave, fine-grained and concentrated, with a strong spine of acidity. Finishes firmly tannic, subtle and very long. This should develop slowly. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Ch. Latour |
1976 |
Pauillac |
$450 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
1976 |
Pauillac |
$450 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
1981 |
Pauillac |
$400 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 88 (1/1998): The 1981 tastes remarkably velvety and supple for such a young Latour--not that this is a malevolent occurrence--because the excellence, complexity, and richness of the wine are still present. The color is dark ruby, the bouquet offers plenty of ripe cassis and spicy oak, and the flavor is generous, silky, moderately tannic, and long in the finish. This Latour may turn out to be similar to the 1971. Anticipated maturity: Now-2005.
WS 87 (8/2000): A stiff and upright wine. Medium red color with an amber edge. Attractive aromas of black truffles, berries and cigar tobacco. Medium-bodied, with firm tannins and a slightly dry finish.--Latour vertical. Drink now. |
|
|
1981 |
Pauillac |
$400 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 88 (1/1998): The 1981 tastes remarkably velvety and supple for such a young Latour--not that this is a malevolent occurrence--because the excellence, complexity, and richness of the wine are still present. The color is dark ruby, the bouquet offers plenty of ripe cassis and spicy oak, and the flavor is generous, silky, moderately tannic, and long in the finish. This Latour may turn out to be similar to the 1971. Anticipated maturity: Now-2005.
WS 87 (8/2000): A stiff and upright wine. Medium red color with an amber edge. Attractive aromas of black truffles, berries and cigar tobacco. Medium-bodied, with firm tannins and a slightly dry finish.--Latour vertical. Drink now. |
|
|
1981 |
Pauillac |
$475 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 88 (1/1998): The 1981 tastes remarkably velvety and supple for such a young Latour--not that this is a malevolent occurrence--because the excellence, complexity, and richness of the wine are still present. The color is dark ruby, the bouquet offers plenty of ripe cassis and spicy oak, and the flavor is generous, silky, moderately tannic, and long in the finish. This Latour may turn out to be similar to the 1971. Anticipated maturity: Now-2005.
WS 87 (8/2000): A stiff and upright wine. Medium red color with an amber edge. Attractive aromas of black truffles, berries and cigar tobacco. Medium-bodied, with firm tannins and a slightly dry finish.--Latour vertical. Drink now. |
|
|
1981 |
Pauillac |
$475 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 88 (1/1998): The 1981 tastes remarkably velvety and supple for such a young Latour--not that this is a malevolent occurrence--because the excellence, complexity, and richness of the wine are still present. The color is dark ruby, the bouquet offers plenty of ripe cassis and spicy oak, and the flavor is generous, silky, moderately tannic, and long in the finish. This Latour may turn out to be similar to the 1971. Anticipated maturity: Now-2005.
WS 87 (8/2000): A stiff and upright wine. Medium red color with an amber edge. Attractive aromas of black truffles, berries and cigar tobacco. Medium-bodied, with firm tannins and a slightly dry finish.--Latour vertical. Drink now. |
|
|
1981 |
Pauillac Top-Shoulder Fill; Bin-Soiled Label |
$500 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 88 (1/1998): The 1981 tastes remarkably velvety and supple for such a young Latour--not that this is a malevolent occurrence--because the excellence, complexity, and richness of the wine are still present. The color is dark ruby, the bouquet offers plenty of ripe cassis and spicy oak, and the flavor is generous, silky, moderately tannic, and long in the finish. This Latour may turn out to be similar to the 1971. Anticipated maturity: Now-2005.
WS 87 (8/2000): A stiff and upright wine. Medium red color with an amber edge. Attractive aromas of black truffles, berries and cigar tobacco. Medium-bodied, with firm tannins and a slightly dry finish.--Latour vertical. Drink now. |
|
|
1982 |
Pauillac |
$1,650 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 100 (6/2009): Always somewhat atypical (which I suspect will be the case with the more modern day 2003), the 1982 Latour has been the most opulent, flamboyant, and precocious of the northern Medocs, especially the St.-Juliens, Pauillacs, and St.-Estephes. It hasn’t changed much over the last 10-15 years, revealing sweet tannins as well as extraordinarily decadent, even extravagant levels of fruit, glycerin, and body. It is an amazing wine, and on several occasions, I have actually picked it as a right bank Pomerol because of the lushness and succulence of the cedary, blackberry, black currant fruit. This vintage has always tasted great, even in its youth, and revealed a precociousness that one does not associate with this Chateau. However, the 1982 is still evolving at a glacial pace. The concentration remains remarkable, and the wine is a full-bodied, exuberant, rich, classic Pauillac in its aromatic and flavor profiles. It’s just juiced up (similar to an athlete on steroids) and is all the better for it. This remarkable effort will last as long as the 1982 Mouton, but it has always been more approachable and decadently fruity. Drink it now, in 20 years, and in 50 years! Don’t miss it if you are a wine lover.
NM 100 (11/2012): Tasted at Pebbles/Zachy’s 1982 dinner in Hong Kong. You can say whatever you like about the quality of the First Growth 1982s, but if there is one common theme that comes up again and again is that if you are lucky enough to compare them side-by-side, there is one that reigns over them all. Chateau Latour. Here it retains that amazing bouquet that stops you in your tracks: black fruit, graphite, crushed stone and a touch of smoke, all with breathtaking precision. The palate is medium-bodied with a symmetry and focus that leaves the others behind (Lafite coming the closest here.) There is a confidence to this wine, not so much a swagger but an effortless quality that leaves no questions unanswered.
VM 100 (3/2016): From the moment it is first opened the 1982 Château Latour is magical. Deep and still vibrant in color, but showing the translucence of age, the 1982 opens with intense, soaring aromatics that hint at what is to come. One taste is all it takes to confirm that the first impression is spot-on. This bottle, from an original wood case purchased on release, is a poignant reminder of how importance provenance is. The 1982 is simply stunning in its beauty. Vivid, multi-faceted and totally sensual, the Latour captures all the best qualities of this famous vintage. In 1982 yields were high, there was essentially none of the sorting that has become de rigueur, and cellar practices were far less ideal on paper than they are today. And yet, the 1982 is simply stunning. What else can I ask for in a wine? Absolutely nothing. Except for a hope to run into it again. Well-stored bottles will keep for another two decades, although my impression is that the 1982 is not going to improve much from here. Actually, it can’t improve. This is as good as wine gets.
WS 98 (6/2001): Big and chewy. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a long, long currant, berry and cherry character. Underrated. Still more to come in this wine.
JS 98 (11/2010): This shows wonderful decadence with meaty, dark chocolate and ripe plums on the nose that follows through on the palate. It's full bodied, with super silky tannins that caress your palate. The fruit in the wine changes to a spicy, stony undertone. It seems to evolve all the time in the glass. This has a long life to it. But why wait? So delicious.
VM 97 (8/2002): Dark red, with an amber rim. Liqueur-like aromas of plum, roasted meat, mocha, tobacco, truffle and burnished oak. Fat, lush and smooth, with explosive fruit and powerful underlying backbone. Massive but not at all heavy. Wonderfully tactile wine, finishing with big, chewy-but-ripe tannins and great persistence. (My second bottle showed even more class and delineation, and rated 98.) Drink during your lifetime. |
|
|
1982 |
Pauillac |
$1,700 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 100 (6/2009): Always somewhat atypical (which I suspect will be the case with the more modern day 2003), the 1982 Latour has been the most opulent, flamboyant, and precocious of the northern Medocs, especially the St.-Juliens, Pauillacs, and St.-Estephes. It hasn’t changed much over the last 10-15 years, revealing sweet tannins as well as extraordinarily decadent, even extravagant levels of fruit, glycerin, and body. It is an amazing wine, and on several occasions, I have actually picked it as a right bank Pomerol because of the lushness and succulence of the cedary, blackberry, black currant fruit. This vintage has always tasted great, even in its youth, and revealed a precociousness that one does not associate with this Chateau. However, the 1982 is still evolving at a glacial pace. The concentration remains remarkable, and the wine is a full-bodied, exuberant, rich, classic Pauillac in its aromatic and flavor profiles. It’s just juiced up (similar to an athlete on steroids) and is all the better for it. This remarkable effort will last as long as the 1982 Mouton, but it has always been more approachable and decadently fruity. Drink it now, in 20 years, and in 50 years! Don’t miss it if you are a wine lover.
NM 100 (11/2012): Tasted at Pebbles/Zachy’s 1982 dinner in Hong Kong. You can say whatever you like about the quality of the First Growth 1982s, but if there is one common theme that comes up again and again is that if you are lucky enough to compare them side-by-side, there is one that reigns over them all. Chateau Latour. Here it retains that amazing bouquet that stops you in your tracks: black fruit, graphite, crushed stone and a touch of smoke, all with breathtaking precision. The palate is medium-bodied with a symmetry and focus that leaves the others behind (Lafite coming the closest here.) There is a confidence to this wine, not so much a swagger but an effortless quality that leaves no questions unanswered.
VM 100 (3/2016): From the moment it is first opened the 1982 Château Latour is magical. Deep and still vibrant in color, but showing the translucence of age, the 1982 opens with intense, soaring aromatics that hint at what is to come. One taste is all it takes to confirm that the first impression is spot-on. This bottle, from an original wood case purchased on release, is a poignant reminder of how importance provenance is. The 1982 is simply stunning in its beauty. Vivid, multi-faceted and totally sensual, the Latour captures all the best qualities of this famous vintage. In 1982 yields were high, there was essentially none of the sorting that has become de rigueur, and cellar practices were far less ideal on paper than they are today. And yet, the 1982 is simply stunning. What else can I ask for in a wine? Absolutely nothing. Except for a hope to run into it again. Well-stored bottles will keep for another two decades, although my impression is that the 1982 is not going to improve much from here. Actually, it can’t improve. This is as good as wine gets.
WS 98 (6/2001): Big and chewy. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a long, long currant, berry and cherry character. Underrated. Still more to come in this wine.
JS 98 (11/2010): This shows wonderful decadence with meaty, dark chocolate and ripe plums on the nose that follows through on the palate. It's full bodied, with super silky tannins that caress your palate. The fruit in the wine changes to a spicy, stony undertone. It seems to evolve all the time in the glass. This has a long life to it. But why wait? So delicious.
VM 97 (8/2002): Dark red, with an amber rim. Liqueur-like aromas of plum, roasted meat, mocha, tobacco, truffle and burnished oak. Fat, lush and smooth, with explosive fruit and powerful underlying backbone. Massive but not at all heavy. Wonderfully tactile wine, finishing with big, chewy-but-ripe tannins and great persistence. (My second bottle showed even more class and delineation, and rated 98.) Drink during your lifetime. |
|
|
1983 |
Pauillac Lightly Bin-Soiled Label; Base Neck Fill; Slightly Raised Cork |
$525 |
1 |
|
| |
| MB [****] (12/1998): First tasted in the chai in September 1984. Intense purple but not its usual opacity. But it was fairly full-bodied and stuffed full of youthful fruit. Then not noted again for five years, at the Frericks/Wodarz tasting in Wiesbaden. Not a heavyweight but rich, fleshy and fine. Several more recent notes: deep, velvety; fragrant, cedary bouquet opening up richly. Sweeter than expected, good fruit and flavour (at a Bordeaux Club dinner at Caius, Cambridge,1998). The same year, at the Christie's wine department's Christmas dinner- we never stinted ourselves (I never asked where the wines had come from). Bouquet well developed. Again surprisingly sweet which, with its flesh and good fruit, masked the tanning andacidity. I added 'the most amazingly ready and drinkable Latour'. _x000D__x000D_WS 94 (8/2000): A solid, firm wine with a tannin structure that is softening. Aromas of chocolate, ripe fruit and meat. Full-bodied, with loads of fruit and tannins and a long, long finish. Thick and chewy. Gorgeous.--Latour vertical. Drink now through 2010._x000D__x000D_WA 88 (6/2000): Tasted from my cellar, this wine is fully mature, not terribly concentrated, and slightly herbaceous, exhibiting aromas of sweaty saddle leather, melted asphalt, tobacco, and red as well as black fruits. Notions of caramel and roasted nuts also emerge. A medium-bodied effort with soft tannin, but little persistence and length, it requires consumption over the next decade. |
|
|
1985 |
Pauillac Very High Shoulder Fill, Depressed Cork |
$525 |
1 |
|
| |
JS 93 (3/2012): Aromas of mint and currants with some spices. Full and velvety texture with fresh and clean fruit and a yummy finish. Drink it.
WS 93 (8/2000): Rich and ripe wine. Dark red color with an amber edge. Loads of meat, berry and tobacco character on the nose. Very rich. Full-bodied, with soft, velvety tannins and a long, ultraripe fruit finish. Still very fresh and young. Best from 2000 through 2015. |
|
|
1995 |
Pauillac Lightly Scuffed Label |
$550 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 96 (6/2000): A beauty, the opaque dense purple-colored 1995 exhibits jammy cassis, vanillin, and minerals in its fragrant but still youthful aromatics. Medium to full-bodied, with exceptional purity, superb concentration, and a long, intense, ripe, 40-second finish, this is a magnificent example of Latour. As the wine sat in the glass, scents of roasted espresso and toasty new oak emerged. This classic will require considerable cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2050.
VM 94+ (6/1998): Deep ruby-red color. More expressive aromas of crystallized dark berries, dark chocolate and animal fur. Lush and sweet; thick but delineated. Wonderfully concentrated. This, too, seems rather withdrawn today, but the strength of material is clear to see. Finishes with firm tannins and explosive fruit that goes on and on.
WS 94 (12/2007): Black licorice, cedar, cigar box and fresh herbs. Full-bodied and very structured, with firm, silky tannins and a long finish. Needs time.--'95/'96 Bordeaux retrospective. Best after 2009. |
|
|
1999 |
Pauillac |
$475 |
5 |
|
| |
WA 94 (4/2002): Readers looking for a modern day version of Latour's magnificent 1962 or 1971 should check out the sensational 1999 Latour. It is a big, concentrated offering, exhibiting a dense ruby/purple color, and a classic nose of minerals, black currants, leather, and vanilla. The wine is long, ripe, and medium-bodied, with high levels of sweet tannin. This surprisingly full, concentrated 1999 should be drinkable in 5-6 years; it will last for three decades.
WS 93 (12/2009): Focused and fresh, with milk chocolate and berry aromas. Subtle and refined on the nose. Full-bodied and very elegant, featuring a solid core of ultrafine tannins and a long, long finish. So much finesse here. Still tight, needing time in the bottle to open. No longer big, this is in just the right proportions for the vintage.—'89/'99 Bordeaux blind retrospective (2009). Best after 2012. 13,330 cases made.
VM 93 (5/2002): Full red-ruby. High-pitched aromas of red- and blackcurrant, minerals and leather. Wonderfully harmonious in the mouth, with compelling sweetness of fruit but also superb grip. A lush, rich wine that already displays impressive inner-mouth perfume. Finishes with broad, essentially gentle tannins. Doesn't quite possess the grip or thrust of the '01, but this is wine-of-the-vintage material. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2011 |
Pauillac (6.0 L) ex-Negociant |
$5,499 |
2 |
|
| |
WS 96 (3/2014): This has a gorgeous core of steeped plum, boysenberry and black currant coulis flavors, backed by a prominent graphite note that drives through the lengthy finish, where extra hints of anise and sweet tobacco flitter in the background. Regal. Best from 2018 through 2035. 5,835 cases made.
JS 95 (1/2014): The nose is complex, featuring smoke, meat and hints of wood, with currants, olives and berries underneath. Full body with super-velvety tannins. The strong acidity gives the wine an edginess. Love the spicy, subtly fruity finish. Steely. Try in 2020.
NM 94-96 (5/2012): The Grand Vin is a blend of 84.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot and 0.5% Petit Verdot, representing 34% of the crop. The nose demands coaxing from the glass with introspective dark berry fruit, mineral, graphite and just a hint of cedar. The palate is classic Latour with tensile tannins in the driving seat and the fruit residing in the passenger. It has finely tuned acidity that lends it freshness and tension. There is superb minerality towards the finish but it retains that strictness and focus without blinking. If you love Latour, you will love the 2011.
WA 93-95 (4/2012): A blend of 84.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot and 0.5% Petit Verdot, the 2011 Latour represents only 34% of the crop. It hit 13.1% natural alcohol. One of the vintage's most compelling wines, it possesses a dense ruby/purple color as well as a sweet, open-knit personality with ripe tannin, superb intensity, good purity and harmony, a medium to full-bodied mouthfeel, and lots of crushed rock, floral and black as well as blue fruit notes in addition to hints of ink and forest floor. This beautifully rich, savory Latour will be surprisingly drinkable in 4-5 years, and should age easily for two decades or more.
VM 91+ (7/2014): Inky purple. Closed nose hints at blackcurrant, flint, violet and cedar. On the palate, dark berry and flint flavors are complicated by graphite and cedar. A lovely, very pure, lighter-styled Latour, but the mounting tannins are big and brawny, and the long finish is mouthcoatingly dry. Another 2011 red that currently lacks the flesh to stand up to its tannic spine. Forget about it in the cellar for at least another five years. Ian d'Agata. |
|
| Ch. Lynch Bages |
1970 |
Pauillac |
$150 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 91 (6/2000): It is interesting that this was the next vintage tasted in the vertical tasting, and I am not surprised given the mediocre decade of performances by Lynch Bages. Only the 1975 stands out, and that wine seems only good when compared to modern day successes. The 1970 is an old style Lynch Bages with plenty of dry tannin in the finish. Compellingly aromatic, it offers aromas of cedar wood, spice box, tobacco, earth, black currants, and new saddle leather. Spicy, concentrated, and burly, with mouth-searing tannin, this big, thick wine is a terrific example of Lynch Bages made in an older style. It will continue to last for 10-15 years, but look for it to become increasingly austere and attenuated. Anticipated maturity: now-2015. |
|
|
1970 |
Pauillac |
$150 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 91 (6/2000): It is interesting that this was the next vintage tasted in the vertical tasting, and I am not surprised given the mediocre decade of performances by Lynch Bages. Only the 1975 stands out, and that wine seems only good when compared to modern day successes. The 1970 is an old style Lynch Bages with plenty of dry tannin in the finish. Compellingly aromatic, it offers aromas of cedar wood, spice box, tobacco, earth, black currants, and new saddle leather. Spicy, concentrated, and burly, with mouth-searing tannin, this big, thick wine is a terrific example of Lynch Bages made in an older style. It will continue to last for 10-15 years, but look for it to become increasingly austere and attenuated. Anticipated maturity: now-2015. |
|
|
2001 |
Pauillac |
$159 |
4 |
|
| |
NM 92 (3/2011): Tasted blind at Bordeaux Index’s 10-Year On horizontal. The first bottle of this was denuded of vitality and out of sorts (indeed this is a major problem with this vintage.) Not corked, but previous experience old me that it was not “happy” bottle. Fortunately I stayed for another to be opened and this far more representative. Ripe, dark berried fruits on the nose with touches of mulberry, briary, graphite and sous-bois. The palate is medium-bodied with a crisp entry, tarry black fruits on the entry, sharp acidity, very tight but that is probably because this bottle had just been opened. Very fine.
VM 90+ (6/2004): Bright red-ruby. Currant, herbs and smoke on the nose. Rich and suave on entry, then rather closed and austere in the middle palate, with moderately ripe, nicely delineated flavors of currant, cherry, smoke and mint. Best today on the back end, which features broad tannins and subtle lingering flavor.
WS 90 (3/2004): Clean and sleek, with tobacco, berry and plum character, medium body and a silky, fresh finish. Firm and balanced Lynch. Best after 2007. 40,830 cases made.
WA 88 (8/2011): The fully mature 2001 exhibits aromas of tapenade, bay leaf, licorice, red and black currants, damp earth and new saddle leather. Medium-bodied and atypically elegant and charming for a Lynch Bages with soft, fully resolved tannin and a moderately long finish, it is much lighter than a great vintage such as 2000. |
|
|
2017 |
Pauillac (1.5 L) 2017 en Primeur Release |
$234 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 95 (2/2020): A blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, brought up in 75% new French oak, the 2017 Chateau Lynch-Bages sports an inky color as well as a powerful, full-bodied style. Rocking blackcurrants, chocolate, smoked tobacco, and obvious minerality all emerge from this beautiful, concentrated wine that has building tannins, the more elegant, silky style of the vintage, a great mid-palate, and a blockbuster finish. It's going to hit the ground running in about 5-7 years and cruise 20 years or more in cool cellars.
VM 94 (3/2020): The 2017 Lynch-Bages is such a pretty and engaging wine; as always, it is a wine of pure and total seduction. Lush, open-knit and very pretty with ripe red and purplish fruit. There is a slight bit of edginess in the tannin that needs to be resolved, but cellaring should take care of that. Antonio Galloni.
WS 94 (3/2020): This leans toward the austere side of Pauillac, with a slightly bracing iron and chalk frame around a core of red and black currant fruit, liberally laced with savory and cedar notes. Exhibits ample length and cut, showing really pure and beautifully defined currant flavors. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2024 through 2040.
JS 95 (12/2019): This is a focused and tight Lynch with beautiful blackcurrants, slate, graphite and lead pencil. Medium to full body. Very fine tannins and brightness. Linear line of tannins that runs nicely through the wine. A blend of 70% cabernet sauvignon, 24% merlot, 4% cabernet franc and 2% petit verdot. |
|
|
2017 |
Pauillac 2017 en Primeur Release |
$113.99 |
10 |
|
| |
JD 95 (2/2020): A blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, brought up in 75% new French oak, the 2017 Chateau Lynch-Bages sports an inky color as well as a powerful, full-bodied style. Rocking blackcurrants, chocolate, smoked tobacco, and obvious minerality all emerge from this beautiful, concentrated wine that has building tannins, the more elegant, silky style of the vintage, a great mid-palate, and a blockbuster finish. It's going to hit the ground running in about 5-7 years and cruise 20 years or more in cool cellars.
VM 94 (3/2020): The 2017 Lynch-Bages is such a pretty and engaging wine; as always, it is a wine of pure and total seduction. Lush, open-knit and very pretty with ripe red and purplish fruit. There is a slight bit of edginess in the tannin that needs to be resolved, but cellaring should take care of that. Antonio Galloni.
WS 94 (3/2020): This leans toward the austere side of Pauillac, with a slightly bracing iron and chalk frame around a core of red and black currant fruit, liberally laced with savory and cedar notes. Exhibits ample length and cut, showing really pure and beautifully defined currant flavors. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2024 through 2040.
JS 95 (12/2019): This is a focused and tight Lynch with beautiful blackcurrants, slate, graphite and lead pencil. Medium to full body. Very fine tannins and brightness. Linear line of tannins that runs nicely through the wine. A blend of 70% cabernet sauvignon, 24% merlot, 4% cabernet franc and 2% petit verdot. |
|
| Ch. Mouton-Rothschild |
2010 |
Le Petit Mouton Pauillac |
$225 |
3 |
|
| |
JS 96 (11/2013): This is clearly the best second wine that Mouton has ever made. Truly superb with blackberries and currants on the nose. Full body, with super velvety tannins. The length is so wonderful and delicious. Dense yet super balanced. Hard not to drink now. Better in 2018.
NM 93 (3/2014): Tasted blind at the Southwold Bordeaux 2010 tasting. Is this best Le Petit Mouton ever? The 2010 has a very ripe powerful bouquet with blackberry, apricot, cedar and peppermint that shows a lot of vigour and what you might call passion. This well balanced with fine tannins, a superb line of acidity and cohesion. This is not the most concentrated 2010 Pauillac but it is very focused and full of energy. To answer the question posed at the beginning of the tasting notes...yes.
WA 91 (2/2013): It is a fabulous wine, but if you want to drink something reminiscent of Mouton Rothschild before 2025, it is probably worth taking a look at the 2010 Le Petit Mouton, which seems to be going from strength to strength at this estate. This wine has 14% natural alcohol because there is more Merlot in it. (Merlot is riper and ferments into slightly higher alcohol than Cabernet Sauvignon.) This wine represents 26% of the crop. The creme de cassis character is also present, along with tobacco leaf, cedar, and a more evolved, chocolaty, spicy note. Opulent, fleshy and round, it should drink well for two decades.
WS 91 (3/2013): Solid, with forward black currant, plum skin and crushed blackberry fruit lined with charcoal, showing a dusting of loam on the finish. Features some cedar-tinged grip, but remains more accessible than most of the 2010 Pauillacs. Drink now through 2022.
VM 89 (7/2013): Good deep ruby-red. Showy aromas of currant, cedar, herbs and spices. Sweet on entry, then tangy and a bit lean in the middle, with cassis and blackberry flavors complicated by minerals and herbs. Finishes with surprisingly sweet tannins and noteworthy persistence for a second wine. |
|
|
2010 |
Le Petit Mouton Pauillac |
$225 |
1 |
|
| |
JS 96 (11/2013): This is clearly the best second wine that Mouton has ever made. Truly superb with blackberries and currants on the nose. Full body, with super velvety tannins. The length is so wonderful and delicious. Dense yet super balanced. Hard not to drink now. Better in 2018.
NM 93 (3/2014): Tasted blind at the Southwold Bordeaux 2010 tasting. Is this best Le Petit Mouton ever? The 2010 has a very ripe powerful bouquet with blackberry, apricot, cedar and peppermint that shows a lot of vigour and what you might call passion. This well balanced with fine tannins, a superb line of acidity and cohesion. This is not the most concentrated 2010 Pauillac but it is very focused and full of energy. To answer the question posed at the beginning of the tasting notes...yes.
WA 91 (2/2013): It is a fabulous wine, but if you want to drink something reminiscent of Mouton Rothschild before 2025, it is probably worth taking a look at the 2010 Le Petit Mouton, which seems to be going from strength to strength at this estate. This wine has 14% natural alcohol because there is more Merlot in it. (Merlot is riper and ferments into slightly higher alcohol than Cabernet Sauvignon.) This wine represents 26% of the crop. The creme de cassis character is also present, along with tobacco leaf, cedar, and a more evolved, chocolaty, spicy note. Opulent, fleshy and round, it should drink well for two decades.
WS 91 (3/2013): Solid, with forward black currant, plum skin and crushed blackberry fruit lined with charcoal, showing a dusting of loam on the finish. Features some cedar-tinged grip, but remains more accessible than most of the 2010 Pauillacs. Drink now through 2022.
VM 89 (7/2013): Good deep ruby-red. Showy aromas of currant, cedar, herbs and spices. Sweet on entry, then tangy and a bit lean in the middle, with cassis and blackberry flavors complicated by minerals and herbs. Finishes with surprisingly sweet tannins and noteworthy persistence for a second wine. |
|
|
2010 |
Le Petit Mouton Pauillac |
$225 |
1 |
|
| |
JS 96 (11/2013): This is clearly the best second wine that Mouton has ever made. Truly superb with blackberries and currants on the nose. Full body, with super velvety tannins. The length is so wonderful and delicious. Dense yet super balanced. Hard not to drink now. Better in 2018.
NM 93 (3/2014): Tasted blind at the Southwold Bordeaux 2010 tasting. Is this best Le Petit Mouton ever? The 2010 has a very ripe powerful bouquet with blackberry, apricot, cedar and peppermint that shows a lot of vigour and what you might call passion. This well balanced with fine tannins, a superb line of acidity and cohesion. This is not the most concentrated 2010 Pauillac but it is very focused and full of energy. To answer the question posed at the beginning of the tasting notes...yes.
WA 91 (2/2013): It is a fabulous wine, but if you want to drink something reminiscent of Mouton Rothschild before 2025, it is probably worth taking a look at the 2010 Le Petit Mouton, which seems to be going from strength to strength at this estate. This wine has 14% natural alcohol because there is more Merlot in it. (Merlot is riper and ferments into slightly higher alcohol than Cabernet Sauvignon.) This wine represents 26% of the crop. The creme de cassis character is also present, along with tobacco leaf, cedar, and a more evolved, chocolaty, spicy note. Opulent, fleshy and round, it should drink well for two decades.
WS 91 (3/2013): Solid, with forward black currant, plum skin and crushed blackberry fruit lined with charcoal, showing a dusting of loam on the finish. Features some cedar-tinged grip, but remains more accessible than most of the 2010 Pauillacs. Drink now through 2022.
VM 89 (7/2013): Good deep ruby-red. Showy aromas of currant, cedar, herbs and spices. Sweet on entry, then tangy and a bit lean in the middle, with cassis and blackberry flavors complicated by minerals and herbs. Finishes with surprisingly sweet tannins and noteworthy persistence for a second wine. |
|
|
2010 |
Le Petit Mouton Pauillac |
$225 |
2 |
|
| |
JS 96 (11/2013): This is clearly the best second wine that Mouton has ever made. Truly superb with blackberries and currants on the nose. Full body, with super velvety tannins. The length is so wonderful and delicious. Dense yet super balanced. Hard not to drink now. Better in 2018.
NM 93 (3/2014): Tasted blind at the Southwold Bordeaux 2010 tasting. Is this best Le Petit Mouton ever? The 2010 has a very ripe powerful bouquet with blackberry, apricot, cedar and peppermint that shows a lot of vigour and what you might call passion. This well balanced with fine tannins, a superb line of acidity and cohesion. This is not the most concentrated 2010 Pauillac but it is very focused and full of energy. To answer the question posed at the beginning of the tasting notes...yes.
WA 91 (2/2013): It is a fabulous wine, but if you want to drink something reminiscent of Mouton Rothschild before 2025, it is probably worth taking a look at the 2010 Le Petit Mouton, which seems to be going from strength to strength at this estate. This wine has 14% natural alcohol because there is more Merlot in it. (Merlot is riper and ferments into slightly higher alcohol than Cabernet Sauvignon.) This wine represents 26% of the crop. The creme de cassis character is also present, along with tobacco leaf, cedar, and a more evolved, chocolaty, spicy note. Opulent, fleshy and round, it should drink well for two decades.
WS 91 (3/2013): Solid, with forward black currant, plum skin and crushed blackberry fruit lined with charcoal, showing a dusting of loam on the finish. Features some cedar-tinged grip, but remains more accessible than most of the 2010 Pauillacs. Drink now through 2022.
VM 89 (7/2013): Good deep ruby-red. Showy aromas of currant, cedar, herbs and spices. Sweet on entry, then tangy and a bit lean in the middle, with cassis and blackberry flavors complicated by minerals and herbs. Finishes with surprisingly sweet tannins and noteworthy persistence for a second wine. |
|
|
2012 |
Le Petit Mouton Pauillac ex-Negociant |
$295 |
3 |
|
| |
JS 92 (2/2015): A rich and round red with currant, strawberry and citrus character. Full body, creamy tannins and a fruity finish. This shows much more richness and depth in bottle than from barrel. Excellent. Drink or hold.
WA 90 (4/2015): The 2012 Le Petit Mouton de Rothschild (79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc) shows loads of charcoal, burning embers, a nice hint of dark chocolate and blackcurrants. It is fleshy and medium-bodied, with up-front fruit and density. This second wine of Mouton has certainly gone from strength to strength under the administration of Philippe Dhalluin. Drink it over the next 15-20 years.
WS 90 (3/2015): This has a lovely core of red and black currant fruit, raspberry coulis and licorice snap notes, lined with brambly but integrated grip and carrying through the sleek, iron-edged finish. A refined version of Pauillac, and sneakily long. Best from 2017 through 2022.
VM 89 (1/2016): The 2012 Petit-Mouton is a pleasant, open-knit wine to drink now and over the next few years. Bold and juicy, but also a bit rough around the edges, the Petit offers quite a bit of up-front appeal. Game, smoke, tobacco, licorice and dried herbs are some of the notes that linger on the close. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
1966 |
Pauillac |
$275 |
1 |
|
| |
MB [****] (9/1998): A typically dramatic wine though in its (relative) youth after seven years in bottle, while very flavoury, austere, with a touch of coarseness yet gentle, unready, at the Krug Award for Excellence dinner at Inigo Jones' Banqueting House in Whitehall. Its obuquet and flavour noticeably holding up in the 1980s. More recently, well-nigh perfect bottles also in London at a Mouton dinner at Brooks's Club hosted by Philippine de Rothschild in 1994, its fragrance surging out of the glass, all signs of coarseness ironed out. Yet I thought it fading, though very gracefully. Next a splendid bottle, its bouquet similarly restrained but opening up beautifully: full, rich and tannic, at the gala dinner referre to in the previous entry. Most recently, showing more maturity, brown-rimmed, some age on nose but rich and perfectly delicious on the palate.
WA 90 (1/1998): This review may be generous, but I have always liked this wine, even though it borders on being slightly too dry, austere, and restrained. Nevertheless, the dark garnet color and classic sweet, spicy, tobacco, coffee, and black currant aromas are enticing. The wine still has powerful tannin in the finish, which contributes to the dry, austere character this example has always exhibited. One of the more intellectually-styled Moutons, the 1966 is a classic example of the vintage, as well as of the chateau's Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated style. Anticipated maturity: Now-2008.
WS 88 (5/1991): A lovely, mature claret, with sweet fruit, tobacco, cedar and blackberry flavors and earthy tones. The finish is thinning, but elegant. Drinkable now. |
|
|
1966 |
Pauillac |
$500 |
1 |
|
| |
MB [****] (9/1998): A typically dramatic wine though in its (relative) youth after seven years in bottle, while very flavoury, austere, with a touch of coarseness yet gentle, unready, at the Krug Award for Excellence dinner at Inigo Jones' Banqueting House in Whitehall. Its obuquet and flavour noticeably holding up in the 1980s. More recently, well-nigh perfect bottles also in London at a Mouton dinner at Brooks's Club hosted by Philippine de Rothschild in 1994, its fragrance surging out of the glass, all signs of coarseness ironed out. Yet I thought it fading, though very gracefully. Next a splendid bottle, its bouquet similarly restrained but opening up beautifully: full, rich and tannic, at the gala dinner referre to in the previous entry. Most recently, showing more maturity, brown-rimmed, some age on nose but rich and perfectly delicious on the palate.
WA 90 (1/1998): This review may be generous, but I have always liked this wine, even though it borders on being slightly too dry, austere, and restrained. Nevertheless, the dark garnet color and classic sweet, spicy, tobacco, coffee, and black currant aromas are enticing. The wine still has powerful tannin in the finish, which contributes to the dry, austere character this example has always exhibited. One of the more intellectually-styled Moutons, the 1966 is a classic example of the vintage, as well as of the chateau's Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated style. Anticipated maturity: Now-2008.
WS 88 (5/1991): A lovely, mature claret, with sweet fruit, tobacco, cedar and blackberry flavors and earthy tones. The finish is thinning, but elegant. Drinkable now. |
|
|
1985 |
Pauillac Top-Shoulder Fill; Slightly Raised Cork |
$450 |
1 |
|
| |
JS 99 (11/2015): What an awe-inspiring nose of currants, shaved lead pencil, white truffles and earth. It's full-bodied and enveloped by silky tannins that lead to an earthy, long finish. Old, traditional Bordeaux with soul and remarkable complexity. Sensational. Drink now.
MB [*****] (1/2001): I also had the pleasure, and always the privilege, of tasting this in cask in June 1986. At Mouton, one does not taste directly from the cask. In this instance from a cask sample in the small tasting room of the maitre de chai. The wine was marvellously deep of course, but not opaque; glorious young fruit superstructure above a firm foundation. A touch of leanness but fleshy. Already by December 1990 it had started to mature, its nose inimitably Mouton, spicy Cabernet, glorious; showing some elegance, lovely texture and aftertaste. Eighteen subsequent notes, and even if space permitted, some would be repetitive if not tedious. I have therefore looked up notes made in 1995, when it was at an interim stage of maturity. Alas at the 15th Grand Awards banquet in New York I found it 'surprisingly chunky and uncharming. Expected better'. The filet mignon was excellent, so it must have been all the chatter and noise in the Marriott Marquis ballroom. Or it might just have been me, because at my Bordeaux Club dinner in January 1996 I described the bouquet as 'exotic, lovely Cabernet Sauvignon, and at 9.40pm very fragrant'. Note the time: I had drawn the cork at 4.30pm, decanted it at 5.40pm and served it at 8.50pm... Back to Mouton, briefly. At exactly 15 years of age, two bottles both medium deep, one still a bit hard but fragrant, with a lovely texture, soft, fruity. The other, strangely, with a lovely sweet bouquet but a touch of woodiness and acidity. Both at a wine dinner at home, November 2000. Most recently, another Bordeaux Club dinner, this time hosted by Dr. Louis Hughes, a new member. It had all the exotic Mouton fragrance; soft, flavoury, crisp but, I noted, with a touch of astringency. An exciting wine but at the top but not yet over it. Will continue recklessly for another ten years or more.
WA 90 (10/1997): The rich, complex, well-developed bouquet of oriental spices, toasty oak, herbs, and ripe fruit is wonderful. On the palate, the wine is also rich, forward, long, and sexy. It ranks behind both Haut-Brion and Chateau Margaux in 1985. I am surprised by how evolved and ready to drink this wine is. Readers looking for a big, boldly constructed Mouton should search out other vintages, as this is a tame, forward, medium-weight wine that is close to full maturity. It is capable of lasting another 15+ years. This estate compares their 1985 to their 1959, but to me it is more akin to their 1962 or 1953. Anticipated maturity: Now-2012.
WS 89 (9/1996): Surprisingly elegant, with lovely tobacco, cherry and berry aromas that blossom on the palate. Moderately soft tannins and a sweet, fruity finish. All finesse and ready to drink.--Cabernet Challenge. |
|
|
1988 |
Pauillac Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$395 |
1 |
|
| |
JS 93 (11/2015): There's licorice here along with mint, some lead pencil and flowers. It's full and round displaying wonderful vanilla and plum flavors. Very silky and refined yet dense and caressing. A beauty, though it does turn a little dry, always revealing its wood.
WS 92 (7/2008): Very pretty aromas of vanilla, tobacco, berry and chocolate. Medium- to full-bodied, with soft tannins and a berry, chocolate finish. Not very dense. This pales compared with the other top Pauillacs. I never thought this was a perfect wine, but it gives great pleasure.--'88/'98 Bordeaux blind retrospective (2008). Drink now. 20,000 cases made.
VM 89 (5/2018): The 1988 Mouton-Rothschild is a vintage that I have not tasted for several years (although it was a regular fixture during the 2000s). It is a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 13% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot. Showing some signs of bricking on the rim, it has certainly matured with a little more alacrity in the last few years, fully mature with blackberry, freshly rolled tobacco, sandalwood and mint. To be frank, it does not put a distance between itself and its peers. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannin: soy-tinged black fruit, foursquare with a sharp tang of spice towards the linear finish. It feels conservative and correct, although it does not give the delineation and precision that I feel that Philippe Dhalluin has imparted in recent vintages. Tasted at the château. Neal Martin.
WA 89 (1/1993): The 1988 Mouton has an attractive aroma of exotic spices, minerals, coffee, black currants, and sweet oak. Much like the 1989, the bouquet is staggering, but the flavors are distinctly less profound. In the mouth, it is a much firmer, tougher, more obviously tannic wine than the 1989, with medium body and Outstanding ripeness. A beautifully made 1988 that will last 20-25 years, its short finish keeps it from being sublime. The 1988 is somewhat reminiscent of the 1985, but with more tannin. Anticipated maturity: Now-2020. |
|
|
1988 |
Pauillac |
$395 |
1 |
|
| |
JS 93 (11/2015): There's licorice here along with mint, some lead pencil and flowers. It's full and round displaying wonderful vanilla and plum flavors. Very silky and refined yet dense and caressing. A beauty, though it does turn a little dry, always revealing its wood.
WS 92 (7/2008): Very pretty aromas of vanilla, tobacco, berry and chocolate. Medium- to full-bodied, with soft tannins and a berry, chocolate finish. Not very dense. This pales compared with the other top Pauillacs. I never thought this was a perfect wine, but it gives great pleasure.--'88/'98 Bordeaux blind retrospective (2008). Drink now. 20,000 cases made.
VM 89 (5/2018): The 1988 Mouton-Rothschild is a vintage that I have not tasted for several years (although it was a regular fixture during the 2000s). It is a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 13% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot. Showing some signs of bricking on the rim, it has certainly matured with a little more alacrity in the last few years, fully mature with blackberry, freshly rolled tobacco, sandalwood and mint. To be frank, it does not put a distance between itself and its peers. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannin: soy-tinged black fruit, foursquare with a sharp tang of spice towards the linear finish. It feels conservative and correct, although it does not give the delineation and precision that I feel that Philippe Dhalluin has imparted in recent vintages. Tasted at the château. Neal Martin.
WA 89 (1/1993): The 1988 Mouton has an attractive aroma of exotic spices, minerals, coffee, black currants, and sweet oak. Much like the 1989, the bouquet is staggering, but the flavors are distinctly less profound. In the mouth, it is a much firmer, tougher, more obviously tannic wine than the 1989, with medium body and Outstanding ripeness. A beautifully made 1988 that will last 20-25 years, its short finish keeps it from being sublime. The 1988 is somewhat reminiscent of the 1985, but with more tannin. Anticipated maturity: Now-2020. |
|
|
1988 |
Pauillac |
$395 |
1 |
|
| |
JS 93 (11/2015): There's licorice here along with mint, some lead pencil and flowers. It's full and round displaying wonderful vanilla and plum flavors. Very silky and refined yet dense and caressing. A beauty, though it does turn a little dry, always revealing its wood.
WS 92 (7/2008): Very pretty aromas of vanilla, tobacco, berry and chocolate. Medium- to full-bodied, with soft tannins and a berry, chocolate finish. Not very dense. This pales compared with the other top Pauillacs. I never thought this was a perfect wine, but it gives great pleasure.--'88/'98 Bordeaux blind retrospective (2008). Drink now. 20,000 cases made.
VM 89 (5/2018): The 1988 Mouton-Rothschild is a vintage that I have not tasted for several years (although it was a regular fixture during the 2000s). It is a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 13% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot. Showing some signs of bricking on the rim, it has certainly matured with a little more alacrity in the last few years, fully mature with blackberry, freshly rolled tobacco, sandalwood and mint. To be frank, it does not put a distance between itself and its peers. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannin: soy-tinged black fruit, foursquare with a sharp tang of spice towards the linear finish. It feels conservative and correct, although it does not give the delineation and precision that I feel that Philippe Dhalluin has imparted in recent vintages. Tasted at the château. Neal Martin.
WA 89 (1/1993): The 1988 Mouton has an attractive aroma of exotic spices, minerals, coffee, black currants, and sweet oak. Much like the 1989, the bouquet is staggering, but the flavors are distinctly less profound. In the mouth, it is a much firmer, tougher, more obviously tannic wine than the 1989, with medium body and Outstanding ripeness. A beautifully made 1988 that will last 20-25 years, its short finish keeps it from being sublime. The 1988 is somewhat reminiscent of the 1985, but with more tannin. Anticipated maturity: Now-2020. |
|
|
1990 |
Pauillac Very Top-Shoulder Fill |
$495 |
1 |
|
| |
MB [***[**]] (3/2001): In 1991 I preferred the 1989 which, of course, had a head start, being a year older. Yet, a matter of two years after bottling it had generated an almost explosively rich, spicy nose; very sweet, full and packed with goodies. Leaping over the next two notes (poor bottles at the Eigensatz tasting), its bouquet was fully developed and its fine texture and length noted (Hollywood Wine Society Mouton presentation, 1998) and a further jump of two years to Penning-Rowsell's '10 year' tasting. Here, alongside its first growth peers, it was still fairly deep coloured; bouquet clamouring to get out, opening up rapturously, though I was too aware of the new oak spiciness- attractive but oak, like garlic, should be present but not overdone. Sweet, rich, lively, a touch of leanness and pinched tannin and acidity. Impressive but needs time. Drink 2005-2020.
VM 94 (8/2011): (81% cabernet sauvignon, 10% cabernet franc, and 9% merlot; pH 3.69; IPT 60; 12.2% alcohol; 76% new oak; a 79% selection): Bright red with a pale rim. Knockout nose of aromatic herbs, strawberry, sweet spices and acacia flower; yet another wine strongly marked by its cabernet franc presence. Fresh and vibrant, this absolutely dances on the palate with strawberry, sour red cherry and raspberry flavors complicated by gunflint and herbs. High acidity provides great clarity and cut to the long, floral, smoothly tannic finish. This has improved considerably with bottle age. Harvested from September 18 through October 3, this Mouton offers amazing balance and fragrance. In 1990 Mouton was still using a heavy toast for its barriques, which resulted in a smoky quality in the wines that was considered by many to be just as typical of Mouton as its opulence. "But we began turning things back in 1993, as we saw that our 1992 was a little unbalanced from the use of heavily toasted barrels," said Tourbier remarks.
NM 90 (11/2008): This has always been a disappointing Mouton considering the vintage, although this is probably the best bottle, poured at La Paulee in Meursault. It remains rather lean and stalky on the nose, dry on the palate entry with notes of blackberry leaf and mulberry, with touches of tobacco. It is better balanced than I recall, yet it lacks vigour and backbone, as if it is unwilling to go that extra mile and reach the level one expects of Mouton. Not as hollow as other bottles but remaining leafy on the foursquare finish with moderate length, I would definitely opt for the superior ’89. Drink now-2015.
WS 87 (2/2005): This is slightly vegetal now, with some berry and herbal character. Not very impressive. '89/'90 Bordeaux non-blind horizontal. Drink now. 25,000 cases made.
WA 84 (6/2009): For a first-growth, this is an unqualified failure. It’s hard to know what went wrong, but after numerous tastings it is clear that this is a superficial, light Mouton that is already revealing some pink around the edge. Fresh menthol-infused red and black fruit notes are present, but the wine is medium-bodied and dry with an angular, austere finish. Very disappointing. |
|
|
1990 |
Pauillac Very Top Shoulder Fill |
$495 |
1 |
|
| |
MB [***[**]] (3/2001): In 1991 I preferred the 1989 which, of course, had a head start, being a year older. Yet, a matter of two years after bottling it had generated an almost explosively rich, spicy nose; very sweet, full and packed with goodies. Leaping over the next two notes (poor bottles at the Eigensatz tasting), its bouquet was fully developed and its fine texture and length noted (Hollywood Wine Society Mouton presentation, 1998) and a further jump of two years to Penning-Rowsell's '10 year' tasting. Here, alongside its first growth peers, it was still fairly deep coloured; bouquet clamouring to get out, opening up rapturously, though I was too aware of the new oak spiciness- attractive but oak, like garlic, should be present but not overdone. Sweet, rich, lively, a touch of leanness and pinched tannin and acidity. Impressive but needs time. Drink 2005-2020.
VM 94 (8/2011): (81% cabernet sauvignon, 10% cabernet franc, and 9% merlot; pH 3.69; IPT 60; 12.2% alcohol; 76% new oak; a 79% selection): Bright red with a pale rim. Knockout nose of aromatic herbs, strawberry, sweet spices and acacia flower; yet another wine strongly marked by its cabernet franc presence. Fresh and vibrant, this absolutely dances on the palate with strawberry, sour red cherry and raspberry flavors complicated by gunflint and herbs. High acidity provides great clarity and cut to the long, floral, smoothly tannic finish. This has improved considerably with bottle age. Harvested from September 18 through October 3, this Mouton offers amazing balance and fragrance. In 1990 Mouton was still using a heavy toast for its barriques, which resulted in a smoky quality in the wines that was considered by many to be just as typical of Mouton as its opulence. "But we began turning things back in 1993, as we saw that our 1992 was a little unbalanced from the use of heavily toasted barrels," said Tourbier remarks.
NM 90 (11/2008): This has always been a disappointing Mouton considering the vintage, although this is probably the best bottle, poured at La Paulee in Meursault. It remains rather lean and stalky on the nose, dry on the palate entry with notes of blackberry leaf and mulberry, with touches of tobacco. It is better balanced than I recall, yet it lacks vigour and backbone, as if it is unwilling to go that extra mile and reach the level one expects of Mouton. Not as hollow as other bottles but remaining leafy on the foursquare finish with moderate length, I would definitely opt for the superior ’89. Drink now-2015.
WS 87 (2/2005): This is slightly vegetal now, with some berry and herbal character. Not very impressive. '89/'90 Bordeaux non-blind horizontal. Drink now. 25,000 cases made.
WA 84 (6/2009): For a first-growth, this is an unqualified failure. It’s hard to know what went wrong, but after numerous tastings it is clear that this is a superficial, light Mouton that is already revealing some pink around the edge. Fresh menthol-infused red and black fruit notes are present, but the wine is medium-bodied and dry with an angular, austere finish. Very disappointing. |
|
|
1990 |
Pauillac Top Shoulder Fill |
$495 |
1 |
|
| |
MB [***[**]] (3/2001): In 1991 I preferred the 1989 which, of course, had a head start, being a year older. Yet, a matter of two years after bottling it had generated an almost explosively rich, spicy nose; very sweet, full and packed with goodies. Leaping over the next two notes (poor bottles at the Eigensatz tasting), its bouquet was fully developed and its fine texture and length noted (Hollywood Wine Society Mouton presentation, 1998) and a further jump of two years to Penning-Rowsell's '10 year' tasting. Here, alongside its first growth peers, it was still fairly deep coloured; bouquet clamouring to get out, opening up rapturously, though I was too aware of the new oak spiciness- attractive but oak, like garlic, should be present but not overdone. Sweet, rich, lively, a touch of leanness and pinched tannin and acidity. Impressive but needs time. Drink 2005-2020.
VM 94 (8/2011): (81% cabernet sauvignon, 10% cabernet franc, and 9% merlot; pH 3.69; IPT 60; 12.2% alcohol; 76% new oak; a 79% selection): Bright red with a pale rim. Knockout nose of aromatic herbs, strawberry, sweet spices and acacia flower; yet another wine strongly marked by its cabernet franc presence. Fresh and vibrant, this absolutely dances on the palate with strawberry, sour red cherry and raspberry flavors complicated by gunflint and herbs. High acidity provides great clarity and cut to the long, floral, smoothly tannic finish. This has improved considerably with bottle age. Harvested from September 18 through October 3, this Mouton offers amazing balance and fragrance. In 1990 Mouton was still using a heavy toast for its barriques, which resulted in a smoky quality in the wines that was considered by many to be just as typical of Mouton as its opulence. "But we began turning things back in 1993, as we saw that our 1992 was a little unbalanced from the use of heavily toasted barrels," said Tourbier remarks.
NM 90 (11/2008): This has always been a disappointing Mouton considering the vintage, although this is probably the best bottle, poured at La Paulee in Meursault. It remains rather lean and stalky on the nose, dry on the palate entry with notes of blackberry leaf and mulberry, with touches of tobacco. It is better balanced than I recall, yet it lacks vigour and backbone, as if it is unwilling to go that extra mile and reach the level one expects of Mouton. Not as hollow as other bottles but remaining leafy on the foursquare finish with moderate length, I would definitely opt for the superior ’89. Drink now-2015.
WS 87 (2/2005): This is slightly vegetal now, with some berry and herbal character. Not very impressive. '89/'90 Bordeaux non-blind horizontal. Drink now. 25,000 cases made.
WA 84 (6/2009): For a first-growth, this is an unqualified failure. It’s hard to know what went wrong, but after numerous tastings it is clear that this is a superficial, light Mouton that is already revealing some pink around the edge. Fresh menthol-infused red and black fruit notes are present, but the wine is medium-bodied and dry with an angular, austere finish. Very disappointing. |
|
|
1995 |
Pauillac |
$525 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 95 (2/1998): Bottled in June, 1997, this profound Mouton is more accessible than the more muscular 1996. A blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, and 19% Merlot, it reveals an opaque purple color, and reluctant aromas of cassis, truffles, coffee, licorice, and spice. In the mouth, the wine is "great stuff," with superb density, a full-bodied personality, rich mid-palate, and a layered, profound finish that lasts for 40+ seconds. There is Outstanding purity and high tannin, but my instincts suggest this wine is lower in acidity and slightly fleshier than the brawnier, bigger 1996. Both are great efforts from Mouton-Rothschild. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2030.
VM 95 (8/2011): (72% cabernet sauvignon, 19% merlot and 9% cabernet franc; pH 3.68; IPT 64; 12.4% alcohol; 88% new oak; 95% selection for the grand vin): Very dark, fully saturated ruby to the rim. Deep, brooding, rich aromas of blackberry, violet, milk chocolate, black pepper, cedar and incense; sexy and captivating. Bright and focused on entry, then rich, very smooth and suave, with highly concentrated flavors of red berries, dark plum, cedar and graphite. The extremely long, juicy finish features lively acids, great balance and persistent notes of underbrush and minerals. The mounting tannins coat the palate dry and are still years away from resolving fully. Harvested from September 12 through 27, which suggests that the merlot was probably very ripe. According to Tourbier, "We included a bit more merlot than usual because we felt the cabernet sauvignon had particularly tough tannins in 1995 and we didn't want to risk making too tough or structured a wine. So we used the merlot to soften it up a bit." The estate was so happy with the quality of the wine (and the rather high 95% selection for the grand vin speaks volumes), said Tourbier, that they only made 15 barriques of the second wine Petit Mouton, which was launched with the 1993 vintage. A huge volume year, 1995 was characterized by very fine weather through most of the growth cycle but was marred by September rains. Ian d'Agata.
JS 95 (11/2015): This explodes on the nose with prunes, blackberries, mushrooms and fresh tobacco. Full body, ripe tannins and a juicy finish. Big and powerful. Still could do with a decade or more of aging.
WS 94 (12/2007): Aromas of ripe fruit and grilled meat follow through to a full-bodied palate, with velvety tannins and a long caressing finish. Very beautiful wine. Mouton shows finesse yet richness in this vintage.--'95/'96 Bordeaux retrospective. Best after 2007. |
|
|
1995 |
Pauillac |
$545 |
9 |
|
| |
WA 95 (2/1998): Bottled in June, 1997, this profound Mouton is more accessible than the more muscular 1996. A blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, and 19% Merlot, it reveals an opaque purple color, and reluctant aromas of cassis, truffles, coffee, licorice, and spice. In the mouth, the wine is "great stuff," with superb density, a full-bodied personality, rich mid-palate, and a layered, profound finish that lasts for 40+ seconds. There is Outstanding purity and high tannin, but my instincts suggest this wine is lower in acidity and slightly fleshier than the brawnier, bigger 1996. Both are great efforts from Mouton-Rothschild. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2030.
VM 95 (8/2011): (72% cabernet sauvignon, 19% merlot and 9% cabernet franc; pH 3.68; IPT 64; 12.4% alcohol; 88% new oak; 95% selection for the grand vin): Very dark, fully saturated ruby to the rim. Deep, brooding, rich aromas of blackberry, violet, milk chocolate, black pepper, cedar and incense; sexy and captivating. Bright and focused on entry, then rich, very smooth and suave, with highly concentrated flavors of red berries, dark plum, cedar and graphite. The extremely long, juicy finish features lively acids, great balance and persistent notes of underbrush and minerals. The mounting tannins coat the palate dry and are still years away from resolving fully. Harvested from September 12 through 27, which suggests that the merlot was probably very ripe. According to Tourbier, "We included a bit more merlot than usual because we felt the cabernet sauvignon had particularly tough tannins in 1995 and we didn't want to risk making too tough or structured a wine. So we used the merlot to soften it up a bit." The estate was so happy with the quality of the wine (and the rather high 95% selection for the grand vin speaks volumes), said Tourbier, that they only made 15 barriques of the second wine Petit Mouton, which was launched with the 1993 vintage. A huge volume year, 1995 was characterized by very fine weather through most of the growth cycle but was marred by September rains. Ian d'Agata.
JS 95 (11/2015): This explodes on the nose with prunes, blackberries, mushrooms and fresh tobacco. Full body, ripe tannins and a juicy finish. Big and powerful. Still could do with a decade or more of aging.
WS 94 (12/2007): Aromas of ripe fruit and grilled meat follow through to a full-bodied palate, with velvety tannins and a long caressing finish. Very beautiful wine. Mouton shows finesse yet richness in this vintage.--'95/'96 Bordeaux retrospective. Best after 2007. |
|
|
1995 |
Pauillac |
$525 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 95 (2/1998): Bottled in June, 1997, this profound Mouton is more accessible than the more muscular 1996. A blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, and 19% Merlot, it reveals an opaque purple color, and reluctant aromas of cassis, truffles, coffee, licorice, and spice. In the mouth, the wine is "great stuff," with superb density, a full-bodied personality, rich mid-palate, and a layered, profound finish that lasts for 40+ seconds. There is Outstanding purity and high tannin, but my instincts suggest this wine is lower in acidity and slightly fleshier than the brawnier, bigger 1996. Both are great efforts from Mouton-Rothschild. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2030.
VM 95 (8/2011): (72% cabernet sauvignon, 19% merlot and 9% cabernet franc; pH 3.68; IPT 64; 12.4% alcohol; 88% new oak; 95% selection for the grand vin): Very dark, fully saturated ruby to the rim. Deep, brooding, rich aromas of blackberry, violet, milk chocolate, black pepper, cedar and incense; sexy and captivating. Bright and focused on entry, then rich, very smooth and suave, with highly concentrated flavors of red berries, dark plum, cedar and graphite. The extremely long, juicy finish features lively acids, great balance and persistent notes of underbrush and minerals. The mounting tannins coat the palate dry and are still years away from resolving fully. Harvested from September 12 through 27, which suggests that the merlot was probably very ripe. According to Tourbier, "We included a bit more merlot than usual because we felt the cabernet sauvignon had particularly tough tannins in 1995 and we didn't want to risk making too tough or structured a wine. So we used the merlot to soften it up a bit." The estate was so happy with the quality of the wine (and the rather high 95% selection for the grand vin speaks volumes), said Tourbier, that they only made 15 barriques of the second wine Petit Mouton, which was launched with the 1993 vintage. A huge volume year, 1995 was characterized by very fine weather through most of the growth cycle but was marred by September rains. Ian d'Agata.
JS 95 (11/2015): This explodes on the nose with prunes, blackberries, mushrooms and fresh tobacco. Full body, ripe tannins and a juicy finish. Big and powerful. Still could do with a decade or more of aging.
WS 94 (12/2007): Aromas of ripe fruit and grilled meat follow through to a full-bodied palate, with velvety tannins and a long caressing finish. Very beautiful wine. Mouton shows finesse yet richness in this vintage.--'95/'96 Bordeaux retrospective. Best after 2007. |
|
|
1995 |
Pauillac |
$525 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 95 (2/1998): Bottled in June, 1997, this profound Mouton is more accessible than the more muscular 1996. A blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, and 19% Merlot, it reveals an opaque purple color, and reluctant aromas of cassis, truffles, coffee, licorice, and spice. In the mouth, the wine is "great stuff," with superb density, a full-bodied personality, rich mid-palate, and a layered, profound finish that lasts for 40+ seconds. There is Outstanding purity and high tannin, but my instincts suggest this wine is lower in acidity and slightly fleshier than the brawnier, bigger 1996. Both are great efforts from Mouton-Rothschild. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2030.
VM 95 (8/2011): (72% cabernet sauvignon, 19% merlot and 9% cabernet franc; pH 3.68; IPT 64; 12.4% alcohol; 88% new oak; 95% selection for the grand vin): Very dark, fully saturated ruby to the rim. Deep, brooding, rich aromas of blackberry, violet, milk chocolate, black pepper, cedar and incense; sexy and captivating. Bright and focused on entry, then rich, very smooth and suave, with highly concentrated flavors of red berries, dark plum, cedar and graphite. The extremely long, juicy finish features lively acids, great balance and persistent notes of underbrush and minerals. The mounting tannins coat the palate dry and are still years away from resolving fully. Harvested from September 12 through 27, which suggests that the merlot was probably very ripe. According to Tourbier, "We included a bit more merlot than usual because we felt the cabernet sauvignon had particularly tough tannins in 1995 and we didn't want to risk making too tough or structured a wine. So we used the merlot to soften it up a bit." The estate was so happy with the quality of the wine (and the rather high 95% selection for the grand vin speaks volumes), said Tourbier, that they only made 15 barriques of the second wine Petit Mouton, which was launched with the 1993 vintage. A huge volume year, 1995 was characterized by very fine weather through most of the growth cycle but was marred by September rains. Ian d'Agata.
JS 95 (11/2015): This explodes on the nose with prunes, blackberries, mushrooms and fresh tobacco. Full body, ripe tannins and a juicy finish. Big and powerful. Still could do with a decade or more of aging.
WS 94 (12/2007): Aromas of ripe fruit and grilled meat follow through to a full-bodied palate, with velvety tannins and a long caressing finish. Very beautiful wine. Mouton shows finesse yet richness in this vintage.--'95/'96 Bordeaux retrospective. Best after 2007. |
|
|
1995 |
Pauillac |
$525 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 95 (2/1998): Bottled in June, 1997, this profound Mouton is more accessible than the more muscular 1996. A blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, and 19% Merlot, it reveals an opaque purple color, and reluctant aromas of cassis, truffles, coffee, licorice, and spice. In the mouth, the wine is "great stuff," with superb density, a full-bodied personality, rich mid-palate, and a layered, profound finish that lasts for 40+ seconds. There is Outstanding purity and high tannin, but my instincts suggest this wine is lower in acidity and slightly fleshier than the brawnier, bigger 1996. Both are great efforts from Mouton-Rothschild. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2030.
VM 95 (8/2011): (72% cabernet sauvignon, 19% merlot and 9% cabernet franc; pH 3.68; IPT 64; 12.4% alcohol; 88% new oak; 95% selection for the grand vin): Very dark, fully saturated ruby to the rim. Deep, brooding, rich aromas of blackberry, violet, milk chocolate, black pepper, cedar and incense; sexy and captivating. Bright and focused on entry, then rich, very smooth and suave, with highly concentrated flavors of red berries, dark plum, cedar and graphite. The extremely long, juicy finish features lively acids, great balance and persistent notes of underbrush and minerals. The mounting tannins coat the palate dry and are still years away from resolving fully. Harvested from September 12 through 27, which suggests that the merlot was probably very ripe. According to Tourbier, "We included a bit more merlot than usual because we felt the cabernet sauvignon had particularly tough tannins in 1995 and we didn't want to risk making too tough or structured a wine. So we used the merlot to soften it up a bit." The estate was so happy with the quality of the wine (and the rather high 95% selection for the grand vin speaks volumes), said Tourbier, that they only made 15 barriques of the second wine Petit Mouton, which was launched with the 1993 vintage. A huge volume year, 1995 was characterized by very fine weather through most of the growth cycle but was marred by September rains. Ian d'Agata.
JS 95 (11/2015): This explodes on the nose with prunes, blackberries, mushrooms and fresh tobacco. Full body, ripe tannins and a juicy finish. Big and powerful. Still could do with a decade or more of aging.
WS 94 (12/2007): Aromas of ripe fruit and grilled meat follow through to a full-bodied palate, with velvety tannins and a long caressing finish. Very beautiful wine. Mouton shows finesse yet richness in this vintage.--'95/'96 Bordeaux retrospective. Best after 2007. |
|
|
1995 |
Pauillac |
$525 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 95 (2/1998): Bottled in June, 1997, this profound Mouton is more accessible than the more muscular 1996. A blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, and 19% Merlot, it reveals an opaque purple color, and reluctant aromas of cassis, truffles, coffee, licorice, and spice. In the mouth, the wine is "great stuff," with superb density, a full-bodied personality, rich mid-palate, and a layered, profound finish that lasts for 40+ seconds. There is Outstanding purity and high tannin, but my instincts suggest this wine is lower in acidity and slightly fleshier than the brawnier, bigger 1996. Both are great efforts from Mouton-Rothschild. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2030.
VM 95 (8/2011): (72% cabernet sauvignon, 19% merlot and 9% cabernet franc; pH 3.68; IPT 64; 12.4% alcohol; 88% new oak; 95% selection for the grand vin): Very dark, fully saturated ruby to the rim. Deep, brooding, rich aromas of blackberry, violet, milk chocolate, black pepper, cedar and incense; sexy and captivating. Bright and focused on entry, then rich, very smooth and suave, with highly concentrated flavors of red berries, dark plum, cedar and graphite. The extremely long, juicy finish features lively acids, great balance and persistent notes of underbrush and minerals. The mounting tannins coat the palate dry and are still years away from resolving fully. Harvested from September 12 through 27, which suggests that the merlot was probably very ripe. According to Tourbier, "We included a bit more merlot than usual because we felt the cabernet sauvignon had particularly tough tannins in 1995 and we didn't want to risk making too tough or structured a wine. So we used the merlot to soften it up a bit." The estate was so happy with the quality of the wine (and the rather high 95% selection for the grand vin speaks volumes), said Tourbier, that they only made 15 barriques of the second wine Petit Mouton, which was launched with the 1993 vintage. A huge volume year, 1995 was characterized by very fine weather through most of the growth cycle but was marred by September rains. Ian d'Agata.
JS 95 (11/2015): This explodes on the nose with prunes, blackberries, mushrooms and fresh tobacco. Full body, ripe tannins and a juicy finish. Big and powerful. Still could do with a decade or more of aging.
WS 94 (12/2007): Aromas of ripe fruit and grilled meat follow through to a full-bodied palate, with velvety tannins and a long caressing finish. Very beautiful wine. Mouton shows finesse yet richness in this vintage.--'95/'96 Bordeaux retrospective. Best after 2007. |
|
|
1996 |
Pauillac Very Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$545 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 96 (8/2011): (77% cabernet sauvignon, 13% merlot and 10% cabernet franc; pH 3.85; IPT 73; 12.7% alcohol; 83% new oak): Bright ruby with a palish rim. Intense, fragrant aromas of strawberry, iris, coffee, white pepper and bay leaf are lifted by an aromatic spice note; one can recognize the cabernet franc here. Rich, dense and suave, with very pure red fruit, cedar and herb flavors that coat the palate and are nicely carried by vibrant, harmonious acidity. Finishes with Outstanding length, noble tannins and a late spicy, floral kick. This Outstanding Mouton has improved enormously since its release. Tourbier agrees: "We were a little worried initially that this Mouton seemed too rigid, almost austere. Instead, it did a complete turnaround once bottled, surprising us as well." Stephen Tanzer.
WS 96 (12/2007): Incredible nose of ultraripe fruit, it's yet subtle and complex. Full-bodied, with very ripe, almost sweet fruit and a long, long caressing finish. Superb. This is edging out the 1995.--'95/'96 Bordeaux retrospective. Best after 2010.
JS 95 (3/2012): Currants, minerals and flowers on the nose and palate. Full-bodied, with layered tannins and a fresh, clean finish. A beautiful precision to the wine. Drinking beautifully.
NM 95 (5/2011): This is an excellent Mouton-Rothschild that might warrant a higher score if it continues to improve. It has a “classic” Pauillac nose of graphite, pencil shavings and tobacco, later a whiff of a mahogany bureau in a stately home. The palate is medium-bodied with firm, quite austere tannins, but wonderful balance and the tension that the 2000 so badly needs. Very harmonious and youthful towards the finish. It actually reminds me of the 1986 in some ways. Superb.
WA 94 (4/1999): This estate's staff believes that the 1996 Mouton-Rothschild is very complex. I agree that among the first-growths, this wine is showing surprising forwardness and complexity in its aromatics. It possesses an exuberant, flamboyant bouquet of roasted coffee, cassis, smoky oak, and soy sauce. The impressive 1996 Mouton-Rothschild offers impressive aromas of black currants, framboise, coffee, and new saddle leather. This full-bodied, ripe, rich, concentrated, superbly balanced wine is paradoxical in the sense that the aromatics suggest a far more evolved wine than the flavors reveal. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2030. By the way, the 1996 blend consists of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, and 8% Cabernet Franc.
MB [[*****]] (3/2001): As with the other first growth Medocs, one has to book a precise date and time to taste. I usually fall in with Steven Spurrier, so in September 1998, we were allowed to taste their Medoc 'stable', d'Armailhac, Clerc-Milon and the grand vin of the two vintages, '96 and '97. We discussed the wines with Herve Berland who told us that the cepages mix of the '96 grand vin was Cabernet Sauvignon 77%, Merlot 13%, Cabernet Franc 10%. It had an extraordinary nose, toasted mocha; sweet, full, rich, lovely Cabernet flavour and end taste. Indeed I gave it my top mark at the MW tasting in November 2000. Rich extract; a ripe, wonderfully fragrant, 'manifold' nose. Lovely. The following spring, 'mocha' noted again; sweet, chunky, a touch of tannic bitterness. But a fine wine. Drink 2012-2030. |
|
|
1998 |
Pauillac |
$500 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 96 (4/2001): Like many of its peers, the 1998 has filled out spectacularly. Now in the bottle, this opaque black/purple-colored offering has increased in stature, richness, and size. A blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc (57% of the production was utilized), it is an extremely powerful, super-concentrated wine offering notes of roasted espresso, creme de cassis, smoke, new saddle leather, graphite, and licorice. It is massive, with awesome concentration, mouth-searing tannin levels, and a saturated flavor profile that grips the mouth with considerable intensity. This is a 50-year Mouton, but patience will be required as it will not be close to drinkability for at least a decade. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2050.
VM 93+ (8/2011): (86% cabernet sauvignon, 12% merlot and 2% cabernet franc; pH 3.82; IPT 76; 12.3% alcohol; a 57% selection): Very deep saturated ruby. Archetypical cabernet sauvignon-dominated nose offers fresh blackcurrant, lead pencil and flowers complicated by strong spice notes. Bright and juicy on entry, with very pure flavors of dark berries, underbrush and dried herbs, then slightly austere and linear in the middle palate. Finishes with a lingering saline nuance and very good length. A very refined and impeccably balanced Mouton, but I would have liked a little bit more concentration and opulence for an even higher score. This classic Mouton possesses relatively high acidity and a solid tannic structure; it offers early accessibility but should age effortlessly for another 15 or 20 years. In 1998, after a couple years of experimentation, Mouton began to de-leaf in a systematic fashion on both sides of the vine rows. Another vintage with a large crop, 1998 featured an unsettled September with rain falling during the cabernet sauvignon harvest (one of the reasons why 1998 is widely considered a Right Bank year.) Ian d'Agata.
NM 92 (11/2010): Tasted at the Claret Club Mouton-Rothschild dinner. The 1998 Mouton has a very deep garnet hue. The nose has good intensity and fine definition with blackberry, cassis, graphite and a touch of sous-bois. The palate is tight at first..."a dense ball of Pauillac stubbornness" are the exact words that I wrote. But it unwinds nicely: graphite and cedar interlacing the black fruit, almost brutal towards the finish that needs more persistency. This will been another 4-5 years in bottle.
WS 91 (12/2009): Blackberry and violets on the nose, with hints of roses. Sweet tobacco too. Full-bodied, with a solid core of fruit and round tannins. A little tight and reserved now. Give it time.—'88/'98 Bordeaux blind retrospective. Best after 2011. 22,915 cases made.
JS 91 (11/2015): This is spicy and peppery with dried fruits and currants. It's full and velvety on the palate, showing pretty berries and toasted coffee beans. Long, long finish. |
|
|
1998 |
Pauillac |
$500 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 96 (4/2001): Like many of its peers, the 1998 has filled out spectacularly. Now in the bottle, this opaque black/purple-colored offering has increased in stature, richness, and size. A blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc (57% of the production was utilized), it is an extremely powerful, super-concentrated wine offering notes of roasted espresso, creme de cassis, smoke, new saddle leather, graphite, and licorice. It is massive, with awesome concentration, mouth-searing tannin levels, and a saturated flavor profile that grips the mouth with considerable intensity. This is a 50-year Mouton, but patience will be required as it will not be close to drinkability for at least a decade. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2050.
VM 93+ (8/2011): (86% cabernet sauvignon, 12% merlot and 2% cabernet franc; pH 3.82; IPT 76; 12.3% alcohol; a 57% selection): Very deep saturated ruby. Archetypical cabernet sauvignon-dominated nose offers fresh blackcurrant, lead pencil and flowers complicated by strong spice notes. Bright and juicy on entry, with very pure flavors of dark berries, underbrush and dried herbs, then slightly austere and linear in the middle palate. Finishes with a lingering saline nuance and very good length. A very refined and impeccably balanced Mouton, but I would have liked a little bit more concentration and opulence for an even higher score. This classic Mouton possesses relatively high acidity and a solid tannic structure; it offers early accessibility but should age effortlessly for another 15 or 20 years. In 1998, after a couple years of experimentation, Mouton began to de-leaf in a systematic fashion on both sides of the vine rows. Another vintage with a large crop, 1998 featured an unsettled September with rain falling during the cabernet sauvignon harvest (one of the reasons why 1998 is widely considered a Right Bank year.) Ian d'Agata.
NM 92 (11/2010): Tasted at the Claret Club Mouton-Rothschild dinner. The 1998 Mouton has a very deep garnet hue. The nose has good intensity and fine definition with blackberry, cassis, graphite and a touch of sous-bois. The palate is tight at first..."a dense ball of Pauillac stubbornness" are the exact words that I wrote. But it unwinds nicely: graphite and cedar interlacing the black fruit, almost brutal towards the finish that needs more persistency. This will been another 4-5 years in bottle.
WS 91 (12/2009): Blackberry and violets on the nose, with hints of roses. Sweet tobacco too. Full-bodied, with a solid core of fruit and round tannins. A little tight and reserved now. Give it time.—'88/'98 Bordeaux blind retrospective. Best after 2011. 22,915 cases made.
JS 91 (11/2015): This is spicy and peppery with dried fruits and currants. It's full and velvety on the palate, showing pretty berries and toasted coffee beans. Long, long finish. |
|
|
1998 |
Pauillac |
$500 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 96 (4/2001): Like many of its peers, the 1998 has filled out spectacularly. Now in the bottle, this opaque black/purple-colored offering has increased in stature, richness, and size. A blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc (57% of the production was utilized), it is an extremely powerful, super-concentrated wine offering notes of roasted espresso, creme de cassis, smoke, new saddle leather, graphite, and licorice. It is massive, with awesome concentration, mouth-searing tannin levels, and a saturated flavor profile that grips the mouth with considerable intensity. This is a 50-year Mouton, but patience will be required as it will not be close to drinkability for at least a decade. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2050.
VM 93+ (8/2011): (86% cabernet sauvignon, 12% merlot and 2% cabernet franc; pH 3.82; IPT 76; 12.3% alcohol; a 57% selection): Very deep saturated ruby. Archetypical cabernet sauvignon-dominated nose offers fresh blackcurrant, lead pencil and flowers complicated by strong spice notes. Bright and juicy on entry, with very pure flavors of dark berries, underbrush and dried herbs, then slightly austere and linear in the middle palate. Finishes with a lingering saline nuance and very good length. A very refined and impeccably balanced Mouton, but I would have liked a little bit more concentration and opulence for an even higher score. This classic Mouton possesses relatively high acidity and a solid tannic structure; it offers early accessibility but should age effortlessly for another 15 or 20 years. In 1998, after a couple years of experimentation, Mouton began to de-leaf in a systematic fashion on both sides of the vine rows. Another vintage with a large crop, 1998 featured an unsettled September with rain falling during the cabernet sauvignon harvest (one of the reasons why 1998 is widely considered a Right Bank year.) Ian d'Agata.
NM 92 (11/2010): Tasted at the Claret Club Mouton-Rothschild dinner. The 1998 Mouton has a very deep garnet hue. The nose has good intensity and fine definition with blackberry, cassis, graphite and a touch of sous-bois. The palate is tight at first..."a dense ball of Pauillac stubbornness" are the exact words that I wrote. But it unwinds nicely: graphite and cedar interlacing the black fruit, almost brutal towards the finish that needs more persistency. This will been another 4-5 years in bottle.
WS 91 (12/2009): Blackberry and violets on the nose, with hints of roses. Sweet tobacco too. Full-bodied, with a solid core of fruit and round tannins. A little tight and reserved now. Give it time.—'88/'98 Bordeaux blind retrospective. Best after 2011. 22,915 cases made.
JS 91 (11/2015): This is spicy and peppery with dried fruits and currants. It's full and velvety on the palate, showing pretty berries and toasted coffee beans. Long, long finish. |
|
|
2004 |
Pauillac Nicked Label |
$400 |
1 |
|
| |
NM 93 (2/2011): It is probably unfair to appraise this wine with more mature siblings. It has a deep garnet core. There is good intensity on the nose with cedar, tobacco, pine forest and blackberry leaf. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins, quite masculine and obdurate at the moment with a grainy, austere finish. Moderate length. It needs to muster more charm but I remain cautiously optimistic.
WS 93 (3/2007): Beautiful aromas of crushed berries and chocolate, with hints of Indian spices. Full-bodied, with silky, velvety tannins and a long, caressing finish. A lovely wine for the vintage. This is the first wine from the new winemaking team at Mouton and is showing really well. Best after 2011. 23,000 cases made.
WA 92+ (6/2007): I can’t say much for the painting by Prince Charles on the label, but what’s in the bottle is a powerful, classic, dense ruby/purple-hued Mouton with a full-bodied style, brutal tannin, impressive concentration, and a primordial backwardness that will require 10-15 years of cellaring. Built along the lines of a modern day 1966 or 1988, the 2004 reveals plenty of power and concentration, but the biting tannins will preclude any enjoyable consumption over the next decade. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2035.
VM 92 (6/2007): Good full ruby-red. Expressive aromas of currant, coffee, dark chocolate, tobacco, mocha and smoked meat. Juicy, spicy and classically dry; rather tight and backward for 2004 and not a particularly fleshy style, even if it's nicely sweetened by nutty oak. But this boasts excellent precision and verve and the aromatic finishing flavors build slowly and steadily. Firm acids and tannins give this plenty of backbone for development in bottle. With extended aeration, the texture became silkier. |
|
|
2004 |
Pauillac Very Lightly Scuffed Label |
$450 |
2 |
|
| |
NM 93 (2/2011): It is probably unfair to appraise this wine with more mature siblings. It has a deep garnet core. There is good intensity on the nose with cedar, tobacco, pine forest and blackberry leaf. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins, quite masculine and obdurate at the moment with a grainy, austere finish. Moderate length. It needs to muster more charm but I remain cautiously optimistic.
WS 93 (3/2007): Beautiful aromas of crushed berries and chocolate, with hints of Indian spices. Full-bodied, with silky, velvety tannins and a long, caressing finish. A lovely wine for the vintage. This is the first wine from the new winemaking team at Mouton and is showing really well. Best after 2011. 23,000 cases made.
WA 92+ (6/2007): I can’t say much for the painting by Prince Charles on the label, but what’s in the bottle is a powerful, classic, dense ruby/purple-hued Mouton with a full-bodied style, brutal tannin, impressive concentration, and a primordial backwardness that will require 10-15 years of cellaring. Built along the lines of a modern day 1966 or 1988, the 2004 reveals plenty of power and concentration, but the biting tannins will preclude any enjoyable consumption over the next decade. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2035.
VM 92 (6/2007): Good full ruby-red. Expressive aromas of currant, coffee, dark chocolate, tobacco, mocha and smoked meat. Juicy, spicy and classically dry; rather tight and backward for 2004 and not a particularly fleshy style, even if it's nicely sweetened by nutty oak. But this boasts excellent precision and verve and the aromatic finishing flavors build slowly and steadily. Firm acids and tannins give this plenty of backbone for development in bottle. With extended aeration, the texture became silkier. |
|
| Ch. Pedesclaux |
2010 |
Pauillac |
$65 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Ch. Pichon-Longueville Baron |
2002 |
Pauillac |
$135 |
2 |
|
| |
WS 93 (3/2005): Dense aromas of licorice, tobacco, cedar and currants. Subtle yet complex. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a rich, long finish. Very pretty. One of the best from Pauillac this year, and clearly better than 2001. One of the surprises of the vintage. Best after 2008. 20,000 cases made.
VM 91+ (6/2005): Good ruby-red. Complex nose melds blackcurrant, minerals, graphite, tobacco and licorice. Densely packed and youthfully closed, but also lush and generous, with sweet flavors of currant, tobacco, earth and spices shaped by firm acids. As sweet as this is, it's also very firmly structured and serious. Offers Outstanding palate coverage on the back.
WA 89 (4/2005): This is an elegant, deep ruby-colored wine with notes of sweet cassis, cedar wood, and tobacco with a hint of chocolate in the background. It is a layered, moderately weighty wine with pretty, even understated fruit flavors, excellent concentration, and a long finish with relatively ripe tannin. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2016. |
|
|
2002 |
Pauillac |
$135 |
1 |
|
| |
WS 93 (3/2005): Dense aromas of licorice, tobacco, cedar and currants. Subtle yet complex. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a rich, long finish. Very pretty. One of the best from Pauillac this year, and clearly better than 2001. One of the surprises of the vintage. Best after 2008. 20,000 cases made.
VM 91+ (6/2005): Good ruby-red. Complex nose melds blackcurrant, minerals, graphite, tobacco and licorice. Densely packed and youthfully closed, but also lush and generous, with sweet flavors of currant, tobacco, earth and spices shaped by firm acids. As sweet as this is, it's also very firmly structured and serious. Offers Outstanding palate coverage on the back.
WA 89 (4/2005): This is an elegant, deep ruby-colored wine with notes of sweet cassis, cedar wood, and tobacco with a hint of chocolate in the background. It is a layered, moderately weighty wine with pretty, even understated fruit flavors, excellent concentration, and a long finish with relatively ripe tannin. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2016. |
|
|
2016 |
Pauillac (3.0 L) ex-Negociant |
$749 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 97 (2/2019): The 2016 Château Pichon-Longueville Baron is beauty and is a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot that was brought up in 80% new French oak. Tasting like a hypothetical mix of the 2009 and 2010, its deep purple color is followed by a powerful yet sensationally pure bouquet of crème de cassis, blackberries, lead pencil shavings, and graphite, and is just about as quintessentially Pauillac as it gets. Full-bodied, fleshy and even a touch flamboyant, it has sweet tannins and a monster texture that coats the palate. Count me in as a huge fan. This fabulous wine will be relatively approachable in just 3-5 years but will age for 30 years or more.
WA 97 (11/2018): Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Pichon-Longueville Baron offers a suave and seductive nose of warm red and black currants, black plum preserves, truffles, tapenade and rose hip tea with touches of sandalwood and Chinese five spice plus a waft of iron ore. Medium to full-bodied, firmly structured and packed with mineral and exotic spice-laced black fruits, it finishes very long with compelling herbal sparks.
VM 96 (1/2019): The 2016 Pichon Baron is seamless and racy from start to finish. Sensual and super-expressive, with soft contours, silky tannins and exceptional finesse, Pichon Baron is one of the more accessible wines in its peer group today. Plum, mocha, leather, spice and chocolate all build effortlessly. As outstanding as Pichon Baron is, the 2016 gives the impression it is playing things safe. It would be nice to see a little more daring and risk. Antonio Galloni.
WS 96 (3/2019): (WS #8 wine of 2019) This gushes with dark fig and black currant compote flavors backed by lively sweet tobacco and singed alder edges. Very fleshy in feel, though there's ample grip to keep this red grounded, echoing with tar and humus accents through the finish. A thumper. Best from 2025 through 2040. 13,500 cases made.
JS 99 (1/2019): The concentration and largesse of the 2016 Pichon Baron is apparent from the get-go with incredibly alluring, ripe and expansive fruit aromas in the blackberry, dark-cherry, mulberry and plum zone. Espresso and cedar, as well as a slate-like, stony mineral edge add complexity. The palate has incredible depth, drive and detail. Fine and plush tannins stretch the palate in every direction. So fresh and vivacious, this is the greatest Pichon Baron since 1989 and has a long future. Try from 2024. |
|
| Ch. Pichon-Longueville Lalande |
1970 |
Pauillac |
$225 |
1 |
|
| |
WS 94 (11/1997): One of the wines of the tasting. Fresh and complex, generous in character, with lovely dried cherry and spice aromas that follow through on the palate. Full-bodied, with concentrated fruit and firm tannins, this has a long life ahead.--Pichon-Lalande vertical.
MB [***] (5/1997): Delicious cask sample in 1972 and quite a few good notes since. Certainly very flavoury, showing at its best in the mid- to late 1980s. A jeorboam in 1994 with a rich, tangy bouquet but with strange tarry taste. More recently, a bottle showing its age (like me). Very drinkable.
NM 88 (12/2008): Tasted at the Fine Wine Experience’s Pichon-Lalande vertical in London. This has a dark mahogany core with a tawny rim. The nose is masculine, delineated and meaty, with scents of hot bricks, gravel, tar and earth. Very good vigour and lift with just the right amount of leafiness. The palate is medium-bodied, very well balanced and one of the few 1970 Left Banks to have a degree of elegance and refinement (though not femininity.) It falls apart a little on the disjointed, mushroomy and slightly volatile, brown sugar-tinged finish and given previous bottles, perhaps a wine that has passed its peak but I suspect there are better bottles out there.
WA 87 (6/1996): Based on this tasting, the 1970 Pichon-Lalande appears to be losing its fruit and is in decline. The color revealed considerable rust and amber. The wine exhibited some vegetal, tobacco, cedary, blackcurrant scents, but on the palate the sweet fruit in the attack quickly dissipated to reveal acidity, tannin, and alcohol, as well as a tough finish. I have had better examples, but this wine has been fully mature for many years. It may be fading more quickly than I would have thought. |
|
|
1988 |
Pauillac |
$175 |
1 |
|
| |
MB [****] (10/2001): This was about the time of the 'battle royal', with May de Lenquesaing complaining that by dropping its title, Baron, Pichon Longueville might lead people to think that La Comtesse de Lalande was its second wine! Or words, cross words, to that effect. To make matters worse, the new boys across the road were making rather good wine. Although Lalande was not at first as immediately impressive as Baron, my most recent three notes have been consistently complimentary, each one enging 'a good '88'. Two notes in its tenth year, first lunching at Ch. Brane-Cantenac and, three months later, at the Christie's '88s masterclass: richly coloured; good fruit, a whiff of lavender and 'sea breeze'; mouthfilling, sweet, masked tannin. Two recent notes: mahogany-rimmed maturity; sweet, fleshy. A good ripe '88. 'Delicious now'. Drink now-2012.
WA 90 (5/1993): One of the stars of the vintage, the 1988 has evolved beautifully. Dark ruby, with a full-intensity bouquet of black plums, herbs, and currants, a silky smooth texture, and full body, it is one of the most highly extracted wines of the vintage. Seductively precocious, it should drink superbly over the next 10-15 years. Anticipated maturity: Now-2008. |
|
|
1988 |
Pauillac |
$175 |
1 |
|
| |
MB [****] (10/2001): This was about the time of the 'battle royal', with May de Lenquesaing complaining that by dropping its title, Baron, Pichon Longueville might lead people to think that La Comtesse de Lalande was its second wine! Or words, cross words, to that effect. To make matters worse, the new boys across the road were making rather good wine. Although Lalande was not at first as immediately impressive as Baron, my most recent three notes have been consistently complimentary, each one enging 'a good '88'. Two notes in its tenth year, first lunching at Ch. Brane-Cantenac and, three months later, at the Christie's '88s masterclass: richly coloured; good fruit, a whiff of lavender and 'sea breeze'; mouthfilling, sweet, masked tannin. Two recent notes: mahogany-rimmed maturity; sweet, fleshy. A good ripe '88. 'Delicious now'. Drink now-2012.
WA 90 (5/1993): One of the stars of the vintage, the 1988 has evolved beautifully. Dark ruby, with a full-intensity bouquet of black plums, herbs, and currants, a silky smooth texture, and full body, it is one of the most highly extracted wines of the vintage. Seductively precocious, it should drink superbly over the next 10-15 years. Anticipated maturity: Now-2008. |
|
|
1988 |
Pauillac |
$175 |
2 |
|
| |
MB [****] (10/2001): This was about the time of the 'battle royal', with May de Lenquesaing complaining that by dropping its title, Baron, Pichon Longueville might lead people to think that La Comtesse de Lalande was its second wine! Or words, cross words, to that effect. To make matters worse, the new boys across the road were making rather good wine. Although Lalande was not at first as immediately impressive as Baron, my most recent three notes have been consistently complimentary, each one enging 'a good '88'. Two notes in its tenth year, first lunching at Ch. Brane-Cantenac and, three months later, at the Christie's '88s masterclass: richly coloured; good fruit, a whiff of lavender and 'sea breeze'; mouthfilling, sweet, masked tannin. Two recent notes: mahogany-rimmed maturity; sweet, fleshy. A good ripe '88. 'Delicious now'. Drink now-2012.
WA 90 (5/1993): One of the stars of the vintage, the 1988 has evolved beautifully. Dark ruby, with a full-intensity bouquet of black plums, herbs, and currants, a silky smooth texture, and full body, it is one of the most highly extracted wines of the vintage. Seductively precocious, it should drink superbly over the next 10-15 years. Anticipated maturity: Now-2008. |
|
|
1988 |
Pauillac |
$175 |
1 |
|
| |
MB [****] (10/2001): This was about the time of the 'battle royal', with May de Lenquesaing complaining that by dropping its title, Baron, Pichon Longueville might lead people to think that La Comtesse de Lalande was its second wine! Or words, cross words, to that effect. To make matters worse, the new boys across the road were making rather good wine. Although Lalande was not at first as immediately impressive as Baron, my most recent three notes have been consistently complimentary, each one enging 'a good '88'. Two notes in its tenth year, first lunching at Ch. Brane-Cantenac and, three months later, at the Christie's '88s masterclass: richly coloured; good fruit, a whiff of lavender and 'sea breeze'; mouthfilling, sweet, masked tannin. Two recent notes: mahogany-rimmed maturity; sweet, fleshy. A good ripe '88. 'Delicious now'. Drink now-2012.
WA 90 (5/1993): One of the stars of the vintage, the 1988 has evolved beautifully. Dark ruby, with a full-intensity bouquet of black plums, herbs, and currants, a silky smooth texture, and full body, it is one of the most highly extracted wines of the vintage. Seductively precocious, it should drink superbly over the next 10-15 years. Anticipated maturity: Now-2008. |
|
|
1988 |
Pauillac Base Neck Fill |
$175 |
1 |
|
| |
MB [****] (10/2001): This was about the time of the 'battle royal', with May de Lenquesaing complaining that by dropping its title, Baron, Pichon Longueville might lead people to think that La Comtesse de Lalande was its second wine! Or words, cross words, to that effect. To make matters worse, the new boys across the road were making rather good wine. Although Lalande was not at first as immediately impressive as Baron, my most recent three notes have been consistently complimentary, each one enging 'a good '88'. Two notes in its tenth year, first lunching at Ch. Brane-Cantenac and, three months later, at the Christie's '88s masterclass: richly coloured; good fruit, a whiff of lavender and 'sea breeze'; mouthfilling, sweet, masked tannin. Two recent notes: mahogany-rimmed maturity; sweet, fleshy. A good ripe '88. 'Delicious now'. Drink now-2012.
WA 90 (5/1993): One of the stars of the vintage, the 1988 has evolved beautifully. Dark ruby, with a full-intensity bouquet of black plums, herbs, and currants, a silky smooth texture, and full body, it is one of the most highly extracted wines of the vintage. Seductively precocious, it should drink superbly over the next 10-15 years. Anticipated maturity: Now-2008. |
|
|
1988 |
Pauillac Slightly Raised Cork |
$175 |
1 |
|
| |
MB [****] (10/2001): This was about the time of the 'battle royal', with May de Lenquesaing complaining that by dropping its title, Baron, Pichon Longueville might lead people to think that La Comtesse de Lalande was its second wine! Or words, cross words, to that effect. To make matters worse, the new boys across the road were making rather good wine. Although Lalande was not at first as immediately impressive as Baron, my most recent three notes have been consistently complimentary, each one enging 'a good '88'. Two notes in its tenth year, first lunching at Ch. Brane-Cantenac and, three months later, at the Christie's '88s masterclass: richly coloured; good fruit, a whiff of lavender and 'sea breeze'; mouthfilling, sweet, masked tannin. Two recent notes: mahogany-rimmed maturity; sweet, fleshy. A good ripe '88. 'Delicious now'. Drink now-2012.
WA 90 (5/1993): One of the stars of the vintage, the 1988 has evolved beautifully. Dark ruby, with a full-intensity bouquet of black plums, herbs, and currants, a silky smooth texture, and full body, it is one of the most highly extracted wines of the vintage. Seductively precocious, it should drink superbly over the next 10-15 years. Anticipated maturity: Now-2008. |
|
|
1988 |
Pauillac |
$175 |
1 |
|
| |
MB [****] (10/2001): This was about the time of the 'battle royal', with May de Lenquesaing complaining that by dropping its title, Baron, Pichon Longueville might lead people to think that La Comtesse de Lalande was its second wine! Or words, cross words, to that effect. To make matters worse, the new boys across the road were making rather good wine. Although Lalande was not at first as immediately impressive as Baron, my most recent three notes have been consistently complimentary, each one enging 'a good '88'. Two notes in its tenth year, first lunching at Ch. Brane-Cantenac and, three months later, at the Christie's '88s masterclass: richly coloured; good fruit, a whiff of lavender and 'sea breeze'; mouthfilling, sweet, masked tannin. Two recent notes: mahogany-rimmed maturity; sweet, fleshy. A good ripe '88. 'Delicious now'. Drink now-2012.
WA 90 (5/1993): One of the stars of the vintage, the 1988 has evolved beautifully. Dark ruby, with a full-intensity bouquet of black plums, herbs, and currants, a silky smooth texture, and full body, it is one of the most highly extracted wines of the vintage. Seductively precocious, it should drink superbly over the next 10-15 years. Anticipated maturity: Now-2008. |
|
|
1988 |
Pauillac |
$175 |
1 |
|
| |
MB [****] (10/2001): This was about the time of the 'battle royal', with May de Lenquesaing complaining that by dropping its title, Baron, Pichon Longueville might lead people to think that La Comtesse de Lalande was its second wine! Or words, cross words, to that effect. To make matters worse, the new boys across the road were making rather good wine. Although Lalande was not at first as immediately impressive as Baron, my most recent three notes have been consistently complimentary, each one enging 'a good '88'. Two notes in its tenth year, first lunching at Ch. Brane-Cantenac and, three months later, at the Christie's '88s masterclass: richly coloured; good fruit, a whiff of lavender and 'sea breeze'; mouthfilling, sweet, masked tannin. Two recent notes: mahogany-rimmed maturity; sweet, fleshy. A good ripe '88. 'Delicious now'. Drink now-2012.
WA 90 (5/1993): One of the stars of the vintage, the 1988 has evolved beautifully. Dark ruby, with a full-intensity bouquet of black plums, herbs, and currants, a silky smooth texture, and full body, it is one of the most highly extracted wines of the vintage. Seductively precocious, it should drink superbly over the next 10-15 years. Anticipated maturity: Now-2008. |
|
|
1988 |
Pauillac |
$175 |
1 |
|
| |
MB [****] (10/2001): This was about the time of the 'battle royal', with May de Lenquesaing complaining that by dropping its title, Baron, Pichon Longueville might lead people to think that La Comtesse de Lalande was its second wine! Or words, cross words, to that effect. To make matters worse, the new boys across the road were making rather good wine. Although Lalande was not at first as immediately impressive as Baron, my most recent three notes have been consistently complimentary, each one enging 'a good '88'. Two notes in its tenth year, first lunching at Ch. Brane-Cantenac and, three months later, at the Christie's '88s masterclass: richly coloured; good fruit, a whiff of lavender and 'sea breeze'; mouthfilling, sweet, masked tannin. Two recent notes: mahogany-rimmed maturity; sweet, fleshy. A good ripe '88. 'Delicious now'. Drink now-2012.
WA 90 (5/1993): One of the stars of the vintage, the 1988 has evolved beautifully. Dark ruby, with a full-intensity bouquet of black plums, herbs, and currants, a silky smooth texture, and full body, it is one of the most highly extracted wines of the vintage. Seductively precocious, it should drink superbly over the next 10-15 years. Anticipated maturity: Now-2008. |
|
|
1989 |
Pauillac |
$225 |
1 |
|
| |
MB [*****] (10/2000): After a shaky start, a poor cask sample, eight subsequent notes, all good, from a really lovely mouthful, luscious and elegant (Christie's masterclass, March 1995). Later the same month at a comoparative tasting in Brussels, softer, richer, more mouthwatering than Palmer. Most recently, still deep but mature looking; marvellous, rich, ripe fruit on the nose and palate. Fleshy, even plump, soft tannins.
WS 95 (12/2014): This has entered its secondary phase, with alluring notes of black tea, steeped plum, mulled spice and warm pain d'épices emerging from the core of supple plum, cassis and black cherry fruit. The long, fine-grained finish lets a perfumy singed cedar accent linger. A beauty.
VM 93 (7/2002): Full, deep red. Flamboyant aromas of cassis, currant leaf, tobacco, herbs and animal fur. Sweet, lush and lively; already showing lovely inner-mouth aromatic character. Finishes long, strong and lively, with firm tannins and slow-mounting persistence. Earlier bottles of this wine appeared to be a bit more exotic, even slightly animal, but this offers a lovely combination of purity and sheer ripeness. Drink over the next 15 years.
WA 93 (5/2002): Approaching full maturity, Pichon-Lalande’s1989 has a deep ruby/plum color with some lightening at the edge. The nose offers sweet plums and creme de cassis intermixed with vanilla and graphite. The wine is lush, medium to full-bodied, and layered with texture, low acidity, sweet tannin, and the hallmark purity and elegance this estate routinely produces. Some tannins remain, but this wine has reached its plateau of maturity, where it should remain for another 10-15 years. Anticipated maturity: Now-2017.
NM 92 (3/2012): Tasted at the Chapon Fin restaurant in Bordeaux. This is a far better bottle than the one encountered last year and bore semblances to my more positive encounters several years ago. Here, the 1989 has that lovely bouquet of black fruits, black tea and loam, that blossoms from the glass with continued aeration. The palate has very well balanced, the tannins having mellowed in recent years with tobacco and mushroom towards the finish. This just has much more vigour than I anticipated, much more cohesion. Very fine indeed. A point. |
|
|
1989 |
Pauillac Very Top-Shoulder Fill; Corroded Capsule |
$295 |
3 |
|
| |
MB [*****] (10/2000): After a shaky start, a poor cask sample, eight subsequent notes, all good, from a really lovely mouthful, luscious and elegant (Christie's masterclass, March 1995). Later the same month at a comoparative tasting in Brussels, softer, richer, more mouthwatering than Palmer. Most recently, still deep but mature looking; marvellous, rich, ripe fruit on the nose and palate. Fleshy, even plump, soft tannins.
WS 95 (12/2014): This has entered its secondary phase, with alluring notes of black tea, steeped plum, mulled spice and warm pain d'épices emerging from the core of supple plum, cassis and black cherry fruit. The long, fine-grained finish lets a perfumy singed cedar accent linger. A beauty.
VM 93 (7/2002): Full, deep red. Flamboyant aromas of cassis, currant leaf, tobacco, herbs and animal fur. Sweet, lush and lively; already showing lovely inner-mouth aromatic character. Finishes long, strong and lively, with firm tannins and slow-mounting persistence. Earlier bottles of this wine appeared to be a bit more exotic, even slightly animal, but this offers a lovely combination of purity and sheer ripeness. Drink over the next 15 years.
WA 93 (5/2002): Approaching full maturity, Pichon-Lalande’s1989 has a deep ruby/plum color with some lightening at the edge. The nose offers sweet plums and creme de cassis intermixed with vanilla and graphite. The wine is lush, medium to full-bodied, and layered with texture, low acidity, sweet tannin, and the hallmark purity and elegance this estate routinely produces. Some tannins remain, but this wine has reached its plateau of maturity, where it should remain for another 10-15 years. Anticipated maturity: Now-2017.
NM 92 (3/2012): Tasted at the Chapon Fin restaurant in Bordeaux. This is a far better bottle than the one encountered last year and bore semblances to my more positive encounters several years ago. Here, the 1989 has that lovely bouquet of black fruits, black tea and loam, that blossoms from the glass with continued aeration. The palate has very well balanced, the tannins having mellowed in recent years with tobacco and mushroom towards the finish. This just has much more vigour than I anticipated, much more cohesion. Very fine indeed. A point. |
|
|
1989 |
Pauillac |
$295 |
1 |
|
| |
MB [*****] (10/2000): After a shaky start, a poor cask sample, eight subsequent notes, all good, from a really lovely mouthful, luscious and elegant (Christie's masterclass, March 1995). Later the same month at a comoparative tasting in Brussels, softer, richer, more mouthwatering than Palmer. Most recently, still deep but mature looking; marvellous, rich, ripe fruit on the nose and palate. Fleshy, even plump, soft tannins.
WS 95 (12/2014): This has entered its secondary phase, with alluring notes of black tea, steeped plum, mulled spice and warm pain d'épices emerging from the core of supple plum, cassis and black cherry fruit. The long, fine-grained finish lets a perfumy singed cedar accent linger. A beauty.
VM 93 (7/2002): Full, deep red. Flamboyant aromas of cassis, currant leaf, tobacco, herbs and animal fur. Sweet, lush and lively; already showing lovely inner-mouth aromatic character. Finishes long, strong and lively, with firm tannins and slow-mounting persistence. Earlier bottles of this wine appeared to be a bit more exotic, even slightly animal, but this offers a lovely combination of purity and sheer ripeness. Drink over the next 15 years.
WA 93 (5/2002): Approaching full maturity, Pichon-Lalande’s1989 has a deep ruby/plum color with some lightening at the edge. The nose offers sweet plums and creme de cassis intermixed with vanilla and graphite. The wine is lush, medium to full-bodied, and layered with texture, low acidity, sweet tannin, and the hallmark purity and elegance this estate routinely produces. Some tannins remain, but this wine has reached its plateau of maturity, where it should remain for another 10-15 years. Anticipated maturity: Now-2017.
NM 92 (3/2012): Tasted at the Chapon Fin restaurant in Bordeaux. This is a far better bottle than the one encountered last year and bore semblances to my more positive encounters several years ago. Here, the 1989 has that lovely bouquet of black fruits, black tea and loam, that blossoms from the glass with continued aeration. The palate has very well balanced, the tannins having mellowed in recent years with tobacco and mushroom towards the finish. This just has much more vigour than I anticipated, much more cohesion. Very fine indeed. A point. |
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1989 |
Pauillac Top-Shoulder Fill |
$325 |
1 |
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MB [*****] (10/2000): After a shaky start, a poor cask sample, eight subsequent notes, all good, from a really lovely mouthful, luscious and elegant (Christie's masterclass, March 1995). Later the same month at a comoparative tasting in Brussels, softer, richer, more mouthwatering than Palmer. Most recently, still deep but mature looking; marvellous, rich, ripe fruit on the nose and palate. Fleshy, even plump, soft tannins.
WS 95 (12/2014): This has entered its secondary phase, with alluring notes of black tea, steeped plum, mulled spice and warm pain d'épices emerging from the core of supple plum, cassis and black cherry fruit. The long, fine-grained finish lets a perfumy singed cedar accent linger. A beauty.
VM 93 (7/2002): Full, deep red. Flamboyant aromas of cassis, currant leaf, tobacco, herbs and animal fur. Sweet, lush and lively; already showing lovely inner-mouth aromatic character. Finishes long, strong and lively, with firm tannins and slow-mounting persistence. Earlier bottles of this wine appeared to be a bit more exotic, even slightly animal, but this offers a lovely combination of purity and sheer ripeness. Drink over the next 15 years.
WA 93 (5/2002): Approaching full maturity, Pichon-Lalande’s1989 has a deep ruby/plum color with some lightening at the edge. The nose offers sweet plums and creme de cassis intermixed with vanilla and graphite. The wine is lush, medium to full-bodied, and layered with texture, low acidity, sweet tannin, and the hallmark purity and elegance this estate routinely produces. Some tannins remain, but this wine has reached its plateau of maturity, where it should remain for another 10-15 years. Anticipated maturity: Now-2017.
NM 92 (3/2012): Tasted at the Chapon Fin restaurant in Bordeaux. This is a far better bottle than the one encountered last year and bore semblances to my more positive encounters several years ago. Here, the 1989 has that lovely bouquet of black fruits, black tea and loam, that blossoms from the glass with continued aeration. The palate has very well balanced, the tannins having mellowed in recent years with tobacco and mushroom towards the finish. This just has much more vigour than I anticipated, much more cohesion. Very fine indeed. A point. |
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1995 |
Pauillac |
$220 |
1 |
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WA 96 (2/1998): What sumptuous pleasures await those who purchase either the 1996 or 1995 Pichon-Lalande. It is hard to choose a favorite, although the 1995 is a smoother, more immediately sexy and accessible wine. It is an exquisite example of Pichon-Lalande with the Merlot component giving the wine a coffee/chocolaty/cherry component to go along with the Cabernet Sauvignon's and Cabernet Franc's complex blackberry/cassis fruit. The wine possesses an opaque black/ruby/purple color, and sexy, flamboyant aromatics of pain grille, black fruits, and cedar. Exquisite on the palate, this full-bodied, layered, multidimensional wine should prove to be one of the vintage's most extraordinary success stories. Anticipated maturity: 2001-2020.
WS 94 (7/2014): Offers a juicy, lively core of plum, cassis and blackberry, studded with anise, violet and singed vanilla notes. Everything pulls together seamlessly on the finish, with a well-embedded graphite spine. Sneakily long. Drink now through 2035.
JS 93 (6/2016): Château Pichon Longueville Baron Pauillac 1995 : This is surprisingly delicate and fine now with currant and spice character and hints nuts. It is full body with refined texture and a beautiful finish. No reason to wait on this red. It's ready to drink.
NM 92 (3/2012): Tasted at the Chapon Fin restaurant in Bordeaux. I have not tasted this for three of four years. Tasted against the 1996, I don’t think it has the breeding or ambition as that vintage, but it is certainly coming into its own. The Cabernet Franc is less pronounced on this bottle, but there remains a savour, dried blood tincture right in the background. The palate is medium-bodied and just a little herbaceous, yet there is undoubtedly sufficient fruit here to render this a very enjoyable Pauillac, armed with that seductive tobacco-tinged finish. Superb – but will last 15-20 years. |
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2002 |
Pauillac |
$130 |
1 |
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WA 94 (4/2005): One of the best wines of the vintage, this is a classic Pauillac that is a blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Petit Verdot. Dense ruby/purple in color with a glorious nose of melted licorice, lavender, barbecue smoke, black currants, and graphite, the wine is tannic, classically structured with an opaque ruby/purple color, beautiful definition, and a 1996-ish personality. This deep, full-bodied, elegant yet powerful 2002 should age handsomely for over two decades. Some patience will be required since this vintage exhibits more muscle and virility than normal. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2025.
VM 92+ (6/2005): Good deep ruby-red. Inky aromas of currant, black cherry, minerals and smoky oak. Tightly wound but not at all hard. The flavors of black fruits, minerals and graphite are enlivened by bright acidity (3.56 grams). A very classy wine with sneaky depth of flavor, in a distinctly cooler style than the 2003 but built to age.
WS 91 (3/2005): Aromas of blackberries, cassis with fresh mushrooms and licorice. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long, refined finish. Slightly austere now but should come around very nicely. Best after 2007. 15,830 cases made. |
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2002 |
Pauillac |
$130 |
1 |
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WA 94 (4/2005): One of the best wines of the vintage, this is a classic Pauillac that is a blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Petit Verdot. Dense ruby/purple in color with a glorious nose of melted licorice, lavender, barbecue smoke, black currants, and graphite, the wine is tannic, classically structured with an opaque ruby/purple color, beautiful definition, and a 1996-ish personality. This deep, full-bodied, elegant yet powerful 2002 should age handsomely for over two decades. Some patience will be required since this vintage exhibits more muscle and virility than normal. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2025.
VM 92+ (6/2005): Good deep ruby-red. Inky aromas of currant, black cherry, minerals and smoky oak. Tightly wound but not at all hard. The flavors of black fruits, minerals and graphite are enlivened by bright acidity (3.56 grams). A very classy wine with sneaky depth of flavor, in a distinctly cooler style than the 2003 but built to age.
WS 91 (3/2005): Aromas of blackberries, cassis with fresh mushrooms and licorice. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long, refined finish. Slightly austere now but should come around very nicely. Best after 2007. 15,830 cases made. |
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2007 |
Pauillac ex-Negociant |
$162 |
7 |
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NM 90 (11/2011): Tasted blind at the 2007 Bordeaux horizontal in Southwold. I must admit that I am not a great fan of this vintage for Pichon-Lalande, which should be better. The 2007 has a rather leafy bouquet with raspberry, blackberry and a touch of tobacco, although it would benefit from more vigour. The palate is medium-bodied with a spicy entry, not a wine of great breeding but there is good depth of flavour, although the finish is a little linear and one-dimensional. Fine, if you can abide by a little greenness.
WA 89 (4/2010): Pichon Lalande’s 2007 is a seductive, dark ruby/plum-tinged wine displaying sweet cocoa, white chocolate, black currant, and foresty notes, medium body, a velvety texture, and a delicious style. The final blend is 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Drink it over the next decade. |
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2017 |
Pauillac 2017 en Primeur Release |
$129.95 |
10 |
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WA 96 (3/2020): Composed of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, the 2017 Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande has a medium to deep garnet-purple color and is a little closed to begin, soon revealing floral notes of lilacs and lavender over a core of black raspberries, warm blackberries and forest floor plus touches of star anise and stewed black tea. Medium-bodied, the palate is a bundle of energy and tension with softly played tannins and beautiful floral and black fruit layers, finishing with a long-lingering whisper.
WS 96 (3/2020): A sleek, precisely dialed-in Pauillac, with a pure and racy beam of cassis, blackberry and dark plum fruit inlaid with a mouthwatering iron note. A backdrop of singed alder and sweet tobacco waits in reserve, while the finish sails through with great cut. Possesses a regal feel. Best from 2025 through 2040.
JD 95 (2/2020): Pure elegance and class, the 2017 Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse De Lalande checks in as 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot (representing just 50% of the production) that spent 18 months in 60% new barrels. Nicolas Glumineau has done an incredible job at this estate and this wine is consistently one of the classiest, most elegant wines in just about every vintage. Pure Pauillac notes of creme de cassis, lead pencil, green tobacco, and gravelly earth give way to a medium to full-bodied, soft, supple, flawlessly balanced 2017 that shows the more straight, classic style of the vintage. It needs 4-6 years of bottle age and will evolve gracefully for 25+ years or more. Tasted twice.
VM 94 (3/2020): The 2017 Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande is a dark, powerful, somber Pauillac. Dark fruit, grilled herbs, smoke and licorice add to its distinctly brooding personality. In multiple tastings the 2017 has been incredibly tight and shut down. Readers will have to be especially patient. Estate Director Nicolas Glumineau has overseen a number of showy, majestic wines since he arrived at Pichon Comtesse in 2013. The 2017 appears to be cut from a different cloth, as it is incredibly reticent in the early going. Antonio Galloni.
JS 94 (12/2019): A tight, compact young Bordeaux with medium body, polished and round tannins and a medium finish. Not a big wine, but some very classy currant and raspberry character and just a hint of lead pencil and polished structure. Drink after 2022. |
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| Echo de Lynch Bages |
2008 |
Pauillac (375 ML) |
$24 |
12 |
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2008 |
Pauillac (375 ML) |
$24 |
7 |
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| Fleur de Pedesclaux |
2016 |
Pauillac ex-Negociant |
$36.99 |
11 |
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WS 92 (3/2019): An extroverted style, with bold plum and blackberry compote aromas and flavors, infused with anise accents and backed by an alluring finish of toasted vanilla, violet and mocha. On the showy side, but has enough latent drive to keep it honest. Drink now through 2030. 15,167 cases made.
JS 92 (1/2019): Sweet tobacco, currant and dark-berry aromas follow through to a full body, soft and juicy tannins and a flavorful finish. Second wine of Pédesclaux. Drink in 2023.
VM 90 (1/2019): The 2016 Fleur de Pédesclaux has a generous, rounded bouquet of wild strawberry and blackberry fruit mixed with briar and tobacco aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with a pastille-like purity on the entry, displaying fine tannin and light grip but offering ebullient red berry fruit on the detailed finish. This is impressive for a second wine and will probably drink well after a couple of years. Neal Martin. |
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| Les Forts de Latour |
1997 |
Pauillac Bin-Soiled Label |
$170 |
4 |
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| |
| VM 87-88 (5/1999): Good ruby-red. Spicy, slightly roasted red berry, tobacco and black olive aromas. Supple, vinous and nicely delineated; shapely and approachable for this wine. Good ripe finish. Stephen Tanzer. |
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1997 |
Pauillac Bin-Soiled Label |
$170 |
1 |
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| VM 87-88 (5/1999): Good ruby-red. Spicy, slightly roasted red berry, tobacco and black olive aromas. Supple, vinous and nicely delineated; shapely and approachable for this wine. Good ripe finish. Stephen Tanzer. |
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2001 |
Pauillac |
$199 |
1 |
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| WA 90 (6/2004): Increasingly one of Bordeaux’s finest second wines, the lush 2001 Forts de Latour exhibits a personality similar to its bigger sibling. Its deep ruby/plum color is accompanied by aromas of smoke, earth, black currants, and notions of walnuts as well as spice box. Round and generous, it should drink well for 10-12 years. |
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2003 |
Pauillac |
$199 |
2 |
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WS 93 (3/2006): Beautiful aromas of berry, currant and toasted oak. Intense currant character. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a long, intense finish. This is very structured and superclean. Excellent stuff. The second wine of Latour. Best after 2011. 7,000 cases made.
WA 92 (4/2006): The 2003 Les Forts de la Tour possesses a dense ruby/plum/purple color in addition to notions of cold steel, lead pencil shavings, and creme de cassis. Full-bodied, opulent, heady, rich, and lush, it can be drunk now or cellared for 15+ years. What can one say about proprietor Francois Pinault and his manager, Frederic Engerer? A strong argument can be made that in 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2004, Latour produced the wine of the vintage, although it has plenty of competition in the Northern Medoc in 2003. Moreover, the bargains are the estate’s least expensive cuvee, Pauillac, followed by Les Forts de Latour, Latour’s second wine which continues to increase in quality.
VM 91 (6/2006): Deep ruby-red. Wonderfully vinous and sappy for the vintage, with aromas of redcurrant, mineral and spice. Sweet, rich, lush and exotic but with good spice character giving lift to the flavors. A very fine-grained wine that will give relatively early pleasure, but it can't match the 2004 or 2005 for backbone. Finishes dry and classic, with plenty of richness. |
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2004 |
Pauillac |
$171 |
2 |
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VM 91 (6/2007): Deep red. Aromas of blueberry, plum, leather, tobacco and mocha. Sweet, plummy and pliant, with a creamy, fine-grained texture for the vintage. Very plush wine, richer than the 2006 and at least as long. Finishes with big but ripe tannins.
WA 90 (6/2007): The estate’s second wine continues to go from strength to strength. The 2004 Forts de Latour (includes 75% Cabernet Sauvignon) reveals a deep ruby/purple hue, classic evolved cedary, lead pencil, and cassis characteristics, medium body, beautiful sweetness of fruit, and a more forward, evolved character than its big sibling. Enjoy it over the next 15+ years.
WS 90 (3/2007): Lots of mineral, currant and berries on the nose. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and a long finish. A bit austere, but there's enough stuffing to back it up. Best after 2010. |
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2004 |
Pauillac |
$171 |
1 |
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VM 91 (6/2007): Deep red. Aromas of blueberry, plum, leather, tobacco and mocha. Sweet, plummy and pliant, with a creamy, fine-grained texture for the vintage. Very plush wine, richer than the 2006 and at least as long. Finishes with big but ripe tannins.
WA 90 (6/2007): The estate’s second wine continues to go from strength to strength. The 2004 Forts de Latour (includes 75% Cabernet Sauvignon) reveals a deep ruby/purple hue, classic evolved cedary, lead pencil, and cassis characteristics, medium body, beautiful sweetness of fruit, and a more forward, evolved character than its big sibling. Enjoy it over the next 15+ years.
WS 90 (3/2007): Lots of mineral, currant and berries on the nose. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and a long finish. A bit austere, but there's enough stuffing to back it up. Best after 2010. |
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| Les Tourelles de Longueville |
2009 |
Pauillac |
$55 |
1 |
|
| |
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| Reserve de la Comtesse |
2005 |
Pauillac Heavily Scuffed Label; Nicked Label |
$65 |
1 |
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| |
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2015 |
Pauillac |
$50 |
1 |
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2015 |
Pauillac |
$50 |
6 |
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2015 |
Pauillac |
$50 |
1 |
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2015 |
Pauillac |
$50 |
1 |
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| Ch. Bellegrave |
2010 |
Pauillac |
$40 |
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| Ch. Duhart Milon |
2005 |
Pauillac (375 ML) |
$50 |
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Sold Out
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2005 |
Pauillac (375 ML) |
$50 |
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| Ch. Grand Puy Lacoste |
2006 |
Pauillac |
$75 |
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Sold Out
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| Ch. Haut Batailley |
2005 |
Pauillac (375 ML) |
$30 |
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2005 |
Pauillac (375 ML) |
$30 |
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Sold Out
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2005 |
Pauillac (375 ML) |
$30 |
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Sold Out
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2005 |
Pauillac (375 ML) |
$30 |
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Sold Out
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| Ch. La Fleur Peyrabon |
2009 |
Pauillac |
$40 |
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Sold Out
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2009 |
Pauillac |
$40 |
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2009 |
Pauillac |
$40 |
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Sold Out
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| Ch. Lacoste Borie |
2005 |
Pauillac (375 ML) |
$20 |
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2005 |
Pauillac (375 ML) |
$20 |
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Sold Out
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| Ch. Latour |
1982 |
Pauillac Slightly Depressed Cork, Very Top Shoulder Fill, Nicked Label |
$1,650 |
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Sold Out
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| Ch. Lynch Bages |
1970 |
Pauillac Heavily Scuffed Label; Lightly Bin-Soiled Label; Lightly Writing on Label |
$150 |
|
Sold Out
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1981 |
Pauillac |
$100 |
|
Sold Out
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1983 |
Pauillac Top-Shoulder Fill |
$145 |
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Sold Out
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2002 |
Pauillac Bin-Soiled Label |
$130 |
|
Sold Out
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2005 |
Pauillac ex-Negociant |
$185 |
|
Sold Out
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2011 |
Pauillac |
$99 |
|
Sold Out
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| Ch. Mouton-Rothschild |
2014 |
Le Petit Mouton Pauillac |
$209 |
|
Sold Out
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1985 |
Pauillac |
$375 |
|
Sold Out
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| Ch. Pedesclaux |
2010 |
Pauillac |
$65 |
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Sold Out
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2010 |
Pauillac |
$65 |
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Sold Out
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| Ch. Pichon-Longueville Lalande |
1970 |
Pauillac Nicked Capsule; Very Heavily Bin-Soiled Label |
$225 |
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Sold Out
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1970 |
Pauillac |
$150 |
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Sold Out
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1970 |
Pauillac |
$175 |
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Sold Out
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| Ch. Pontet Canet |
1986 |
Pauillac |
$110 |
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Sold Out
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| Echo de Lynch Bages |
2010 |
Pauillac |
$55 |
|
Sold Out
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| Pauillac de Latour |
2015 |
Pauillac |
$98.99 |
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Sold Out
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