Wines
Alter Ego de Palmer	Ducru Beaucaillou	Leoville Barton	Reserve de la Comtesse
Angelus	Duhart Milon	Leoville Las Cases - SOLD OUT	Rieussec
Armailhac	Clos l'Eglise	Leoville Poyferre	Roc de Cambes
Ausone	L'Eglise Clinet - SOLD OUT	Lynch Bages	Smith-Haut-Laffitte
Beauséjour Duffau	L'Evangile	Magdelaine	Suduiraut - SOLD OUT
Beychevelle	Figeac	Malartic Lagraviere - SOLD OUT	Talbot
Branaire Ducru	La Fleur Petrus - SOLD OUT	Malescot St Exupery	La Tertre Roteboeuf
Calon Segur - SOLD OUT	Les Forts de Latour	Margaux *	Troplong Mondot
Canon	Giscours	La Mission Haut Brion	Trotanoy
Carruades de Lafite	Gruaud Larose	La Mission Haut Brion Blanc	Vieux Chateau Certan
Certan de May	Le Gay	Montrose	Yquem
Certan Marzelle	Gazin	Mouton *
Cheval Blanc	Grand Puy Lacoste	Palmer
Clerc Milon	Haut Bailly	Pavie
Clinet	Haut Brion*	Pavie Macquin
Clos Fourtet	Hosanna	Pavillon Rouge de Margaux
La Conseillante	Larcis Ducasse	Le Petit Mouton
Cos d'Estournel	Lafite *	Pichon Baron
Coutet	Langoa Barton	Pichon Lalande
Domaine de Chevalier	Latour *	Pontet Canet
Domaine de Chevalier Blanc	Latour a Pomerol	Rauzan Segla

*Limited Allocation Please Call

St Estephe
Calon Segur (JR 18) (WA 92-94+) (WS 93-96)	SOLD OUT
JR Dark crimson. Wonderful electric vitality on the nose. Great vibrancy. Great integrity in the same way as Pontet-Canet is seamless right through the palate – great line. Pure and dense and polished. Really vibrant. Lovely minerality on the finish. Complete. WA Made in a very different style for this estate, the 2009 is composed of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon (the highest I have ever seen here), 7% Merlot, and 3% Petit Verdot, and achieved 13.8% natural alcohol. It is a big, rich, tannic, structured, dense ruby/purple-tinged wine offering a sweet kiss of creme de cassis, loamy soil, and spice box. Remarkably, despite the use of 100% new oak because of the 2009's power and intensity, there is not a hint of wood in either the aromatic or flavor profile. Never that showy from cask, this traditionally made St.-Estephe should be forgotten for 10-15 years, and drunk over the following 40-50 years. My rating is very conservative, and I expect it to rise considerably as this wine comes out of its infancy. WS Delivers gorgeous aromas of blackberry, blueberry and licorice, with hints of tobacco and spice. Full-bodied, offering a lovely texture and refinement. Very long and beautiful, with tangy acidity and lively fruit. A rich, yet very balanced, Calon. This is almost all Cabernet Sauvignon instead of the normal blend with 40 percent Merlot. The château is now using 100 percent new wood. Like the changes.
Cos d'Estournel (AWL 97-98+) (JR 16.5+) (WA 98-100) (WS 97-100)	240 EURO per bottle
AWL Asian spices, cedar wood and sweet minerals aromas. Full-bodied. Sexy, voluptuous and richly textured. Superbly ripe tannins. Very appealing JR Obviously very ripe. Firmer than some of the more obvious Napa Valley-style wines in 2009 with the tannins much more obvious. Much more demanding than most 2009s and will need SO long. WA One of the greatest young wines I have ever tasted. Aromas of graphite, ink, creme de cassis, blackberries, cedar, and incense. Full-bodied and unctuously textured, a tour de force in winemaking. WS Supercharged in fruit, with intense aromas of tar, spice, cardamon, clove, blackberry and black pepper. Full-bodied, with masses of fruit, yet focused and in form. Chewy tannins, great length. Could be best ever from here?
Montrose (AWL 96-98+) (JR 16.5) (WA 96-100) (WS 97-100)	138 EURO per bottle
AWL Black purple. Very refined and candied nose of spices, creme de cassis. Minerally flavours. Amazing concentration here. Big firm tannins but very ripe. Will live long. Magnificent wine! JR Extremely dark crimson. Low-key but modestly confident nose - much more married than some recent vintages. Raw and austere, very much St-Estephe. Lovely nose and succulence but a little bit tough on the end. Classical St-Estephe. WA There is no sense of hotness, only extraordinary transparency and precision, allied to massive fruit intensity. The finish is endless. The flavor profile bursts with black currant, blackberry, and boysenberry fruit intertwined with hints of spring flowers and crushed rocks. Huge body, sweet tannin, and wonderful freshness make for one of the all-time great wines ever produced at Montrose. WS Big and structured, delivering wild aromas of Indian spices, crushed berry, sweet tobacco and coffee. Full-bodied, with loads of velvety, chewy tannins and a long spicy finish. Like the 1990, could be even better.
Pauillac
Armailhac (AWL 90-92+) (JR 16.5+) (WA 90-93) (WS 91-94)	32 EURO per bottle
AWL Dark red. Ripe lively red fruit with good intensity and balance. Round tannins. Sweet and spicy finish.? JR Very dark crimson. Fragrant with just a hint of farmyard. Black cherries. Less obviously ripe and supple than many 2009s on the nose but then on the palate there's a sweet start and a pretty chewy, slightly sinewy finish. Reasonably complete. Fairly chunky. WA This may be the finest d’Armailhac I have ever tasted. Deep ruby/purple hue along with floral, red and black currant, cedar, and spice characteristics. Deep, medium to full-bodied, and impressively pure as well as long, it should drink well for 25 years. WS Love the minty, floral and dark berry aromas. Full-bodied, with super fine and polished tannins. Long and racy. Wonderful texture. Perhaps the best d'Armailhac ever.
Carruades de Lafite (WA 92-94*) (WS 89-92)	335 EURO per bottle
WA The best Carruades de Lafite I have ever tasted is the 2009. Composed of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, 55% of the crop was included in this second wine. It is an atypically powerful Carruades with slightly higher alcohol than usual as well as considerable structure. There are plenty of creme de cassis and crushed rock notes as well as a subtle wood component, and super intensity and lushness. It is an amazing effort!
Clerc Milon (AWL 92-94+) (JR 17) (WA 90-92+) (WS 93-96)	46 EURO per bottle
AWL Dark purple. Lilies, minerals and sweet grapes in the bouquet. Fabulously juicy wine with plenty to offer. Caramel in the finish. Delightful. JR Pretty sumptuous and polished - super-ripe and flattering. Very sweet and rich, some slightly rugged tannins. No obvious alcohol but fairly ripe and plush, plus notable acidity. Fine boned with attractive sweetness. Drying finish. WA A tannic, structured, backward Clerc Milon, which is atypical for this estate. It is a deep ruby/purple-hued, concentrated, impressively endowed effort that requires serious cellar age, 4-5 years minimum. WS Blackberry galore, with fabulous floral and currant undertones. Complex on the nose. Full-bodied, offering chewy tannins and lots of black liquorice and currant character. Chewy, but reserved at the same time. A top Clerc.
Duhart Milon (AWL 92-94+) (JR 17.5) (WA 94-96) (WS 91-94)	115 EURO per bottle
AWL Opaque purple. Cedar, spices and liquorice aromas. Nice concentration. Best ever for Duhart Milon. Toasty oak and sweet minerals in the finish.” JR “Scented and satiny with lots of lush mulberry fruit in the middle. Very dry, Cabernet finish. Polished again and sleek. Fine tannins. Bone dry, light and lively on the finish. Not an also ran - though there is just a little astringency on the finish. WA Appears to be the finest Duhart Milon yet made. Opaque purple color is followed by an extraordinary perfume of creme de cassis, violets, graphite, and subtle wood. Full-bodied, intense, voluptuously textured, pure, seductive. Bravo! WS Intense aromas of currant and blackberry, with hints of toasted oak and flowers. Full-bodied, with thick and powerful tannins that are polished and racy. Persistent.
Grand Puy Lacoste (JR 17.5) (WA 93-95) (WS 91-93)	55 EURO per bottle
JR Very firm and taut and Pauillac – less luscious than some 2009s. Very fresh and with real vigour and rigour. Lovely rich velvety stuff. WA Lovely nose of sweet currant and blueberry that follows through to a full body, with juicy, velvety tannins and a licorice, tar and dark chocolate finish. Like it. The new 1982? WS I was surprised that this wine was not more concentrated given the overall character of the vintage, and I would rate it behind the 2005, 2000, 1990, and 1982. Nevertheless, it boasts this estate’s classic creme de cassis character as well as a soft, round, medium to full-bodied mouthfeel, pure fruit, and silky tannins, but not the weight, depth, or profound concentration of the top 2009 Pauillacs. Still, this cuvee will be approachable young, and should evolve easily for two decades.
Les Forts de Latour (AWL 93-94+) (JR 18) (WA 93-95) (WS 92-95)	205 EURO per bottle
AWL Deep colour. Blackcurrant, spices, wood in the bouquet. Creme de cassis on the mouth. Medium to full bodied. Big muscular wine yet so juicy and ripe. Best Les Forts ever? JR Toasty and rich nose. Very plush and velvety - much more so than usual. Amazing texture yet with Les Fort's solidity. Very firm backbone. It will need quite a time to come round. Very fine and deep. Wonderful texture. Very tight and tense. Dry finish. WA Perhaps the finest example ever made. Opaque purple color is followed by notes of black fruits, crushed rocks, spring flowers, and hints of blackberries and smoke. Prodigiously rich and thick with an amazingly long finish, this astonishing second wine will undoubtedly put on weight before bottling, and should last for 25-30 years WS Violet and mineral, with hints of blackberry and blueberry on the nose. Full-bodied, with superreserved and refined tannins, yet dense and very impressive. Long and racy. Lasts for minutes.
Lafite (AWL 99-100+) (JR 19) (WA 98-100) (WS 96-99)	1,550 EURO per bottle
AWL Black fruit, cedar, minerals, violets, vanilla and mint aromas. Full-bodied. Generous and voluptuous. Spicy palate with intense ripe fruit and syrupy characters. Well endowed. In contention for one of the wines of the vintage. JR Mineral, low-key nose, refined with great minerality. Very fine boned, with a bit more flesh than is usual for Lafite but no flashiness whatsoever. Very vibrant, very fine and a great undertow. Very complex and subtle indeed. Bone dry finish. Super refined. Bravo! WA A candidate for wine of the vintage. Inky/purple-colored, notes of charcoal, incense, black currants, and liquorice. In the mouth, it represents a liqueur of black fruits in a remarkably full-bodied, incredibly elegant, lush style. Expansive, savoury, staggeringly concentrated, and voluptuous as well as wonderfully precise with a hint of minerality. WS Currant and wild raspberry, with a lilac and exotic character on the nose, turning to sweet tobacco and cedar. Full-bodied, showing very racy tannins and a balance of pretty fruit. This is powerful yet elegant, almost delicate, with a wonderful polish. Then the tannins take off.
Latour (AWL 99-100+) (JR 19) (WA 98-100) (WS 97-100)	1,290 EURO per bottle
AWL Black centre. Seductive floral nose of creme de cassis, candied spices, liquorice, minerals, oak. Full-bodied. Lengthy. Like 2003 but with more acidity and refreshing characters. Phoenomenal stuff. A legend in the making! JR Very rich and sweet ink on the nose. Wonderfully gorgeous and lush on the front palate. Then lots of heat and richness. Amazing power of fruit, extremely pronounced tannins. Violets. Latour backbone. Glossy ripe fruit. Candied violets. Enormous energy. Very impressive. WA A candidate for wine of the vintage. Inky/purple-colored, notes of charcoal, incense, black currants, and liquorice. In the mouth, it represents a liqueur of black fruits in a remarkably full-bodied, incredibly elegant, lush style. Expansive, savoury, staggeringly concentrated, and voluptuous as well as wonderfully precise with a hint of minerality. WS Incredibly floral on the nose, with violet and lilac as well as dark and ripe raspberry and blueberry. Full-bodied, with a dense and incredibly rich palate yet held back and in reserve. Such precision and beauty. It lasts for minutes on the palate. It is really the style of Latour, where the tannins grab you at the end. This will most likely be a perfect wine.
Lynch Bages (AWL 95-96+) (JR 17) (WA 94-96+) (WS 96-99)	125 EURO per bottle
AWL Black plums, creme de cassis, toasty oak and minerals nose. Powerful and expressive. Syrupy texture with very ripe tannins. Fabulous! JRDense crimson. Rich and spicy and lifted. Really rather flirtatious. Not heavy or dense but very nicely balanced without aggressive notes of rough tannin or greenness.” WA The greatest Lynch Bages since the outstanding duo of 1989 and 1990. The black/purple-tinged 2009 exhibits a glorious perfume of graphite, black currants, and subtle smoke, powerful, thick, unctuously textured flavors, huge yet sweet tannins, fabulous purity. WS Amazing aromas of mint, spices and currant, with underlying licorice and tar. Full-bodied, with amazing fruit and a long, long finish. Blockbuster, but balanced. So structured. Lynch has not made a wine like this since perhaps 1989 or 1982.
Mouton (AWL 97-99+) (JR 18.5) (WA 96-98+) (WS 97-100)	800 EURO per bottle
AWLDeep purple ruby with black centre. Earth, cedar, spices, graphite, sweet tobacco and floral fruit in this refined bouquet. Remarkably rich and well-balanced palate with serious depth and breadth. The fresh minerally aftertaste goes on and on. Exceptional wine! JRVery Mouton. Very exotic, minerals, spice and old ladies' handbags. Lovely topnotes. Real excitement on the nose here. Lovely palate entry and glossy texture. Then again drier and a little more astringent than its peers on the finish. I think it may require just a bit more patience than some. WA Classic aromas of creme de cassis, violets, and hints of graphite and background oak. The overwhelming impression is one of layer upon layer of fruit, full-bodied opulence, and good structure. So incredibly promising. A 50- to 100-year wine? Probably. WSI am speechless over the nose in this wine. Mint, blackberry, currant and black licorice turn to flowers such as lilacs and roses. It fills your mouth with the same fruit, but with an intensity of superpolished tannins. Complex yet reserved coffee, toasted oak and ripe fruit Best Mouton since 1982 or 1986. A perfect Mouton?
Le Petit Mouton (AWL 88-89+) (JR 16) (WA 90-92) (WS 90-93)	125 EURO per bottle
AWL Deep ruby colour. Red cherries and spices in the nose. Good firm structure. JR Very solid and rather arresting on the nose. Then just a little rustic on the palate. Chewy tannins, rather drying on the finish. WA The finest second wine they have ever made. Aromas of black currants, flowers, mocha, and earth jump from the glass of this fleshy, heady, full-bodied wine. WS Mint, mineral and black fruits follow through to a full body, with velvety tannins and persistent finish. Dense and well-structured.
Pichon Baron (AWL 94-96+) (JR 18) (WA 93-95) (WS 92-95)	103 EURO per bottle
AWLCreme de cassis, sweet spices and hint of ripe bell peppers aromas. Lovely fruit. Concentrated. Great balance. Rich finish. JR Very mineral and grown up. Very fresh and fine tannins with density and lift on the finish. Very sophisticated. Lots of massVery glossy and confident. Very sophisticated. WA Another great effort, the most powerful Branaire ever made. An inky/blue/purple color is followed by raspberry, boysenberry, crushed rock, graphite, and floral notes, and an opaque, broad, dense, substantial, impressively structured wine without any hardness. WS Loads of currant and blackberry, with mineral and dried flowers. Full-bodied, with ultrafine, very long tannins. Really builds on the palate. A racy style, with excellent length.
Pichon Lalande (AWL 94-96+) (JR 17) (WA 96-98) (WS 95-98)	149 EURO per bottle
AWLGraphite, minerals, herbs, spices and cassis aromas. Ripe and silky texture on the rather feminine palate. Good weight and grip. Chewy tannins. Refreshing, with vanillin aftertaste.? JR Heady, rich and spicy and lightly gamey. Very solid and dark and dense - almost brooding. Sweet, polished and fun. Just lacks a bit of bottom and density on the palate. Complete and savoury on the finish with very polished tannins. Appetising and not at all forced. But not the most ambitious 2009. WA Exhibits an intoxicatingly intense nose of red and black fruits, subtle smoke, charcoal, forest floor, and a hint of flowers. Unusually full-bodied for a wine from this estate as well as unctuously textured, voluptuous, and incredibly pure and precise, this dazzling wine should be drinkable at an early age, and evolve for 30+ years. WS Wow. This has an incredible complexity on the nose of currant, spice, mineral and flowers. Full-bodied, with a great density of fruit and tannins, yet polished and beautiful. Could be the new 1982 from here.
Pontet Canet (AWL 94-96+) (JR 18) (WA 97-100) (WS 95-98)	125 EURO per bottle
AWL Medium to dark purple colour. Plummy, minerally with cassis and hint of pepper in the bouquet. Plump, round, opulent and ripe wine. Sweet tannins. JR Very lively with real vibrant elderberry nose - there IS a bit of extra vitality in this wine! Intense richness that seems to come from the fruit rather than from winemaking. Something of Lafite's complexity and integrity. Plus Mouton's richness. Dry finish. Very well done. Dense - really quite dry on the end but appetising though very long term. WA Outrageously concentrated, with silky tannin, opaque purple color, copious notes of graphite, cassis, licorice, and subtle smoke and forest floor. Full-bodied and unctuously textured with striking purity and definition, it is a wine of colossal weight as well as elegance This brilliant Pauillac requires a decade of cellaring despite its voluptuous texture. WS Aromas of blueberry skin, fresh flowers, liquorice and raspberry, with something exotic underneath it all. Full-bodied, with wonderful clarity and freshness. This keeps coming at you, with tannins and ripe fruit. What balance, yet power to the wine.
Reserve de la Comtesse (JR 16.5) (WA 91-93*) (WS 88-91)	32 EURO per bottle
JR Dark crimson. Very fragrant. Lifted, luscious and lively. Relatively light bodied and flirtatious. More transparent than most 2009s. Just a bit angular and sinewy. WA The finest second wine they have made, the 2009 Reserve de Comtesse is composed of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc. Flavorful and full-bodied with loads of texture and opulence, it offers up aromas of forest floor and black fruits. The surprisingly high tannin level is barely noticeable given the sweetness of the fruit and abundant glycerin. Nevertheless, the 13% alcohol is right in line with that of the Pichon Lalande. WS Currants and flowers on the nose. Dried spices as well. Full-bodied, with silky yet chewy tannins and a long finish. Dense and solid. Second wine of Pichon-Lalande.
St Julien
Beychevelle (JR 16.5) (WA 92-94+) (WS 90-93)	76 EURO per bottle
JR Alluring graphite notes on the nose. Not dramatic but neat and pretty. Very sweet but with the tannins in check. Though it will take a little while for them to dissipate. Real juice and concentration though. WA This is the finest Bechevelle since 1982. Beautiful floral notes intermixed with notions of black raspberries and creme de cassis. The fruit hits the palate with a medium to full-bodied richness, and the wine possesses sweet, velvety tannins and stunning purity. WS Sweet berry and floral aromas, with a creamy undertone. Full-bodied, with a dense and polished palate, fine tannins and a long finish. Best since 2000?
Branaire Ducru (AWL 92-93+) (JR 16.5+) (WA 92-95) (WS 92-95)	49 EURO per bottle
AWL Very attractive nose of spices, grapes, black cherries. Medium bodied. Ripe. Plummy fruit. Pure. A pleasurable wine. JR Dark crimson with a pale rim. Very light nose with a rather unwelcome note of coconut. Just a little simple but lusciously so. The tannins on the finish are pretty rustic. Some real succulence. WA Another great effort, the most powerful Branaire ever made. An inky/blue/purple color is followed by raspberry, boysenberry, crushed rock, graphite, and floral notes, and an opaque, broad, dense, substantial, impressively structured wine without any hardness. WS Aromas of blueberry, dried citrus fruit and currant. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and a long, long finish. Structured and tannic, but sweet fruit behind.
Ducru Beaucaillou (AWL 96-98+) (JR 17)(WA 96-98+) (WS 96-99)	199 EURO per bottle
AWL Deep purple colour. Very lifted nose of creme de cassis, flowers, spices and vanilla oak. Full-bodied. Big structure. Deep and long. Sweet aftertaste. A very sensual wine with good complexity! JR Dense and peppery and quite mineral. Very polished. Lots of energy. Bone dry, spicy finish. Pretty drying tannins. Cool and slightly tarry. WA One of the all-time great Ducru Beaucaillous. Inky/purple-hued, unctuously textured, reveals layers and layers of blue, red, and black fruits, and hints of licorice and spice box. Despite its substantial, massive size, it retains an elegant style. WS This has an impressive powerful and hearty structure, with seductive floral, currant and licorice aromas and flavors. Structured and very, very powerful. The blockbuster tannins are sweet and fruit-coated. This is a classic, powerful style of Ducru. May be best yet.
Gruaud Larose (AWL 93-94) (JR 16.5) (WA 92-94) (WS 94-97)	48 EURO per bottle
AWL Dark ruby. Sweet tobacco, earthy cherry fruit notes. Medium to full bodied. Good ripeness. Minerally and spicy finish. An improvement over recent vintages at Gruaud with better purity and precision. JR Dark crimson. Interesting leathery, almost Syrah-like notes. Very neat and satisfying. Savoury. Just a little austere on the finish. Drying tannins on the end. Very sweet. WA The finest Gruaud Larose since the 1990. Opaque purple color along with a big, sweet nose of creme de cassis, new saddle leather, spice box, and boysenberries. A rich, broad, savory, juicy style with lots of succulence, loaded with concentration and extract. WS Beautiful aromas of currant, black licorice and blueberry follow through to a full body, with chewy tannins and a long, juicy finish. Big wine. Could be better than the classic 2000.
Langoa Barton (AWL 92-93) (JR 16.5) (WA 90-92+) (WS 90-93 )	45 EURO per bottle
AWL Lovely sweet berries and floral nose. Medium bodied. Very fresh and bright. Good intensity for this juicy wine. Beautiful spicy finish. JR Mid crimson with quite a pale rim. Pretty light - early picked? There's a nice freshness and neatness to this but it's overall a bit dry and grainy. 'Classic style'... Rather dry on the end. WA Painfully extracted, excruciatingly tannic, powerful. Anthony Barton has sure pushed the extraction, producing a wine for our children’s children. WS Opulent blackberry aromas. Lovely jam, but fresh. Full-bodied and rich. This wine sneaks up on you and follows on the end with lots of chewy tannins. Balanced and round.
Leoville Barton (AWL 95-97) (JR 17+) (WA 93-95+) (WS 92-95)	75 EURO per bottle
AWL Dark purple. Fabulous nose of black plums, spices and sweet minerals. Superb ripeness and great intensity. Long spicy finish with caramel aftertaste. Really impressive! JR An intense nose with some strange oak note? Sweet, light, polished start. Pretty sinewy. A bit austere. Needs a lot of time. But a very good complex undertow. A very slow burner. WA Massive extraction, an opaque purple color, huge density, extreme tannins, and a nearly endless finish. There is a lot to admire, and its good to taste a wine that will not be ready to drink for 30+ years. No compromise! WS Liquorice, berry, grape and currant on the nose. Full-bodied, with very fine tannins, pretty fruit, currant and mineral. A balanced and pretty wine. Not quite the intensity and blockbuster style of the 2005, but excellent.
Leoville Las Cases (AWL 97-99) (JR 18) (WA 96-100) (WS 97-100)	SOLD OUT
AWL Deep purple ruby. Candied cherries, graphite, spices, oak and vanilla aromas. Succulent mouthful. Amazing structure, concentration and ripeness. Very well done! JR Subtle with great depth of fruit and a hint of tobacco. This seems much sweeter and lusher than Leoville Las Cases usually does even if there is a lot of tannin underneath. Really quite voluptuous, but lots of fancy tannin and a bit of alcohol on the finish. Very firm but a bit of a step change with all that sweetness on the top. WA One of the greatest Leoville Las Cases I have ever tasted, which is saying something. Inky/purple color, monumental concentration, and great clarity and purity of creme de cassis, black cherry, spice box, graphite, and wet rock characteristics. Extremely full-bodied with sweet tannin nearly concealed by the wine-s power, glycerin, and awesome fruit concentration. WS What a nose. Black liquorice, raspberry, currant and dried flowers. Full-bodied and superpowerful, with masses of fruit and toasted oak, but a blockbuster finish of fruit, tannins and everything else. I am blown away by this. A more fruit-forward style for Las Cases.
Leoville Poyferre (JR 17.5) (WA 97-100) (WS 93-96)	125 EURO per bottle
JR Very dark crimson. Very grown-up and intense. Luscious fruit and top quality savoury oak. Very sweet start - really quite unusually sweet for a St-Julien. Very complete satisfying. Glamorous, polished. Long. Quite complex. WA One of the stars of the vintage. Filled with extraordinary opulence, voluptuous texture, and sweet tannin. It offers both intellectual and hedonistic pleasure with layer upon layer of ripe fruit. The high alcohol is not the least bit noticeable because of the extraordinary concentration and freshness. WS Wonderful aromas of currant and blackberry, with black olives. Full-bodied, with a mouth-coating palate of supersoft tannins that go on and on. Solid and polished.
Saint Pierre (WA 94-98*)	59 EURO per bottle
WA This has been a fabulous wine over recent vintages, but I do not think many consumers have caught on. Of course, there is far less of this classified-growth St.-Julien than of any of the Leovilles, Beychevelle, Talbot, Gruaud Larose, or Branaire Ducru. Unbelievably powerful, rich, and impressive, this may be the finest St.-Pierre ever made. An inky/purple color is followed by notes of creme de cassis, spring flowers, and forest floor, a layered, full-bodied, powerful mouthfeel, perfect balance, and extraordinary richness, purity, and unctuosity.
Talbot (JR 17) (WA 89-91) (WS 92-95)	40 EURO per bottle
JR Light, graphite nose not without its attractions... Very sweet start but lifted and easy and utterly relaxed. Slightly dry tannins on the end. But very solid effort. Nice neat persistence. WA Reveals an opaque plum/garnet/purple color as well as knock-out aromas of black fruits, cedar, incense, licorice, and a Provencal garrigue-like character. Substantial, sexy, and seductive, it is almost slutty in its exuberance and ostentatiousness. It was a thrill to drink this. WS A red with a solid core of blueberry and currant aromas, with spices too. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and a balanced finish. Very pretty.
Margaux
Alter Ego de Palmer (JR 16.5) (WA 89-92) (WS 88-91)	39.5 EUR per bottle
WA The delicious 2009 Alter Ego de Palmer (an equal part blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon) could have been drunk when I tasted it. A dense ruby/purple color is accompanied by smoky blackberry and black currant fruit notes, and a silky smooth, expansive, hedonistic, pleasure-filled wine that should drink well for a decade.
Giscours (JR 16) (WA 91-93) (WS 92-95)	42 EURO per bottle
JR Odd herbal note. Very sweet start on the palate. Rather drying tannins but some Margaux polish and not too hot until the very end. A little drying and exaggerated on the finish. WA The finest Giscours I have tasted. Succulent and sexy with an inky/purple color, it offers sweet aromas of subtle barbecue smoke, graphite, blackberries, blueberries, and spring flowers. The tannins are remarkably sweet, substantial, and well-integrated. WS Subtle and pretty on the nose, with blueberry, blackberry and hints of flowers. Full and very fine, showing a beautiful texture of polished tannins. Wonderfully long and balanced.
Malescot St Exupery (JR 17.5) (WA 95-97) (WS 97-100)	66 EURO per bottle
JR Lovely sap on the nose here - really appetising. Round and gentle - could do with just a tad more freshness perhaps. But there is so much crammed in here for the future... Persistent and promising. WA It-s going to take a lot for this wine to equal or eclipse the 2005, but it is a different style of wine. While the 2005 is slightly more structured, with more aggressive tannin, this has more fat, texture, and more tactile magnetism going for it. I suppose the best thing is to own both. Opaque ruby/purple, with a beautiful nose of charcoal, forest floor, and black fruits, the wine hits the palate with great intensity, a sumptuous texture, yet brilliant precision and purity. This is a superb wine that should drink well for 20-25 years. WS This is absolutely fabulous. I love the complex aromas of ripe fruit and fresh flowers that turn to mineral and raspberry, along with tannins on the finish. Full-bodied and dense, but so beautiful and long. The layers of ultrafine tannins just turn off the tip of your tongue.
Margaux (AWL 98-100) (JR 19+) (WA 98-100) (WS 96-99)	880 EURO per bottle
AWL Saturated purple/ruby. Spectacular nose of floral fruit, black plummy spices and sweet minerals. So silky yet it grows gently on the palate into a powerful wine and ends on a great high point. Stunning with amazing charm. Slightly toasty finish. Absolutely gorgeous! ” JR Sumptuous nose - just gorgeous. So fine, so ripe but with lovely freshness too. Margaux finesse. Will it ever be difficult to drink? Breadth across the palate. Just wonderfully relaxed and fresh and beautifully balanced. Soft tannins on the finish, very very long. WA Thirty-five percent of the crop went into the 2009 Chateau Margaux, composed of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. The alcohol level of 13.3% is high, but not excessively so. A wine such as this is like the quintessence of terroir. A super, uber-concentrated perfume of creme de cassis and flowers cascades across the palate with a lightness of being despite massive concentration, a sumptuous personality, and an unctuous texture. I have never tasted a Chateau Margaux quite like this. It should be relatively drinkable at an early age, yet will last for 50-100 years. Oh my! WS The nose is so intensely fruity, but subtle and reserved at the same time. Fascinating. Full-bodied, yet superrefined, building on the palate. Fine and dense tannins. A few minutes in the glass and the massive tannins show. Muscular and subdued.
Palmer (AWL 97-98) (JR 18) (WA 94-96) (WS 95-98)	240 EURO per bottle
AWL Black purple/ruby. Fabulously ripe nose with candied black cherries and sweet stoney minerals. Full bodied. Voluptuous and seductive. Super silky and creamy texture. Long spicy finish with very velvety tannins. JR Very sweet and opulent on the nose. Very charming and glamorous. Much more of an expression of Merlot than many Medocs in 2009. This year obsessed by extraction even more than usual. Fresh. WA The black/purple-colored 2009 Palmer exhibits a level of tannin that exceeds anything they have previously produced. The final blend is 52% Merlot, 41% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 7% Petit Verdot, and the finished alcohol is 13.9%. It is hard to say this 2009 will turn out better than Palmer’s extraordinary 2005, but it certainly will be different in style given the alcohol level and power of this vintage. Pure blackberry and black currant fruit notes intermixed with hints of incense, graphite, and wood are followed by an opulent, thick, juicy wine with plenty of structure, and enormous concentration, mass, and length. Four to five years of patience is required, but this beauty should last for three decades or more. WS Loaded with exotic fruit, with masses of crushed blackberry and blueberry. Superclear and fruit forward. Full and velvety, with fresh acidity and a long, long finish. . Superseductive.
Pavillon Rouge de Margaux (AWL 92-94) (JR 17) (WA 91-93) (WS 90-93)	155 EURO per bottle
AWL Most dense and complex Pavillon Rouge ever. Great improvement for this wine. Round with such elegance. Lovely delicious wine. Impressive! JR Bright crimson. Very fragrant, quite low key. Very sweet palate entry and light and just a little herbaceous on the palate. Some chew, deep throat warming finish though. Very pure. WS Love the strawberry and ripe raspberry aromas. Full-bodied, with superrefined tannins, berry, flower and rose petal. Fresh finish. Harmonious.
Rauzan Segla (JR 17.5) (WA 92-95) (WS 93-96)	69 EURO per bottle
JR Dark crimson. Light and fragrant. Thick on the palate. Should give lots of pleasure - does not need food. Lots of care in tannin management, I would have thought. A wine with real intensity. WA Composed of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon and 42% Merlot, this large estate appears to have produced their greatest wine since the 1986. The alcohols came in at 13.9%, and the wine reveals extraordinary density, power, and richness as well as explosive fruit, and terrific acidity, intensity, and power. Yet it tastes like a crisp, delicate Margaux. Yields were 40 hectoliters per hectare. This outstanding 2009 should age nicely for 35-40+ years. WS Shows a lovely concentration of currant and blackberry. Hints of vanilla follow through to a full body, with layers of ripe fruit and fine, fruit-coated tannins. I love the ripe and pretty fruit to this. Very fruit-forward.
Pessac Leognan
Domaine de Chevalier (JR 17.5 ) (WA 92-95+) (WS 93-96)	53 EURO per bottle
JR Strong Cabernet aromas. Unusual! Well balanced and zesty. This seems what Pessac-Leognan should be. Very dry but not drying on the finish. Complete and full of minerality. WA The finest wine I have tasted from this estate in my 30+ - year career. It reveals an extraordinary, intense, pure, including silky tannin, dense plum, black currant, black cherry, floral, and graphite notes, and a full-bodied mouthfeel with no weight, but admirable precision and freshness. A future legend in the making, this could be the best Domaine de Chevalier produced over the last half century. It should drink well for 35-40 years. WS Shows a super nose of crushed blueberry and blackberry, with hints of raspberry. Full-bodied, offering a fabulous core of fruit and ripe tannins that caress your palate for minutes. Love the chocolate and blueberry character. Wonderful texture.
Domaine de Chevalier Blanc (WA 90-92) (WS 95-98)	69 EURO per bottle
WS This is fabulous, long and superintense, with dried pineapple and sliced apples. Dense and powerful, with a great backbone of acidity and a long, long finish. Wonderful structure in this baby white.
Haut Bailly (AWL 94-96+) (JR 16) (WA 96-98+)(WS 95-98)	92 EURO per bottle
AWL Deep ruby/purple. Grapey, plummy characters in the rather sweet and exotic nose. Smoke, meat, floral fruit intermixed on this unctuous and ripe palate. Very lively wine. Fantastic! JR Lifted and gentle and a little muted and tart but certainly appetising. Just the merest hint of green? WA The greatest Haut-Bailly ever made? Tiny yields have resulted in the most concentrated Haut-Bailly I have ever tasted. Eclipsing even the 2005, the 2009 (a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, and 3% Cabernet Franc) possesses 13.9% natural alcohol. Dense purple to the rim, it exhibits a precise, nuanced nose of mulberries, black cherries, black currants, graphite, and a singular floral component. A wine of profound intensity and full-bodied power, yet stunningly elegant, and never heavy or massive, it builds incrementally on the palate, and the finish lasts over 45 seconds. Remarkably, there is not a hard edge to be found in this beauty. The wine’s extraordinary freshness, elegance, and precision are nearly surreal. This tour de force should age brilliantly for 40+ years. (Tasted two times.) WS Lovely sweet berry and plum aromas, with hints of sandalwood and cedar. Full-bodied, with milk chocolate, berry and vanilla bean character. Thick and dense tannins, but balanced and very pretty. This could be better than the fab 2005.
Haut Brion (AWL 97-99) (JR 19) (WA 98-100) (WS 97-100)	800 EURO per bottle
AWL Saturated purple/ruby. Magical bouquet of Asian spices, jasmine tea, cedar wood, predominantly red and hint of black fruit. Syrupy texture. Perfect balance. Supple and ripe tannins. Super long. A real beauty! JR LOVELY supple exciting nervy nose with a great deal of integrity and complexity already. Real knockout stuff with lovely suppleness on the palate and real grace. Not a blockbuster, amazingly; it seems beautifully balanced. Very long. Definitely Haut-Brion, just more concentrated than usual! Lots of pleasure and luxury. WA This is the kind of wine to send chills even up my spine, and I have been tasting here for nearly 30 years. An extraordinary nose of plum, blueberry, raspberry, crushed rock, and that intriguing floral as well as unsmoked cigar tobacco note (a classic sign of this terroir) is followed by a wine of creamy unctuosity reminiscent of 1989, but there is a freshness, vibrancy and precision that is historic and possibly unprecedented. This wine will probably need 7-8 years of cellaring when released and evolve as well as the 1959 has (which is still a perfect wine today), so we’re realistically talking 50-75 years when stored in a cool cellar. (Tasted once.) WS A dark and brooding wine, delivering blackberry, black licorice, mahogany, subtle grilled meat and raspberry jam. Full-bodied, with layers of ripe and chewy tannins. Loads of fruit yet subtle and reserved, and a long, long finish. Super fruit, yet held back. A 2005 in the remaking, but perhaps slightly supercharged
Malartic Lagraviere (JR 15) (WS 89-92)	SOLD OUT
JR Almost overripe and raisiny on the nose. Round and opulent but a little lacking in real core. Very drying sandpaper finish. One of the more uncomfortable Pessac-Leognans to taste. WS Intense aromas of licorice, tar and spices, with plenty of fruit. Full, thick and powerful, with soft, round tannins and a fruity finish. Could use a little more fruit center palate, but this is very good.
La Mission Haut Brion (AWL 96-98) (JR 18) (WA 98-100) (WS 94-97)	620 EURO per bottle
AWLSweet minerally nose with violets and exotic fruit. Super ripe. Smokey and spicy palate. Good masculine structure with very fine depth and length. Chewy tannins. Magnificent! JR Dark crimson. Scented, pretty, rather haunting aroma. Very rich and caressing - lovely texture. Still very firm and dry. Lovely glow, and quite a bit alcohol on the end, but definitely no sweetness... Almost inky finish. Seems very Cabernet to me. Fades just a little fast. WA Opaque purple in color, with an extraordinary nose of blueberry liqueur intermixed with camphor, charcoal, hints of burning embers and truffles, and loads of black berry and black currant fruit, the wine has sublime concentration and purity, a finish that goes well past 60 seconds, and not a hard edge to be found in this sumptuous, almost over-the-top, full-bodied wine of enormous power and massive density and richness. An immortal effort, it should drink well for 50-100 years! WS Shows juicy aromas of ripe Cabernet Sauvignon and currant, with hints of forest fruits and sandalwood. Full-bodied, offering chewy, mouthcoating tannins that are fruit-coated and velvety. Dense and powerful. A little subdued. Could be better than I think.
La Mission Haut Brion Blanc (JR 17.5) (WA 90-92) (WS 93-96)	620 EURO per bottle
JR Very stinky Sauvignon-like aromas despite the fact that it’s 84% Sémillon. Very perfumed and with lots of gras but strong grapefruit aromas. Then a little sudden on the finish. WS Subtle yet intense aromas of lemon pie, apple crumble and Brazilian lime follow through to a full body, with a dense concentration of fruit but an excellent backbone of acidity that turns to peaches and dried lemons on the finish.
Smith-Haut-Lafitte (JR 16+) (WA 96-98+) (WS 95-98)	73 EURO per bottle
WA An opaque purple color is followed by an explosive nose of graphite, black currants, licorice, incense, and a hint of black tea. The wine hits the palate with extraordinary density, unctuosity, and richness, yet it never comes across as heavy or overbearing. Deep and full-bodied with sensational concentration as well as remarkable purity and precision, this brilliant wine possesses the high, but sweet tannins that are a hallmark of the vintage, and exceptional delicacy allied to massive power and richness
St Emilion
Angelus (JR 18) (WA 96-100) (WS 94-97)	240 EURO per bottle
JR Very dark crimson. Rather animal on the nose. Thick and sweet but with generosity. Broad and jewelly. ?Awfully sweet and concentrated, not relax ed, lots of dryness on the finish, revitalising. Hint of cocoa. WS Concentrated aromas of boysenberry and raspberry jam. Full-bodied and powerful, with beautiful fruit-coated tannins and a long, spicy, rich aftertaste.
Ausone (JR 17.5+) (WA 95-97+) (WS 97-100)	1,290 EURO per bottle
WA Dense purple in color, with an almost liqueur of limestone intermixed with acacia flowers, blueberry, raspberry, and boysenberry fruit, the use of 100% new oak is completely concealed by the wealth of fruit and the lavish richness this wine exhibits. Nevertheless, there is a striking precision, minerality, and purity to Ausone.
Beausejour Duffau (JR 16.5+) (WA 96-98+) (WS 93-96)	98 EURO per bottle
JR Bright and crimson. Not much nose and a little tired. Succulent fruit on the palate. Then pretty dry, angular. A long way from knit! More interest than some of the simply sweet. Chewy juicy cherry juice. WA Unquestionably the greatest Beausejour-Duffau since the 1990. An inky/purple color is accompanied by a sumptuous bouquet of spring flowers, black truffles, wet rocks, blackberries, and black currants. The wine builds incrementally in the mouth with an ethereal lightness and precision that is unexpected in view of its massive concentration, power, and intensity. One of the vintage’s most compelling efforts, it should evolve for 30-40 years. Bravo! WS Offers floral and licorice notes, with gorgeous fruit. Full-bodied, with supersilky tannins and a beautiful, very long finish. Very fine and racy. Really serious.
Canon (JR 17.5) (WA 93-95) (WS 95-98)	103 EURO per bottle
WA This is the best Canon since 1982, and it is possibly capable of eclipsing that legendary vintage.Dense ruby/purple and full-bodied, with terrific blueberry and raspberry fruit intermixed with spring flower garden scents, with extraordinary density, purity, and a multi-layered texture.
Cheval Blanc (JR 18) (WA 98-100) (WS 96-99)	890 EURO per bottle
JR “Very rich and comfortable on the nose. Very juicy. Dry finish. Very serious wine. Lots of layers and a dry finish. Pretty long- opens out on the finish. But it's not a knocker-off-of-socks and has rather more classic Cheval character than some recent vintages. Rather contained and pretty.” WS “I have never smelled a Cheval like this, with red fruit and an undertone of seashell, lilac and sandalwood turning to chocolate. Full-bodied, but tight and precise with a laser-guided finish of ultrafine tannins. Superlong. Like the 1990 but superclean.”
Clos Fourtet (JR 17.5) (WA 95-98) (WS 94-97)	83 EURO per bottle
JR Very dark purple. Meaty, interesting nose with hints of treacle and liquorice. Thick and sweet at the start and then some real texture kicks in. Quite racy and sinewy. Though you need to wait quite a while for this one... Sweet and juicy and round. Very suave. Lots of glamour. WATextured, full-bodied, enormously pure, and voluptuously textured, it is nearly too easy to drink because of the exquisite balance and seamless integration of all its component parts. This is a killer Clos Fourtet that should drink well young yet evolve for 20+ years. (Tasted five times.) WS Offers blueberry, currant, mineral and violet. Full-bodied, with big, juicy tannins and loads of fruit. Very concentrated and velvety, with a lovely texture
Figeac (JR 17+) (WA 92-94) (WS 97-100)	180 EURO per bottle
JR“Paler than most. Luscious, opulent nose. Cool and fresh. Complete. Still a bit simple but there are no excesses here. Just slightly timid on the palate. Real juice though - not exaggerated. Sweet and juicy, dry end. As discreet and distinctive as usual.” WS“Really fabulous on the nose, with sweet milk chocolate, flowers, currant and plum. Full-bodied, with incredible length. The tannins are so silky, but they are warm and cuddly. Powerful but so attractive.”
Larcis Ducasse (JR 17) (WA 91-94) (WS 92-95)	46 EURO per bottle
JR Some development at the rim. Rich and super-ripe black fruits. Sweet and rather fruit-juice like. Polished and made with great elan. Super smooth. WA This is another 2009 that does not live up to the extraordinary quality of the 2005, but it is a fascinating wine nevertheless. Composed of 81% Merlot and 19% Cabernet Franc, it tips the scales at 14.8% natural alcohol. The wunderkind team of Nicolas Thienpont and Stephane Derenoncourt has produced a dense, rich, soft, relatively seamless, elegant example of Larcis Ducasse, without the concentration found in the 2005. WS Gorgeous, juicy fruit, with light wood, full and velvety tannins, and loads of Indian spices. Though there's lots going on, I was expecting a little more
Magdelaine (JR 16+ ) (WA 92-94+) (WS 88-91)	49 EURO per bottle
JR Brilliant cherry red. Rather inexpressive on the nose. Very round and juicy with a slightly inky note on the finish. Fairly dry tannins and a hint of rusty nail. Flattering fruit, certainly. WA Exhibits a classic kirsch liqueur note, but the color is more saturated, the tactile impression more full, meaty, and rich, and the wine is more loaded and dense. Filled with elegance as well as power, this beauty should drink handsomely for 25+ years. WS Blueberry and floral aromas follow through to a full body, with racy tannins and a compacted berry and chocolate aftertaste. Expected a little more from this.
Pavie (JR 18) (WA 96-100) (WS 94-97)	220 EURO per bottle
JR Blackish purple. Very distinctive. Very appetising and succulent. All pleasure but with a promise of future development. So much more satisfying and succulent than its stablemates WA The result is a powerful, full-bodied, remarkably intense wine that is black/purple in color. It will require considerable patience, much like 2000 and 2005. It displays enormous creme de cassis and boysenberry fruit with some cherries, spice box, and crushed rock in the background. It is intense, with loads of minerality, huge extraction, massive power, yet again, the vintage character seems to have given it a freshness and vibrancy despite the wine’s obvious viscosity. WS Blackberry, black cherry, licorice and mineral. Full-bodied, with a big core of velvety tannins and rich fruit. Full throttle, and all there. Really massive. Blockbuster and more. Could be a tad overdone.
Pavie Macquin (JR 16) (WA 94-96+) (WS 96-99)	65 EURO per bottle
JR Deep, bright crimson. Very ripe, alcoholic notes on the nose. Very sweet black cherry flavours. Round and juicy and very suave with carefully chosen dry oak. Sinewy and drying. Very cool. WA The wine is inky purple-colored, with loads of viscosity, an unctuous texture, and an enormous nose of charcoal, graphite, blackberry liqueur, and forest floor in a full-bodied, seamlessly constructed style. At the same time, the impression is one of a very unevolved, backward wine that has even more weight to put on and more nuances to reveal. I think this is one wine where the “plus” in the numerical rating will be very revealing. Forget it for 5-7 years and drink it over the next 30-40 years. WS Superfocused and beautiful. Full and refined, with gorgeous fruit and wonderful refinement. Silky tannins. Clearly the best ever.
Le Tertre Roteboeuf (JR 17.5) (WA 92-95)	160 EURO per bottle
WA This has a supremely pure, delineated bouquet that reminds me of a Grand Cru Burgundy! Blackberry leaf, a touch of raspberry, limestone and just a faint hint of orange-blossom. Very fine definition. The palate is well balanced, nice tension and purity, demonstrating a vibrant sense of minerality.
Troplong Mondot (JR 16.5) (WA 94-97) (WS 94-97)	103 EUR per bottle
JR Very dark blackish purple. Toasty oak on the nose. Toasty oak nose. Really rigid on the palate - so drying! Purple fruit flavours. Then a very fast fade. Super-flashy rather than really satisfying. WA The wine is inky purple in color, displaying beautiful creme de cassis, licorice, subtle smoke and graphite notes, enormous body, juicy, viscous texture, good vibrancy, a skycraper-like, multi-dimensional mouthfeel, and a whopping long finish of 40+ seconds. This is a great wine, probably more hedonistic and voluptuous than the 2005, but ultimately a tiny notch below that virtually perfect Troplong Mondot, which still gets my nod as the best ever made. WS Intense aromas of blackberry and blueberry follow through to a full body, with well-integrated tannins and a fruity finish. Offers lots of liquorice and spice. There's lovely length to this. Reserved and pretty.
Pomerol
Certan de May (JR 17.5) (WA 93-95) (WS 90-93)	66 EURO per bottle
JR Dark purplish crimson. Heady, sweet, intense nose. Polished and very savoury. Well mannered. Rather old style but with the extra ripeness of the vintage. Chewy end. A bit austere at the moment. It grows towards the end. WA The most powerful, finest overall wine made at this estate since their 1982, the muscular 2009 reveals a dense ruby/purple color in addition to meaty, smoky notes of black cherries, iron, truffles, loamy soil, and spice. Dense, full-bodied, and virile with a boatload of tannin, patience will be a virtue as this wine needs 5-6 years of cellaring. It should last for three decades or more. WS I love the dark fruit and underlying aromas of fresh herbs and dried flowers. Full-bodied, with a lovely silky texture and a clean, fresh, fruity and delicate finish.
Certan Marzelle (JR 16.5) (WA 91-93)	43 EURO per bottle
JR Lively crimson. Very ripe red cherry notes indeed. A bit soft and very sweet. Difficult to see the real core in this wine. Sinewy in a rather northern Rhone Syrah way. Very fine tannins indeed. WA Readers looking for an unabashedly exotic, seductive, sexy Pomerol should check out this 100% Merlot cuvee from Christian Moueix. Its dark ruby/plum color is accompanied by an unbridled display of sweet black and blue fruits and spring flowers. Full-bodied and opulent with silky tannins and juicy fruit
Clinet (JR 17) (WA 97-100*) (WS 96-98)	160 EURO per bottle
JR Thick and sweet and almost a cliche of Pomerol with its great meaty richness and savour. Should calm down and become something quite exciting eventually, but quite tough. WS Blackberry and mineral aromas, with flowers. Full-bodied, but reserved and supersilky and pretty. This is the bomb. Forget the 1989.
La Conseillante (JR 16) (WA 95-98) (WS 95-98)	169 EURO per bottle
JR Very dark. Not much nose. Very rich and intense. A bit overripe. Lacks acidity. Heavy with a bit of tarriness on the finish. WA Now that La Conseillante is making a second wine with more severe selection, think of the 2009 as a version of the 2000 on steroids. This is never going to be a blockbuster wine, because the terroir just seems to produce silky, elegant wines, but in this case, the 2009 has an extra kick and level of concentration that is unprecedented. Inky bluish purple, with an extraordinary nose of framboise, black raspberries, spring flowers, spice box, and a hint of truffle, the wine has great depth, full-bodied opulence, silky tannins, enormous power and richness, but again, a vibrancy and uplift that are just freakish in this vintage. That’s one of the great hallmarks of 2009 and one that will always stand out over the next 30 years. This wine should be drinkable in 5-7 years and last 40 or more. (Tasted three times.) WS Such wonderful clarity to this wine, with violets, black and exotic fruits. Fabulous nose. Full-bodied, with superfine tannins and a silky, silky finish. Such beauty. Really stunning.
Clos l'Eglise (WA 96-100*)	185 EURO per bottle
WA This has a fine, reserved but very well defined nose with pure blackcurrant and raspberry, developing some fine minerally notes with tie in the glass. Very fresh and vital. The palate is medium-bodied, well balanced, just a little hardness on the entry at the moment but that will soften with time. Grippy tannins on the finish, much more backward than either the 2007 and 2008 with a tobacco laced focused finish. Impressive
L'Eglise Clinet (JR 17.5) (WA 98-100) (WS 97-100)	SOLD OUT
JR Scented nose. Very rich and thick and polished. Fresh and expressive - lots of nervy fruit. Very lively and exciting and nervy. WA This dense purple-colored 2009 (which achieved 14.5% natural alcohol) is extremely powerful, but that power is concealed beneath a mountain of glycerin, fruit, concentration, and body. The purity and richness are off the charts, and the silkiness of the tannins is ethereal. WS Already suggests a deep and contemplative wine with blackberry, dried flowers and sweet berries. Evolves to black olive and hints of asphalt. Full-bodied, with supersilky tannins and tangy, rich fruit.? Loads of ripe tannins too. Big and structured.
L'Evangile (JR 18) (WA 96-100*) (WS 96-99)	245 EUR per bottle
JR Silky and subtle on the nose. Great richness and intensity. Firm line through it. Really up there. Great structure. Very firm and dry on the finish but not drying, Much more than just ripeness. Great density. Exotic and racy. Very long. WA The prodigious 2009 l’Evangile may be the greatest wine made at this estate during my 30+ years of tasting Bordeaux. Dense, full-bodied, and opaque purple-hued, it boasts an extraordinary bouquet of spring flowers, blueberries, blackberries, and boysenberries. The wine has all the characteristics of a hot vintage in terms of power, texture, and richness as well as elements of a cool vintage in its precision, elegance, freshness, and vibrancy. Frankly, I could have drunk the entire barrel sample if it hadn’t been my first appointment of the day (at 8:15 a.m.)! WS I love the aromas of black olive and blueberry, with mineral and light mint. Full-bodied, with supervelvety tannins. Superlong. This is dense and very beautiful, with such a great core of fruit. Silky texture.
La Fleur Petrus (JR 17+) (WA 96-98+) (WS 95-98)	SOLD OUT
JR Bright, deep crimson. Polished, scented, quite concentrated. Just a little inky. Lots of substance and classic interest. Real density. Chewy finish. Solid quality that recalls older vintages. WA A mind-boggling effort, this is the finest La Fleur Petrus I have ever tasted. Layers and layers of black raspberry and black currant fruit intermixed with licorice, truffles, and earth are found in this dense ruby/purple-colored elixir. With extraordinary purity, decent acidity, melted tannins, and massive fruit along with elegance and precision, it should drink well for three decades or more. It is an amazing effort! WS Liquorice, blackberry, coffee bean and blueberry aromas; this gets more complex with every sniff. Full-bodied, yet balanced and fresh. Lots of tannins. But all in harmony. Hidden giant here.
Le Gay (JR 17+) (WA 91-93) (WS 93-96)	82 EURO per bottle
JR Dark crimson. Very gamey and ambitious with amazingly soft tannins. Interesting chalky finish. Some freshness. Pretty damned good! But for early consumption. WA A dark ruby (but not opaque) color is followed by aromas of sweet raspberries and black currants with dusty, earthy, loamy soil notes in the background. WS Blueberry, sea shell and blackberry aromas. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins, yet polished and cool, with a long, racy finish. Dense, with a solid core of everything.
Gazin (JR 16) (WA 94-96) (WS 92-95)	55 EURO per bottle
JR Luscious and intense with the merest hint of animal fur. Thick and then rather tough and acid. Rather austere on the end. WA Ferocious extract, huge tannin, an opaque purple color, and enormous richness all make for a potentially brilliant wine from this vineyard, located on the plateau of Pomerol just adjacent to Petrus. Probably a late finisher of malolactic given its showing on three separate occasions, this wine, which is enormously endowed, very rich, and full-bodied, has a chance to be the best Gazin ever made. WS Blackberry and light tar aromas follow through to a full body, with soft and velvety tannins and a fruity finish. Delicate in a rich way
Hosanna (JR 17) (WA 98-100*) (WS 93-96)	245 EURO per bottle
JR Dumb nose without super freshness. Very ripe indeed. Lots of freshness on the palate. Rather a leathery texture on the finish. WA The 2009 Hosanna possesses great intensity, extraordinary balance, purity, and density, and a remarkable perfume of licorice, black fruits, spring flowers, incense, and Christmas spices. The wine hits the palate with full-bodied power, displaying silky texture, viscous, opulent mid-palate, high levels of glycerin, and considerable, but well-concealed tannins. In many ways, this is what some of the greatest 1982s tasted like (the tannins were virtually impossible to find at this stage). WS Ripe plum, peach, turning to violet and black olive on the nose. Full-bodied, featuring chewy tannins that turn polished and silky. Long and flavorful at the finish. Refined power
Latour a Pomerol (WA 92-94*) (WS 93-96)	78 EURO per bottle
WA A dense purple color as well as a beautiful nose of black truffles, smoky meat, plums, black currants, sweet cherries, and loamy earth. A lush texture, full-bodied opulence, fabulous purity, and lots of power
Trotanoy (JR 18) (WA 97-100*) (WS 97-100)	330 EURO per bottle
WA Boasts a dense plum/purple color as well as a meaty, earthy nose buttressed by enormous quantities of black fruits, cherries, and spice. Abundant glycerin, viscosity, purity, and elegance are all part of this massive, exuberant, powerful Trotanoy. One of the most prodigious wines of the vintage, it should come into its own in 8-10 years
Vieux Chateau Certan (JR 18) (WA 96-99*) (WS 97-100)	199 EURO per bottle
JR Very dark, very luscious - more like the nose you would expect of Le Pin! Very big and rich and full. Round and chewy and very very ripe but not heavy nor very hot. Splendid nose with great richness and savour but not excessive sweetness. WA exhibits an opaque purple color as well as a glorious bouquet of black currants, subtle smoke, charcoal, Christmas spices, and licorice. Massive, unctuously textured, and rich, but at the same time refreshing and vibrant, this extraordinary effort appears to be the finest Vieux Chateau Certan made in my lifetime. WS Chocolate and berries that turns to sweet tobacco and China tea leaves. Full-bodied, with a beautiful softness and silkiness. Goes on and on.
Barsac
Coutet (JR 16) (WA 96-98)	55 EURO per bottle
The Coutet 2009 is a sensational effort from Philippe Baly and his team. It has a fragrant nose of honey, vervain tea, pineapple, frangipane and apple-blossom, well defined if needing a little more vigour at the moment. The palate is vibrant on the entry, informed by touches of apricot and orange peel, very focused and tensile towards the long, sensuous, viscous finish. It has the same minerality exuded by Doisy-Daene and reminds me of a stellar ’62 tasted just a few weeks previously. A magnificent Coutet.
Sauternes
Rieussec (JR 18) (WS 95-97) (WA 92-95)	59.5 EURO per bottle
JR Heavy and rich and wonderfully sumptuous. Great richness. Density and breadth. Still very chewy but there is lots here. Very rewarding. WS Very well balanced with superb acidity, real tension, steely with great precision with notes of apricot, white peach and honey on the beautifully defined finish. Probably the best Rieussec since the astounding 2001. WA Lemon peel and pear tart on the nose. Full-bodied and medium sweet, with good acidity, lemon meringue flavors and a spicy finish.
Suduiraut(JR 18.5) (WA 97-99) (WS 94-97)	SOLD OUT
JR Big and rich and bold and overwhelming almost. A bit of spice and so much sugar! This deserves very high points for its combination of sweetness and purity. Great weight. Really very good indeed. WA One of the outstanding successes of the 2009 vintage, this may surpass the superlative 2007. Very well defined with honey, white peach, orange peel and crushed stones. Well balanced, very powerful with great depth and effervescent minerality. Fabulous. WS Pear and lemon pie aromas and flavors. Full and powerful, with lots of sweet fruit and a long, spicy finish. Racy, layered and beautiful.
Yquem (JR 19+) (WA 96-98) (WS 97-100)	595 EURO per bottle
JR Lively greenish gold. Very indulgent nose that sends a tingle down the spine. Great tang and life as well as richness. Not one of the sweetest but beautiful balance and refreshment. Quite exceptionally persistent. Hints of blossom and real lift. Orange peel and real zest - great energy. Not heavy at all, This takes 2009 Sauternes to a new level. Extremely bright fruit. Long and rich. Not a fat style of Yquem. WA Ethereal nose, beautifully defined with scents of honey, honeysuckle, pear, fresh apricot and a hint of quince. It blossoms in the glass, gaining intensity and expanding across the ether. As expected, there is extraordinary persistency, lingering in the mouth long after the wine has disappeared, yet it will remain long in the memory. WS What a fabulous wine. It's an explosion of fruit, yet it's very refined. I absolutely love the nose on this, with apricot tart, apple crumble, caramel and creme brulee. Full-bodied, superripe and spicy, with mango, papaya, spices and sweet dried lemons. Incredibly long. It really rocks your socks off. Amazing. This could be even better than 2001.
Cotes de Bourg
Roc de Cambes (JR 17) (WA 91-93)	42 EURO per bottle
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