A fine wine, this dark purple-colored effort reveals black raspberry, blackberry, mineral, and floral aromas in its complex, multidimensional bouquet. In the mouth, it is medium-bodied, with sweet, ripe fruit, firm tannin, good acidity, and a long, well-endowed, moderately tannic finish. Moreover, it will be a long-lived wine. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2020. Wine Advocate # 128; Apr 2000 Robert Parker (91) points

An impressively-extracted wine, the 1997 was revealing copious black currant fruit in addition to floral and toasty smells. The color is a saturated dark ruby/purple, and the wine is ripe with low acidity as well as high tannin. Very rich for the vintage, with a pronounced sweet mid-palate, it appears to have considerable promise. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2025. Wine Advocate # 122; Apr 1999 Robert Parker (91-92) points

I tasted this wine when I was in Bordeaux last November and was extremely impressed at that time. Now that it has had another four months of evolution, it is clearly one of the vintage's superstars. The color is a healthy dark purple, and the wine offers up celestial aromas of black fruits, licorice, minerals, and roasted Cote Rotie-like nuances. The wine's fascinating aromatics are matched by its exhilarating flavors. While not a powerhouse, and without the intensity, extraction, and richness of the 1996 and 1995, the 1997 is surreal in its display of complex aromas matched with intense but not heavy flavors. This medium-bodied wine reveals superb ripeness and glorious balance. It is a textbook example of how a wine can have remarkable flavor intensity and length, without being tiring to drink. This Ausone is forward, particularly for a wine from this estate, yet it is capable of lasting for more than two decades. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2020. Wine Advocate # 116; Apr 1998 Robert Parker (91-94) points

The spectacular 2005 Bellevue should rival, possibly eclipse their 2000. This 15.5-acre, south/southwest facing vineyard, near both Beau Sejour Becot and Beausejour-Duffau as well as Angelus, has been on a qualitative roll since Nicolas Thienpont and Stephane Derenoncourt began to manage the estate in 2000. A blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, it possesses an extraordinary mineral component along with huge, sweet blackberry and cassis notes with hints of raspberries and crushed rocks. A super black/purple color only hints at the wine’s richness, massive concentration, and monster tannins. It represents the essence of terroir. Some people were surprised that Bellevue was not promoted in the new St.-Emilion classification, but they have only been making high quality wines since 2000. Prior to that, there was a succession of mediocrities. The 2,000-case 2005 came in at a whopping 14.5% natural alcohol, but the alcohol is barely noticeable due to the wine’s richness. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2028+. Apr 2007 Robert Parker (94-96)

This estate has been on a qualitative hot streak since 2000, when it was taken over by the brilliant team of Nicolas Thienpont and Stephane Derenoncourt. Looking more like a vintage port than a traditional Bordeaux, the 2005 (less than 2,000 cases produced) was fashioned from yields of 38 hectoliters per hectare. A midnight black color is accompanied by an extraordinary perfume of crushed rocks, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and flowers. Boasting a fabulous texture, superb richness, huge tannin, and massive concentration, this stunning 2005 will need 7-10 years to reach adolescence. It is a brilliant wine, but not for the shy of heart. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2026. Wine Advocate # 164 Apr 2006 Robert Parker

South-West France. Alain Brumont is widely regarded as the leading producer of the Madiran appellation. His wines have received critical acclaim from wine writers around the world. The wines of both of his estates can also be found in many 3 star Michelin restaurants in France, which in itself is the greatest stamp of approval. Alain Brumont owns several estates in south-west France, with Chateau Montus and Chateau Bouscasse being his greatest. The main red wine grape variety in the appellation is Tannat. It can produce aggressive hard and tannic wines but in skilled hands it reveals wines of amazing complexity and concentration of flavour with supple, round textures and fine tannins.

Perfumed and exotic with fresh acidity and only a very little oak maturation.

Pacherenc Blanc Sec is a blend of 50% Petit Courbu and Arrufiac, Sauvignon and Gros Manseng. There is a brisk pre-fermentation maceration, followed by a long, cool fermentation (50% in tank and 50% in new oak) and the end result is a lovely mouthful of honey and exotic fruit.

St Julien. Proprietor Patrick Maroteaux, president of Unions des Grands Crus Classes, is pulling out all the stops to make Branaire as alluring as several of the Leovilles and Ducru Beaucaillou. 2003 and 2004 may be the finest back-to-back vintages ever produced at Branaire. Even better than the 1982, the profound 2003 Branaire Ducru boasts a saturated plum/purple color as well as an extraordinarily complex nose of black currants, blackberries, espresso roast, white chocolate, minerals, and truffles. It displays amazing freshness and definition for such a complex, complete, and full-bodied wine. A brilliant effort in the vintage, it will undoubtedly close down in several years and need more time, but perhaps its low acidity and huge, extravagant fruit-forwardness will keep it drinking well over the next two decades. A brilliant wine! Wine Advocate # 164; Apr 2006 Robert Parker 95 Drink: 2006 - 2026

St Julien. As usual, the 2005 Branaire-Ducru is one of the more distinctive wines of St.-Julien. Proprietor Patrick Maroteaux has turned out another classic. While not as opulent or fleshy as the 2003, and it remains to be seen if it will eclipse the 2000, the 2005 is a big, structured, intensely rich effort with raspberry, blueberry, and spring flower garden characteristics, stunning purity, full-bodied power, and good underlying acidity as well as harmony. The hard tannins suggest 8-9 years of cellaring will be beneficial; it should last for three decades. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030+. 95 Points Robert Parker - The Wine Advocate # 176 Apr 2008

Very floral, showing blueberry, licorice and mineral on the nose. Full and very silky, with beautifully polished tannins. Long and caressing. This is always very well done and good value for the quality. Best after 2010  92 Points; James Suckling - Wine Spectator

St Julien. Proprietor Patrick Maroteaux continues to ratchet up the quality level at this impeccably run St.-Julien estate. The 2006 is similar to the 1996 Branaire, but with sweeter fruit. A deep ruby/purple hue precedes a perfumed nose of sweet boysenberries, black cherries, minerals, spring flowers, and a hint of pain grille in the background. Fresh, savory, medium to full-bodied flavors coat the palate with beautiful purity, no hard edges, ripe tannin, and intense fruit. This elegant, layered, impressive offering will be at its peak between 2012-2025. Robert Parker 92-94

Very dark crimson with a blackish streak. So glossy. Indistinct and not especially expressive nose. Oddly a bit loose and unfocussed on the palate despite the dramatic look. Bit like a cup of tepid tea. Dies a little on the end though a great deal of effort has clearly gone into it. Fruit a bit smashed. Neat but fades. Jancis Robinson MW 16
 
Very solid, with good fruit and a complete core of ripe tannins. Medium- to full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a medium to full finish. I prefer this to the 2004. Very close to 92-94. James Suckling 89-91 WineSpectator.com

Canon Fronsac set contained within the the Fronsac region of Bordeaux just a couple of k from St. Emillon. Canon Fronsac is usually Merlot with Cabernet Franc. The alcohol is 13.5% and the bottle is sealed in cork. Medium deep full red in colour. Very stylish nose of plum, blackberry, nutmeg, chocolate and aged herbs. Is very nicely balance with a smidge of bitterness which builds the complexity of the palate. Lovely fruit characters and matched oak which broadens nicely with well structured tannin before a nice long finish. It's the tannin structure that gives it away as a Bordeaux. Plenty of complexity there that will also improve further in the medium term. I showed it to a few non-geeks who were also attracted to it. Very nice indeed. Drink 2007-2014; Price $60; Quality: 91/100 (Excellent) Value: Very Good - MA StarPanel© October 2007

Canon Fronsac is usually Merlot based with a goodly splash of Cabernet Franc thrown in and I’d guess this is no different. Recent warm to hot vintages are helping this AC produce excellent wines at very reasonable prices. Aromas of raspberry and black fruits, dried herbs, smoke, earth and a bit of oak. Savoury rather than fruity with some black tea fragrance adding interest. On the palate medium bodied with cherry, chocolate, dried herb and earthy flavours. Not especially weighty but has good sweet fruit supported by loose knit talc-like tannins and enough acidity to provide balance. Finishes nice and fresh with dark fruit and some licorice flavours. Delicious and highly drinkable. Rated : 90 Points; Price : $57; Drink : 2007 - 2017; Gary Walsh; Winorama

The wine of Canon de Brem with its rich, dark colour and flashes of purple, has a nose of truffles. Its brisk bouquet, its roundness on the palate and its balanced texture due to its finesse and the vivacity of its tannins, give Canon de Brem an outstanding aromatic length. Cellar it for 1-2 more years, and enjoy it over the following 10-15.

Proprietor Vauthier’s second wine, the 2004 Chapelle d’Ausone (400 cases produced) is a beautiful effort. It may be the finest second wine currently being made in Bordeaux. It displays much of the same character as its bigger sibling, with sweeter tannins, a softer, more plush personality, and more accessibility. A liquid minerality intermixed with blue and black fruits as well as floral notes are all present. Drink this beauty over the next 15 or more years. Wine Advocate # 171; Jun 2007 Robert Parker 90 Drink 2007 - 2022

Probably a smarter buy if one is going to drink something made at Ausone in his or her own lifetime would be the second wine of this estate, the Chapelle d’Ausone. The 2004 is an open-knit, forward style of wine but I am sure it has 20 or more years of longevity. With plenty of tannin and concentration as well as beautiful blueberry and raspberry notes intermixed with floral and mineral characteristics, this is a serious wine to drink over the next 20+ years. Wine Advocate # 165; Jun 2006 Robert Parker (90-92) Drink 2006 - 2026

St Emilion. The complex, explosively fragrant 1999 Cheval Blanc is a blend of 59% Merlot and 41% Cabernet Franc. It is already showing well, which is a good sign for a wine that traditionally is reserved early in life, but puts on weight and richness in the bottle. Stylistically, this wine is probably cut from the same mold as vintages such as 1985, 1966, and 1962. The color is a dense ruby with purple nuances. Once past the blockbuster bouquet of menthol, leather, black fruits, licorice, and mocha, the wine reveals medium body, extraordinary elegance, purity, and sweet, harmonious flavors with no hard edges. This is a seamless beauty of finesse, charm, and concentration. The 1999 is an exciting Cheval Blanc to drink relatively young. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2022. Wine Advocate # 140 Apr 2002 Robert Parker 93 points
 
The immensely sexy, totally disarming 1999 (a blend of 55% Merlot and 45% Cabernet Franc) boasts a deep purple color in addition to gorgeous aromas of jammy black fruits, coffee, cedar, and minerals. As the wine sits in the glass, additional nuances of kirsch and orange marmalade become apparent. A seamless classic, with an unctuous texture, gorgeous levels of fruit, and no hard edges, this compelling Cheval Blanc will be gorgeous to drink young, yet will last for two decades. Anticipated maturity: 2002-2020. Kudos to administrator Pierre Lurton for the efforts he has put forth over recent years. Drink 2002 - 2020 Wine Advocate # 134 Apr 2001 Robert Parker (94-95) points

St Estephe. The prodigious, fantastic 2003 Cos d’Estournel is a candidate for “wine of the vintage.” A blend of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon (unusually high for this chateau), 30% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc, 17,500 cases were produced from low yields. An inky/blue/purple color is accompanied by a compelling perfume of black fruits, subtle smoke, pain grille, incense, and flowers. With extraordinary richness, full body, and remarkable freshness, elegance, and persistence, this is one of the finest wines ever made by this estate. The good news is that it will be drinkable at a young age yet evolve for three decades or more. Kudos to winemaker Jean-Guillaume Prats and owner Michel Reybier. Parker # 164 (4/1/2006) : 98 points Maturity: 2006-2036

Weinwisser # 4/2004 (5/1/2004) : 20/20 Maturity: 2012-2040

Intense wild blackberry, spice and licorice aromas. Full-bodied, with big, velvety tannins and a seductive, rich finish. Goes on and on. A very exotic Cos, with fabulous fruit and ripe tannins. The estate says it is the best wine they have ever made and I think they could be right. Wine Spectator # web (4/5/2004) : 95-100

St Estephe. Jean-Guillaume Prats told me that yields were a modest 38 hectoliters per hectare, and only 55% of the production made it into the 2006 Cos. The harvest took place between September 21 and October 6, and the final blend is dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon (78%), followed by 20% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc. The dense ruby/purple-tinged 2006 recalls such vintages as 1988 and 1996. It offers a classic bouquet of incense, licorice, pain grille, black currants, truffles, and flowers. Medium-bodied and concentrated with moderately high tannin, it will require 8-10 years of cellaring, and should keep for 30 or more. It is another terrific effort from an estate that has done everything right over the last decade. Robert Parker 92-94+

Precision viticulture techniques such as the use of gps and an electromagnetic sensor have enabled Cos to obtain much more accurate information on water availability and soil type across the estate. As a result, the vineyard is now divided into 97 different plots, each one treated individually. In the new chai currently under construction there will be 97 different tanks to keep these plots separate during vinification. This means that the potential quality of each parcel of fruit can be realised. 55% of the total crop went into the grand vin. Very deep, very cabernet (78%) right out to the rim. Intense - very lively real energy in this wine. Much more solid and more obviously fruity than the more ethereal lafite next door - but a very fine wine with great balance and zest and a bit of ink on the finish. Glossy, meaty, even slightly salty. Very long-term wine but non-aggressive tannins. Jancis Robinson MW
 
Wonderful aromas of violets and berries, with a mineral undertone. Full-bodied, with a solid core of fruit and tannins. Firm and chewy, tannic and muscular. Midpalate of fruit that builds on the palate. Almost 95-100. James Suckling 92-94

This powerful, tannic, structured effort from Mouton-Rothschild’s stable is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Its dense ruby/purple color is followed by an earthy nose dominated by black currants and toasty, smoky oak. Medium to full-bodied with relatively high tannin, decent acidity, and a fine finish, it should be at its best between 2014-2030. Wine Advocate # 176 Apr 2008 Robert Parker 90+ Drink: 2014 - 2030

Abundant tannin in addition to a deep ruby/purple hue, superb purity, and a lovely texture are found in this delicious Pauillac. One of the finest d’Armailhacs I have ever tasted, it is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot that achieved an amazing 13.3% natural alcohol. Aromas of black currants, creamy oak, and earth emerge from this medium to full-bodied effort. It should be drinkable in 4-5 years, and will last for two decades or more. Wine Advocate # 170 Apr 2007 Robert Parker (90-93) Drink: 2011 - 2031