Category Archives: Bordeaux

Smith Haut Lafitte 2006

Posted on April 15, 2010 by RJ

Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte, Pessac-Leognan 2006 The smells in the nose include raspberries, cherries, leather and the sweetness and toastiness of oak. In the mouth it is earthy and smoky, exhibiting complexity and a supple texture – very approachable. The … Continue reading →

Posted in Bordeaux, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, France, Graves, Merlot, Pessac-Leognan | Tagged | Leave a comment

Chateau d’Yquem

Posted on April 2, 2010 by RJ

Chateau d’Yquem, Sauternes 2005 From the start, the nose features a complex mix of honey, vanilla, appropriate volatility, creme caramel and dried apricots. In the mouth it is broad and viscous, a wine whose texture is luscious. With time, the … Continue reading →

Posted in Bordeaux, France, Late Harvest White, Sauternes, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, White Dessert | Tagged | Leave a comment

Chateau Puy Arnaud Cotes de Castillon 2005

Posted on February 8, 2010 by RJ

Chateau Puy Arnaud, Cotes de Castillon 2005 The oak makes its presence known when you smell this wine. In the mouth the full ripeness of the fruit comes through, with ample concentration and plenty of structure – a solid value … Continue reading →

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Raymond-Lafon Sauternes 2004

Posted on November 4, 2009 by RJ

Chateau Raymond-Lafon, Sauternes 2004 In the nose you’ll find honey and tropical fruit with appropriate volatility. In the mouth it is caramel, long lasting caramel, silky and balanced by lemony acidity. Planted 80% Semillon and 20% Sauvignon. The Famille Meslier … Continue reading →

Posted in Bordeaux, France, Late Harvest White, Sauternes, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, White Dessert | 1 Comment

Chateau Saint-Pierre 2005

Posted on November 4, 2009 by RJ

Chateau Saint-Pierre, Saint-Julien 2005 This is pleasure in a glass, ripeness of fruit, great density yet rounded off edges. The structure supports the density of flavor while the acidity carries the flavor a long way – very nice. The estate … Continue reading →

Posted in Bordeaux, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, France, Merlot, Saint-Julien | Leave a comment

Chateau Gloria 2005

Posted on November 4, 2009 by RJ

Chateau Gloria, Saint-Julien 2005 There’s a nice smoky essence in the nose while in the mouth you’ll find cranberries and dark chocolate. This wine is quite chewy and would certainly benefit from 6-8 years in the cellar. The estate is … Continue reading →

Posted in Bordeaux, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, France, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Saint-Julien | Leave a comment

Chateau Grillon 2002

Posted on September 15, 2009 by RJ

Chateau Grillon, Sauternes 2002 In the nose there are dried apricots, hay and a bit of nuttiness. In the mouth the wine is moderately sweet, with moderate viscosity and a nice thread of balancing acidity. This was probably on the … Continue reading →

Posted in Bordeaux, France, Late Harvest White, Sauternes, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, White Dessert | Leave a comment

Chateau Lascombes 2005

Posted on August 6, 2009 by RJ

Chateau Lascombes, Margaux 2005 This wine is super toasty in the nose with hints of dark chocolate and cassis. The mouth is quite structured urging a good 10 years and more in the cellar, yet already the black fruit is … Continue reading →

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Smith Haut Lafitte 2005

Posted on July 29, 2009 by RJ

Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte, Pessac-Leognan 2005 The nose smells of leather, earth, smokiness, horse blanket and a host of descriptors that get at a sense of brettanomycees as complexity rather than a flaw. That said, I know that this level … Continue reading →

Posted in Bordeaux, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, France, Merlot, Pessac-Leognan | Leave a comment

Giscours 2005

Posted on July 29, 2009 by RJ

Chateau Giscours, Margaux 2005 The berry fruit is ripe and expressive in the nose, with a sense of cedar and a light touch of earthiness. The fruit comes through on the palate, with some chewy though ripe tannin and a … Continue reading →

Posted in Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon, Margaux, Merlot | Tagged | Leave a comment