Rogov's
Ramblings
Bordeaux 2000
To Buy or Not To Buy
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Let us start of by saying that I am here to praise the 2000 year vintage of Bordeaux and not to bury it. I cannot help but commenting, however, that I have grown very weary indeed of hearing so often about the hype of this or that year being Bordeaux' "vintage of the century". With regard to the vintage of 2000, at least an amusing note has been added because no-one has said whether this was the last vintage of the 20th century or the first of the 21st. If people are referring to the 20th century they are clearly wrong, for as good as it is, 2000 cannot hold a candle to the vintages of 1945,1949, 1953, and 1961. By heaven, I doubt that this vintage will even be as good as that of 1990. On the other hand, it takes neither intelligence nor imagination to declare 2000 the year of the 21st century which, after all, has ninety-nine years to go until such definitive statements can be made. Whatever, after three recent visits to Bordeaux, there to conduct extended tastings, it is not difficult to state without embarrassment that many of the Bordeaux reds of 2000 are going to be splendid, quite a few of them proving to be classics. Those of several of the very best Chateaux are going to attain greatness and a host of others, ranging from 2eme cru classe and even to Cru Bourgeois are going to be excellent. The problem only comes up when it comes to prices, for as has been well publicized almost everywhere, futures for these wines have attained astronomical levels and at this writing (mid July, 2001) prices continue to rise and the question one must ask is simply if these wines, as excellent as many may be, are worth those prices. My own feeling about buying year 2000 Bordeaux futures in a nutshell is threefold - first, I find these wines so over-inflated in price that I cannot help but wonder if they will not cost less when they reach the stores than the prices now being demanded. Second, especially in the case of the very top wines from the most status-laded Chateauxin, unless one is a certified billionaire, one might do better to buy the wines of 1989 or 1990, many of which are of equal quality, cost far less, are far closer to being ready to drink (but fear not, can still be cellared for many years). Finally, if one is going to buy futures, it is not the "great wines" that I recommend but those from the not-all-that famous Chateaux, some at least of which are still offered at prices that make them tempting. Even then, because prices can vary by up to 30% from store to store, a bit of comparison shopping is definitely in order. Not all critics agree on all wines, especially when made from barrel samplings, nor do we all have the opportunity to sample all of the more than 1,000 wines available, so I heartily suggest that before deciding what wines to buy one may do well to check at least two other sources. They tell me that it's "bad business" to recommend visiting other wine sites. Bad business it may be, but good ethics it is also, and two colleagues whose notes I respect are those of Tom Cannavan: http://www.wine-pages.com/organise/udgcdb00.htm and James Suckling at http://www.winespectator.com/Wine/Spectator/bordeaux2000/notes/full.html My own tastings were made during three trips to Bordeaux between the end of
March and the end of June. The tastings were not blind but as always my scores
are based on a maximum of 100 points. Wines rated 96 - 100 are those I consider
truly great and those that earn 90 - 95 are exceptional in every way. Wines with
scores of 85 - 89 are excellent and highly recommended; those with scores between
80 - 84 are recommended; wines earning 70 - 79 are average but at least somewhat
faulted; and those earning under 70 points are not recommended. Because in nearly
all cases these were tastings from the barrel and these scores are somewhat tentative,
I have allowed myself a 3 point range in evaluating each of the wines. Oh yes…for
convenience sake in reading, I have listed the wines in the decreasing order of
the scores they earned within their sub-regions of Bordeaux. As those familiar
with this site and my (obviously opinionated) articles know, those with complaints,
objections, questions or simply comments should feel free to post a note on the
Forum (to which you will find a hyperlink at the bottom of this page) or directly
to me by email at drogov@cheerful.com St.-Estephe Chateau Calon-Segur, St.-Estephe, 2000: Concentrated and powerful, full bodied and with an abundance of smooth tannins and plenty of alcohol, this deep ruby-purple wine has a tempting boutuqet of spicy, oaky, cherry and chocolate. The wine will be surprisingly approachable in its youth but with its depth, purity and balance will cellar nicely for at least two decades. Score 94 - 96. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Cos-d'Estournel, St.-Estephe, 2000: Deep royal purple in color, and
with intense flavors and aromas of currants, raspberries and toasty oak, this
multi-layered wine unfolds on the palate seemingly without end. Chateau Montrose, St.-Estephe, 2000: Concentrated, deep, full bodied and powerful
and with remarkable elegance. Lots of plums and black fruits, spices, leather,
oak and minerals, all coming together beautifully. A wine that will cellar nicely
for 30 - 40 years. Score 94 - 96. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau de Pez, St.-Estephe, 2000: With layer after layer of berries, casis, black fruits, herbs and toasty oak, this medium to full bodied wine has plenty of well integrated tannins. The will be approachable 2 - 3 years after bottling but will then cellar nicely for 10 - 15 years longer. Score 90 - 92. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Ormes de Pez, Cru Brougeois, St.- Estephe, 2000: Full bodied, with plenty of tannins and acids, and spicy fruits on its nose and the palate. Already ripe and showing the potential for good medium-term aging. Score 88 - 90. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring 2001) Chateau Beau-Site, St.-Estephe, 2000: No surprises here, as the wine maintains the kind of comfortable consistency we have come to expect. Medium to dark in color with good aromas of cassis, black cherries, minerals and spicy oak, smooth tannins and medium body, this is a wine that will be drinkable quite early but that should cellar nicely until about 2008. Score 86 - 88. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Cos-Labory, St.-Estephe, 2000: Deep and dark in color, this medium to full bodied wine offers generous aromas and flavors of currants and plums as well as a hint of tar. Rich, long and moderately tannic on the palate. Score 86 - 88. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Marbuzet, St.-Estephe, 2000: Medium to full bodied, with tannins that promise to smooth out over the next few years, and with plenty of soft but delicious flavors of currants, blueberries and black cherries and a hint of mocha that develops on the palate. Score 86 - 88. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Phelan-Segur, Cru Bourgeois, St.-Estephe,, Cru Bourgeois, 2000: Earthy, and with truffles and mushrooms in its aromas and flavors, this country-style wine is loaded with tannins and fruits (look especially for black currants and stewed plums). A wine that promises to open nicely with short-term aging. Score 85 - 88. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Haut-Marbuzet, St.-Estephe, 2000: Medium bodied, with plenty of plums and mocha on the nose and lots of spicy plum and smoky oak flavors, a wine to drink fairly young. Score 85 - 87. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001)
St. Julien Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou, St.-Julien, 2000: Fabulous! Deep ruby in color, with a perfumed toasty character, this full bodied Ducru-Beaucaillou combines earthy, currant, berry and mineral flavors and aromas with plenty of depth, smooth tannins and appealing ripeness all of which come together with a beautifully long finish. One of the best of the vintage. Score 96 - 98. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Leoville Las Cases, St.-Julien, 2000: Dense, concentrated and abslutely packed with black cherries, cassis, and new oak rich flavors that are stunning in the richness. Full bodied and with marvelous balance this is a wine for long term cellaring, probably only attaining its peak in another 20 - 30 years. Score 95 - 97. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Leoville-Barton, 2eme Cru Classe, St.-Julien, 2000: So full bodied and (forgive me) "masculine" in its structure that one almost eats instead of drinks this wine. Flavors and aromas of fresh grapes, red currants, wild berries and plenty of oak influence here. Still tight and closed but when this one opens it is going to be one of the best of the vintage. Score 95 - 98. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Gruaud-Larose, 2eme Cru Classe, St.-Julien, 2000: Inky-black in color, full bodied and intense, and with lots of blakcurrants, chocolate and even hints of licorice and tobacco. One of the very best Gruaud's ever made. Score 92 - 94. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Langoa-Barton, 2eme Cru Classe, St.-Julien, 2000: Full bodied and with lots of cassis as well as a berry-cherry and chocolate pesonality and excellent balance that bodes well for aging potential. Score 92 - 94.. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Branaire-Ducru, St.-Julien, 2000: Fat, full bodied and with plums, raspberries, wild berries, vanilla and toasted oak in its aromas and flavors, and with just enough tannins to give a firm bite, this delicious wine will be ready to drink early but will cellar nicely for 10 - 20 years. Score 91 - 93. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Lagrange, 3eme Cru Classe, St.-Julien, 2000: Full bodied, ripe, with plenty of oak and tannins that promise to soften nicely. Lots of fruit here as well as nice touches of licorice and mint. Score 90 - 92. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Leoville-Poyferre, 2eme Cru Classe, St. Julien, 2000: Wild berries, currants and herbal, mineral overtones smooth tannins and exquisite intrinsic balance make this full bodied wine one to watch as it develops. Still very closed but already showing flavors that unfold seemingly without stop on the palate. Score 90 - 92. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Talbot, 4eme Cru Classes, St. Julien, 2000: An almost ideal marriage between aromas and flavors of black currants and oak, with sweet fruits making themselves felt along with hints of tobacco and chocolate. Plenty of tannins here that promise to smoothen out very nicely indeed. Score 90 - 92. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Beychevelle, 4eme Cru Classe, St.-Julien, 2000: Medium to full bodied, with an abundance of currant, berry and plums, plenty of smooth tannins and inherent balance. Give this one time to develop. Score 88 - 90. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau St.-Pierre, St.-Julien, 2000: Richly fruity, deep ruby red and medium bodied, this attractive, long wine has plenty of ripe blackcurrants and new oak. Drink young or until about 2010. Score 87 - 89. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Gloria, St.-Julien, 2000: Soft tannins and medium body make this fruity
and delicious wine a good bet for early drinking. Look for lots of black cherries
and berries as well as nice hints of wild flowers in the flavors and aromas. Score
86 - 88. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Pauillac Chateau Latour, Pauillac, 2000: I was one of those odd people who awarded the 1990 Latour a score of 100. This one doesn't quite make it to that exalted level, but by heaven, it isn't at all far away. Full bodied, powerful and still tightly closed but already showing promise of mineral, cassis, nut and blackcurrant aromas and flavors, this massive wine is packed with tannins. One of the finest wines of the vintage, and destined to develop nicely in the bottle for 30 or more years. Score 97 - 99. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Pauillac, 2000: A traditional and a great Lafite with the trademark lead pencil, tobacco, cedar and currant fruits. Rich and supple and so full bodied that it rivals the 1990 but with flavors so deep and multi-layered that it is even better. A wine to cellar for at least ten years but to look forward to drinking for between 25 - 35 yrs. Impressive, delicious and exquisite in every way. Score 96 - 98. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Grand-Puy-Lacoste, Pauillac, 2000: Surprisingly low in acidity, but full bodied and with plenty of silky tannins, this dense deep red wine has plenty of blackcurrants, spices, coffee and a lead-pencil aromas and flavors that cannot help but make you sigh for pleasure. Concentrated and with flavors that linger nicely, this is a wine that will develop nicely until 2015 or longer. Score 94 - 96. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Mouton-Rothschild, Pauillac, 2000: An exquisite bouquet of black currants, spices, minerals, tobacco, coffee and oak, and absolutely packed with black currants in its flavors, this beautiful wine has flavors that linger beautifully on the palate. Call me crazy if you like, but I continue to insist that Mouton-Rothschild goes on and on to produce some of the very top wines of Pauillac and this is clearly one of them. Score 94 - 96. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Pichon-Longueville-Lalande, Pauillac, 2000: Deep ruby in color, with
a remarkably intense bouquet of black curants, oak, vanilla and spring flowers,
this full bodied and deeply tannic wine combines grace, elegance and a sense of
devil-may care. A delicious wine that will be ready early but will cellar nicely
for at least two decades. Chateau Lynch-Bages, 5eme Cru Classe, Pauillac, 2000: Red and black currants, aromas of violets. Intense and tannic, full-bodied and with flavors that linger on and on without stopping. The kind of balance that makes one think of long, long aging. Score 93 - 95. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Haut-Bages-Liberal, Pauillac, 2000: An "oh wow" wine in that as the plummy, oaky and berry flavors unfold on the palate you are continuously tempted to call out about how delicious it is. Full bodied, with lots of smooth tannins this is a wine to drink anywhere from 2005 - 2020. Delicious and enchanting. Score 93 - 95. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Clerc Milon, Pauillac, 2000: You might be tempted to think that this is a California Cabernet, but California can only dream of producing wines so full of herbs, smoke and currants. Firm tannins that make the wine seem closed but already revealing cassis, vanilla, roasted nuts and tobacco in its aromas and flavors. Give this one four to five years and it will demonstrate itself as one of the best Clerc-Milons of the last 20 years. Score 92 - 94. Chateau Pichon-Longueville (Baron), 2eme Cru Classe, Pauillac, 2000: A textbook Pauillac wine, with rich plum, cassis, berries, toasted oak and vanilla. A multi-layered, full-bodied and concentrated wine, all coming together in exquisite balance. Score 92 - 94. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau d'Armailhac, Pauillac, 2000: Deep purple in color, with flavors and aromas of nuts, cassis, smoky vanilla and chocolate, this is velvety-textured wine is as full of fruits and game flavors as it is full in body. Concentrated and delicious. Score 91 - 93. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Pontet-Canet, 5eme Cru Classe, Pauillac, 2000: Full bodied and with massive tannins, but showing already showing elegance in its berry, black cherry oaky, earthy character. Give this one a few years after it has been bottled and it will prove to be the best wine ever from this Chateau. Score 91 - 93. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Carruades de Lafite, Pauillac, 2000: Another second wine that proves itself absolutely first class, and perhaps the best Carruades ever. Full bodied, replete with smooth tannins, with vanilla, lead pencils and cedar on its nose (as in the first wine), and with soft spicy berry and cherry flavors, all with overlays of tobacco. A wine that will live nicely for 10 - 15 years. Score 91 - 93. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Duhart-Milon-Rothschild, Pauillac, 2000: Deep ruby red, remarkably similar to the 1990 wine and with plenty of currant, mineral, herbal and oak flavors, firm tannins and really good concentration. Dense and delicious, with flavors that linger nicely, a wine to drink between 2005- 2020. Go for it. It's a delicious wine. Score 91 - 93. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Les Forts de Latour, Pauillac, 2000: Another of those delightful surprises that gives second wines their very good name. Medium to full bodied, rich, round and generous, with concentrated flavors. As good as the excellent 1982 wine from Les Forts, and one that will develop nicely in the bottle for 8 - 12 years. Score 90 - 92. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Cordeillan-Bages, Pauillac, 2000: For my money (as Damon Runyon put it so nicely), this is the best wine ever from this chateau. Deep ruby red, medium to full bodied, with plenty of tannins and (perhaps for the first time from this winery) great concentration, a wine to drink starting in two - three years but one that will develop nicely in the bottle for 10 - 12 years longer. Score 88 - 90. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Croizet-Bages, Pauillac, 2000: Without question a chateau on the way up. Attractive spicy, cedary,m cherry, berry and wild flowers in its aromas and flavors, this medium to full bodied wine will make for fine drinking in the next 5 - 8 years. Score 88- 90. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Batailley, Pauillac, 2000: Smoky oak, blackcurrrants and nutty flavors and aromas give this moderately tannic, medium to full bodied wine just the right hints of elegance. Score 86 - 88. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Haut-Batailley, Pauillac, 2000: With appealing aromas of blackcurrants and a sweet, oaky bouquet, this full bodied wine has moderate levels of tannins and the kind of finesse and elegance that should make for good drinking for 10 - 15 years. Score 88 - 90. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Lynch-Moussas, Pauillac, 2000: A good year for Mynch-Moussas, as this wine is fuller bodied, shows greater balance and more focus than in the past. Soft and fruity on the palate, the wine will be ready for drinking early and will drink well until about 2006. Score 86 - 88. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Fonbadet, Pauillac, 2000: Dark ruby in color, with plenty of spices,
berries and hints of truffles in its aromas and flavors, this ripe and appealing
medium bodied wine will make for good drinking in its youth. Chateau Grand-Puy-Ducasse, Pauillac, 2000: With spicy, chocolate flavors and
a moderately intense bouquet, this Margaux Chateau Margaux, Margaux, 2000: Now this, by heaven, is what great wine is supposed to be all about! The 1990 was superb, the 1995 was superb and so is this one. Majestic in body and tannins, with a bouquet of flowers, cassis, smoke, spices, new oak, and flavors that linger on and on, seemingly without end, this is a wine that shows finesse, richness and astonishing depth. Score (with no apologies whatsoever) 100. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Rausan-Segla, Margaux, 2000: Intense, complex and concentrated, with lots of new oak, plenty of tannins, and an abundance of red and black berries, currants and spices in its aromas and flavors. Full bodied and meant for long aging. Overall, a superb wine. Score 97- 99. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Palmer, Margaux, 2000: Magnificent! Black fruit, wild flowers, licorice and sweet oak on the nose, and with plenty of currants and berries in its flavors, this full bodied, deep ruby/purple wine has plenty of tannins, good acids to match and excellent concentration and balance. One that will be ready early but will then go on to live a very long life indeed. A wine that will be fascinating to watch as it develops over the years. Score 95 - 98. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Pavillion Rouge de Margaux, 2000: This may be the second wine of Chateau Margaux
but believe me, there is nothing second-class about it whatever. In fact, this
may be the best wine ever produced under this label. Chateau Kirwan, 3eme Cru Classe, Margaux, 2000: Finally……true elegance
from Kirwan! Loaded with plums, currants and berries, with nice overtones of leather
and chocolate. Plenty of tannins to go with the full-body and Chateau Siran, Margaux, 2000: Deep ruby in color, with lots of spicy, black
currants and hints of tobacco. Chateau Brane-Cantenac, 2eme Cru Classe, Margaux, 2000: Deep ruby red, this medium bodied wine shows good concentration, reflects the new oak casks in which it was aged rather nicely and gives a succulent, silky feeling on the palate. Berries, cherries, sweet vanilla and just bare hints of tobacco and chocolate here. Score 90 - 92. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Monbrison, Margaux, 2000: Purple towards black in color, concentrated and with plenty of soft tannins and good fruit on the nose and on the palate, a wine that will drink nicely for 15 - 20 years. Score 90 - 92. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau d'Angludet, Crus Bourgeois, Margaux, 2000: Medium to full bodied, more tannic than most of the wines from this Chateau, and with real elegance. Currants, cherries, spices and sweet, herbaceous fruits make this a fine wine, not one for cellaring for twenty years but one that will make nice drinking until about 2010-2015. Score 89 - 91. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Cantenac-Brown, Margaux, 2000: With full body, tightly knit structure and an abundance of tannins, this is a wine that will age nicely for a decade or more. Look here for plenty of sweet currant, oak and berries as well as plenty of glycerin and alcohol. Score 88 - 90. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Labegorce, Margaux, 2000: If you like the 1990 wine from this Chateau you'll adore this one. Excellent balance and length, with lots of currants, berries and flowers, this medium to full bodied wine is soft, ripe and abundant in every way and should drink nicely for 10 - 15 years. Score 88 - 90. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau La Gurgue, Margaux, 2000: A heavyweight from a generally lightweight chateau. Lots of blackcurrants, spring flowers and hints of licorice and tar make this a rich, heady and delicious wine. Score 88 - 90. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Lascombes, 2eme Cru Classe, Margaux, 2000: Medium to full bodied, with intense aromas of cedar, plums, and currants and just spicy enough. Not excessively tannic but well balanced with flavors that linger nicely. Score 88 - 90. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Rauzan-Gassies, Margaux, 2000: One of the major surprises of the vintage,
for it is so much better than we have come to expect from this good but rarely
exciting Chateau. Delicious and packed with black cherry, currant and berry aromas
and flavors, this full bodied wine has plenty of smooth tannins and flavors that
linger on and on. Chateau Prieure-Lichine, Margaux, 2000: Light to medium bodied, but with good balance between wood, currants, herbs, minerals and smooth tannins. A wine that will be easy to drink in its youth but that will age nicely for a decade or longer. Score 87 - 89. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau d'Issan, Margaux, 2000: Medium to full bodied, fragrant, with plenty of berry, spices and moderate tannins, a wine for very nice drinking indeed in the next 5 - 7 years. Score 86 - 88. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Rausan-Gassies, 2eme Cru Classe, Margaux, 2000: One of the best from
this Chateau in many years. Chateau Boyd-Cantenac, Margaux, 2000: Rich, fruity, and with plenty of alcohol and tannins, this is well made wine should drink nicely when it is young but will age well. Spicy and rich, with good fruit flavors that linger nicely. Score 85 - 87. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Pouget, Margaux: Not a lot of complexity here but this is a lively, fruity wine with plenty of oaky, currant bouquet and enough depth and definition to make it interesting. Score 85 - 87. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau La Tour-de-Mons, Margaux, 2000: Dark ruby red in color, with an almost
sweet floral nose and plenty of red fruit in its flavors, this medium bodied wine
should drink nicely for 6 - 8 years. Score 85 - 87. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting,
Spring, 2001) Macau Chateau Cantemerle, 5eme Cru Classe, Macau, 2000: Royal purple in color, and redolent with blackberries, violets and vanilla. Medium bodied and elegant, almost lush. Score 88 - 90. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Pessac-Leognan Chateau La Mission-Haut-Brion, Pessac-Leognan, 2000: One that will be hard to beat! Full bodied and remarkably rich in plum, raspberry, cherry, chocolate and toasty oak flavors and aromas. Powerful tannins that are already becoming smooth and silky and balance that is gorgeous. Let it linger on the palate and you will find hints here of grapes and tobacco. Perhaps the best wine in many years to match a good Monte Cristo No.3 cigar! Score 95 - 97. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Haut-Brion, Pessac-Leognan, 2000: With plenty of sweet roasted fruits, this full bodied but somehow remarkably delicate and fragrant wine offers a mouthful of cassis, tobacco, oak and minerals, all coming together beautifully with smooth tannins and flavors that linger on and on, seemingly without stop. Score 94 - 96. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau La Tour-Haut-Brion, Pessac-Leognan, 2000: So good it will surprise!!
Full bodied but soft and fruity, with lovely earthy, mineral and tobacco aroma
and flavors, good balance and flavors that linger nicely. Score 93 - 95. Chateau Bahans Haut-Brion, Pessac-Leognan, 2000: If anyone ever needed proof
that second wines can stand comfortably on their own, this is yet another example
from the vintage. Roasted, sweet black fruits, tobacco and Chateau Pape-Clement, Pessac-Leognan, 2000: More full bodied and herbal than one usually expects from this Chateau, but a very nice wine indeed, with good balance between fruits, tannins and acidity. One of the better wines from this Chateau in a dozen years. Score 91 - 93. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Domaine de Chevalier, Pessac-Leognan, 2000: Dark ruby in color, with plenty
of smoky oak, cassis and hints of flowers, coffee. Smooth but concentrated tannins
and give flavors that linger nicely this wine an elegant finish. Chateau Smith-Haut-Lafitte, Pessac-Leognan, 2000: Dark ruby in color, full bodied and with just the right balance between smooth tannins and fruits. With seductive aromas of red plums, red currants and plenty of vanilla, tobacco and spices in its flavors and aromas, this is as good as the 1990 wine from this Chateau. Ripe and smoky, a wine that will age nicely for 15 or more years. Score 90 - 92. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) La Chapelle de La Mission-Haut-Brion, Pessac-Leognan, 2000: This second wine of La Mission-Haut-Brion need make no apologies whatever. Full bodied and packed with smooth tannins all balanced by beautiful wild berry, chocolate and toasted oak. The wine will be delicious in its youth and will drink nicely for 8 - 10 years. Score 89 - 91. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau de Fieuzal, Pessac-Leognan, 2000: Darkly colored, with sweet currant fruits, medium body and a compact, tannic finish, all coming together with plenty of acids and good balance. A winner from Fieuzal! Score 89 - 91. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Haut-Bailly, Pessac-Leognan, 2000: Rich, full and with mineral, spicy,
vanilla and currant aromas and flavors. Full bodied, well balanced and with a
charming berry-mint aftertaste that cannot but help make you smile. Chateau Larrivet-Haut-Brion, Pessac-Leognan, 2000: Plums, chocolate and toasty oak make this dark, deep wine tempting. Overall good balance and with flavors that linger nicely on the palate. Score 88 - 90. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Latour-Martillac, Pessac-Leognan, 2000: Another almost country-style while in that it feels chunky and just a bit coarse on the palate, but do not let that put you off, for this medium to full bodied wine has plenty of fruit, an abundance of oak and a pleasing hint of asphalt that lingers nicely. Score 86 - 88. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Olivier, Pessac-Leognan, 2000: Deep color, medium body and moderate tannins, all coming together to show appealing mineral, floral and black fruit aromas and primarily black cherry-cassis flavors. Still tight but the wine should open nicely. Score 86 - 88. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Bouscaut, Pessac-Leognan, 2000: Medium bodied, spicy and with smooth tannins. Plenty of fruit here but not as concentrated as one might hope for. Score 85 - 87. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Malartic-Langraviere, Pessac-Leognan, 2000: Spicy cherries, generous hints spices and fresh forest earthiness and moderate levels of tannins will make this a wine for relatively early drinking. Score 85 - 87. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Carbonnieux, Pessac-Leognan,2000: Medium in both body and tannins, with a few nice cherry, plum and earthy flavors and aromas. A wine for pleasant but early drinking. Score 84 - 86. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Picque-Caillou, Pessac-Leognan, 2000: Deep ruby red in color, with pronounced earthy, currant aromas and with plenty of plums, black cherries and a light hint of licorice, this medium to full bodied wine will drink well for 6 - 7 years. Score 84 - 86. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Les Carmes Haut-Brion, Pessac-Leognan, 2000: Not much better than a
second rate Chilean Cabernet. St. Emilion Chateau Cheval-Blanc, St. Emilion, 2000: Critics are supposed to be honest
enough to admit when one of the wines they are tasting is among their personal
favorites. So be it - and with no apologies whatever, I confess that I tend to
adore Cheval-Blanc!! That aside (hopefully), this deep colored wine has aromas
so deep that from moment to moment you are not sure whether it is truffles, mocha,
toast, sweet black fruits, tobacco or oak that is most impressing you in this
wine. Large, exotic, enchanting, sensual, opulant, rich and loaded with berry,
cherry and licorice flavors this exquisite wine will be approachable in its youth
but will develop nicely for up to 25 years. Chateau Pavie, St.-Emilion, 2000: Densely colored, full bodied and with tobacco, black cherry, and licorice in its aromas and flavors, this impressive wine will open slowly, as it does revealing oak, cherry-scented fruits and even hints of black tea. Powerful but elegant, the wine should cellar very well indeed for 25 - 30 years. Score 96 - 98. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Ausone, St.-Emilion, 2000: Powerful and very full bodied, but remarkably
well balanced and with already smooth tannins. A wine that shows beautiful juicy
red and black fruit along with spices and minerals. Concentrated and with flavors
that linger long on the palate, a wine that will drink beautifully from 2010 -
2040 or even longer. Chateau Angelus, Premier Grand Cru Classe, St.-Emilion, 2000: So deep purple/ruby/black
in color that it is almost opaque, this full bodied wine has delicious aromas
and flavors of smoky oak, olives, cassis and grilled nuts. Let it open a bit and
you will also feel cherries, blackcurrants and chocolate all making their way
to the fore. Packed with tannins that are already smooth and with exquisite balance,
this may be Angelus' best wine ever. Score 94 - 96. Chateau Figeac, Premier Grand Cru Classe, St.-Emilion, 2000: Not quite the 1990, but darned close in quality and charm. An amazing array of aromas in the bouquet that include pine needles, leather, herbs, plums, blackcurrants and smoke, all complimented by excellent balance between velvety tannins, and acids. Concentration and elegance come together here beautifully. Score 93 - 95. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Magdelaine, St.-Emilion, 2000: If you don't know the wines of Magdelaine,
this is definitely the time to become acquainted with them. Deep royal purple
in color, with a bouquet that unfolds to reveal flavors and aromas of chocolate,
wild berries, plummy fruits and enchanting hints of coffee, orange Pekoe tea,
and black olives this full bodied wine has plenty of tannins and a finish that
goes on and on. Call it opulent if you like or call it decadent. Chateau Troplong-Mondot, Grand Cru Classes, St.-Emilion, 2000: Full bodied,
concentrated and delicious!!! Chateau Cannon-la-Gaffeliere, Grand Cru Classe, St.-Emilion, 2000: A powerful mouthful of smoky and toasty oak, blackcurrants and spices, this full bodied, round wine has velvety tannins and excellent density. A wine to set aside for aging! Score 92 - 94. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Canon, St.-Emilion, 2000: Somewhat lighter in body but no less exciting than the wonderful 1989 wine from this Chateau. Deep purple in color, with plenty of spicy, oaky blackcurrants and plenty of smooth tannins, this delicious wine will drink nicely in its youth but will attain its maturity only between 2010 - 2030. Score 92 - 94. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau La Clusiere, St.-Emilion, 2000: The very best La Clusiere I have ever tasted. Deep royal purple in color and packed with ripe berries, vanilla and sweet fruit aromas and flavors that linger on and on, this is a wine that will be delicious when young but will maintain its charms easily for 10 - 12 years longer. Score 91 - 93. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Grand-Pontet, St.-Emilion, 2000: No question in my mind but that is
the best wine ever from this Chateau. Chateau La Dominique, St.-Emilion, 2000: Intense, round and concentrated, this medium to full bodied wine is absolutely packed with plums and sweet vanilla-scented oak. With opulent flavors and a long smooth finish this is a wine to set aside to age for another 8 - 10 years. Score 91- 93. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Larmande, St.-Emilion, 2000: For nearly two decades critics (including myself) have made the mistake of calling Larmande "an over-achiever". Enough of that, for this is a chateau that has proven itself as one to be taken very seriously indeed. The 2000 wine is remarkably rich and full bodied and has beautiful aromas and flavors of currants, wild berries, all coming together with moderate tannins to provide a velvety-rich wine that will drink nicely from 2005 - 2015 or longer. Score 91 - 93. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Trottevielle, St.-Emilion, 2000: A chateau that continues on its way up! Opaque, almost black in color, this full bodied wine offers plenty of licorice and chocolate that add nicely to the black plums and very appealing mineral overtones that make themselves felt on the palate. Plenty of smooth tannins here to make the wine drinkable from 2005 - 2020. Score 91 - 93. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Clos Fourtet, St.-Emilion, 2000: Medium to full bodied, with plenty of tannins and good concentration. Lots of plums, prunes, cashew nuts and smoky oak here, and flavors that linger nicely. The wine will be approachable in its youth but will last very nicely until 2020. Score 90 - 92. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Grand-Mayne, St.-Emilion, 2000: Look for sweet, jam-like red and black fruits here, all intertwined with toasty new oak and an abundance of Mediterranean herbs. Full bodied and intensely flavored, this rich wine will make for excellent drinking until 2012- 2015. Score 90 - 92. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Pavie-Decesse, St.-Emilion, 2000: Full bodied and with abundant aromas and flavors of sweet fruits, blackberries, grapes, chocolate and just enough smoke, minerals and earthiness to add to its complexity. Smooth tannins and intense flavors make this a very tempting wine indeed. Score 90 - 92. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Pavie-Macquin, St.-Emilion, 2000: Deep royal-purple, this full bodied wine shows good fruit concentration, with plenty of raspberries, plums and just the right hints of oak and vanilla. Rich and graceful, approaching elegance, the wine should be at its peak between 2005 - 2010. Score 90 - 92. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau La Clotte, St.-Emilion, 2000: As good as the 1990 wine from this small chateau. Long lasting flavors and aromas of berries, herbs and vanilla make this full bodied, smooth wine very tempting indeed. Drink the wine young if you must, but it will cellar nicely until 2008- 2012. Score 89 - 91. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Franc-Mayne, St.-Emilion, 2000: Ripe and deep, this medium to full bodied wine shows deep aromas and flavors of black cherries, cassis and an enchantingly plummy and almost flowery nose of plums and oak. Will be ready young but will cellar nicely for 6 - 8 years after bottling. Score 89 - 91. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Haut-Corbin, St.-Emilion, 2000: Medium bodied but chewy and intense and with enough power to balance out black fruit, toasty new oak and plenty of herbal and earthy flavors and aromas. Score 89 - 91. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Balestard-La-Tonnelle, Grand Cru Classe, St.-Emilion, 2000: Another Chateau that gives what may its very best wine in the last three decades. Not full bodied but elegant and concentrated, this blackberry scented wine is mouth-filling, with chocolate, cherry and herbal flavors coming through beautifully and then lingering comfortably on the palate. Good oak, smooth tannins, and overall good balance. Score 88 - 90. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Berliquet, St.-Emilion, 2000: One of the best ever from this chateau. Loaded with ripe black fruit and plenty of minerals, wild flowers as well as generous hints of licorice and vanilla, this full bodied wine has plenty of smooth tannins and the kind of excellent balance that will make it drinkable early or until 2010 - 2012. Score 88 - 90. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Cap de Mourlin, St.-Emilion, 2000: Full bodied and with an abundance of tannins, but still elegant and offering finesse, this wine will offer a mouthful of cassis, sweet oak and even hints of chocolate and light herbal aromas. A wine that will age nicely for 10 - 12 years after its release. Score 88 - 90. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau La Commanderie, St.-Emilion, 2000: Full bodied, and with plenty of alcohol and black fruits, mint and black olive and toasty oak aromas and flavors, a very pleasant surprise from this Chateau. Look forward to good drinking from about 2005 - 2010. Score 88 - 90. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau La Gaffeliere, St.-Emilion, 2000: Medium to full bodied, with an abundance of black cherries, minerals, spring flowers and toasty oak, and plenty of soft tannins and a long finish. Well done. Score 88 - 90. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Moulin du Cadet, St.-Emilion, 2000: A beautiful wine from this not-always exciting estate, and one to definitely hunt for! Full bodied, with plenty of black and red fruits that yield sweet, generous flavors, moderate tannins and good overall balance. The wine will be ready to drink quite young but should store nicely until 2006 - 2008. Score 88 - 90. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Yon-Figeac, St. Emilion, 2000: Yet another wine to keep an eye peeled for. Full bodied and loaded with aromas and flavors of black currants, berries, Mediterranean herbs, and with plenty of smooth tannins, a delicious wine that will be drinkable young but should store nicely until 2010. Score 88 - 90. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Cadet-Piola, St.-Emilion, 2000: Full bodied and with a purple color so deep you might mistake it for black, this concentrated and tannic wine shows excellent balance and great depth. Ready to drink in 2005 but a wine that will cellar nicely until 2010 - 2015. Score 87 - 89. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Fonroque, St.-Emilion, 2000: Chewy, sweet and rich, with good intensity and plenty of fruits, spices and herbs as well as an appealing touch of vanilla. Drink young or in the next decade. Score 87 - 89. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Clos St.-Martin, St.-Emilion, 2000: Medium to full bodied, with an intense bouquet of berries, plums, spices and new oak. Smooth tannins and good balance make this a supple, generous wine with flavors that linger nicely on the palate. Score 87 - 89. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Clos de l'Oratoire, St.-Emilion, 2000: Deep ruby-royal purple in color, full bodied and so thick that you might think of it as jammy but with berry, plum and black cherry aromas and flavors balanced nicely by oak and smooth tannins, this is a wine that should develop nicely over the next 10 - 12 years. Score 87 - 89. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Dassault, St.-Emilion, 2000: Aromas and flavors of sweet black fruits, licorice, black cherries and hints of wild flowers make this medium to full bodied but chewy wine quite tempting indeed. The wine should be at its best between 2005 - 2012. Score 86 - 88. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau La Fleur, St.-Emilion, 2000: Lots of vanilla, berries and flowers, this medium to full bodied wine has an almost chewy texture and soft tannins. Somewhat one dimensional but still makes for delicious drinking. Score 86 - 88. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Clos des Jacobins, St.-Emilion, 2000: A well made, medium bodied wine with
plenty of spring flowers, olives, blackcurrants, licorice and smoke in its aromas
and flavors. Meant for relatively early drinking, let's say between 2003 - 2006.
Score 86 - 88. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Pomerol Chateau Le Pin, Pomerol, 2000: Many of my colleagues raved about the 1998 wine
from Le Pin but I failed to understand that enthusiasm. Now this one is another
story, far better than the'98 and (hold your hats), even better than the truly
great 1990. Oaky, concentrated and rich, beautifully focused and with impressive
balance and depth, Chateau Petrus, Pomerol, 2000: This is the wine that critics and drinkers are going to argue about, some saying that its not as good as the '98, others claiming that its every bit as good as the '89. My own palate responded to this wine with unmitigated delight. Full bodied, still somewhat muted in its bouquet but that because of its extreme youth, but already yielding hints of black fruits, tea, oranges, vanilla and coconut (yes, dammit - coconut), and with smoky flavors of currants, berries and oak, this is going to be a truly extraordinary wine. Give it 6 years after bottling and then look forward to fine drinking until 2035 - 2040. Score 96 - 98. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Vieux-Chateau-Certan, Pomerol, 2000: A classic in every way. Lots of cassis, herbs, new oak in the bouquet, and lots of black cherry, herbs and cassis flavors, all coming together beautifully make this deeply colored wine one of opulence and ripeness. Well structured and with flavors that linger beautifully, this full bodied wine will drink well between 2005 - 2020. Score 96 - 98. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau L'Evangile, Pomerol, 2000: I rarely use the word "blockbuster", but that's the word to describe this wine. Full bodied and black-purple in color, with flavors of licorice, black fruits, spring flowers and jam. Rich, beefy, intense and alcoholic and with flavors that linger comfortably, a wine to drink in the next 15 - 20 years. Score 95 - 97. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau L'Eglise Clinet, Pomerol, 2000: A deep, almost opaque royal purple color, full bodied and with loads of smooth tannins, and packed with new oak, smoke, cassis, chocolate and black fruits. Ready to drink in 5 years but the wine should last nicely until 2015. Every bit as good as the 1985 and 1986 wines from this Chateau. Score 93 - 95. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau La Fleur de Gay, Pomerol, 2000: So concentrated, full bodied and rich in flavors of black plums, berries and spicesthat it must be sinful! Well structured, perfectly balanced and with huge tannins that will smoothen out, this is a wine that needs another 4 - 5 years to be approachable but will then continue to develop nicely until 2010 - 2015. Score 93 - 95. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Clinet, Pomerol, 2000: Almost black/purple in color, with loads of raspberries, chocolate, licorice and minerals, a concentrated wine with superb balance and a creamy, toasty finish. Silky tannins and excellent balance make this a delicious wine to cellar for 5 - 10 years. Score 92 - 94. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau La Conseillante, Pomerol, 2000: Concentrated, sophisticated and with a creamy-velvety texture. Lots of spices, black fruits and new oak in this deep royal-purple wine and plenty of smooth tannins ensure that this will be a wine to drink young or in the next twenty years. If you can afford the price, compare it to the superb 1989 and 1990s from this chateau. Score 92 - 94. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Clos l'Eglise, Pomerol, 2000: Perhaps the wine ever from this estate. Big in every way, with a bouquet full of cassis, spicy oak, fresh herbs and Far-Eastern spices, the wine has good levels of ripeness and balance. Elegant and fleshy with flavors that linger on and on. Give it a few years to develop and then drink until 2010 - 2012. Score 92 - 94. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Nenin, Pomerol, 2000: In the bad-old days the wines of this chateau rarely earned scores in excess of 80, but recent years have seen the kind of continuous improvement that cannot help but please wine lovers. This is their best yet - medium to full bodied with plenty of soft tannins, and with very appealing black fruit, mineral and floral aromas and flavors, all coming together to yield a generous mouthful of flavors that linger on and on. Perhaps the sleeper of the vintage, and one definitely to hunt for. Score 92 - 94. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Bon Pasteur, Pomerol, 2000: Deep, intense and opaque ruby in color, with a bouquet of plums, curants, chocolate and herbs, this full bodied, very well balanced wine should drink well starting in 2005 and then for another 7 - 10 years. Score 90 - 92. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Petit-Village, Pomerol, 2000: Like the 1989 wine from Petit-Village, this is a seductive and concentrated wine, velvety on the palate and full of plums, berries, chocolate and vanilla. Not a wine for long aging, but it will be delicious between 2004 - 2010 and well worth considering. Score 90 - 92. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Clos Plince, Pomerol, 2000: Best ever from this chateau! Full bodied and with lots of chewy raspberry and black cherry flavors and with jam and flower-like aromas. Plenty of smooth tannins here and flavors that linger nicely make this a wine to drink in its youth or over the next 8 - 10 years. Score 90 - 92. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Trotanoy, Pomerol, 2000: Medium to full bodied but designed for early drinking pleasure, this rich, berry, cassis and sweet chocolate laded wine offers an abundance of pleasure. Well balanced, smooth and with a remarkably long finish. Score 90 - 92. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau La Crois de Gay, Pomerol, 2000: Deep, full bodied and concentrated, with smooth tannins good fruit levels and the kind balance that will allow this delicious wine to age nicely for 6 - 8 years. Seductive, elegant and definitely worth trying. Score 88 - 90. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Domaine de l'Eglise, Pomerol, 2000: Best from this chateau since 1989. Deep ruby/purple in color, with prunes, plums and wild berries, this full bodied wine is soft enough to be appealing when it is young but then to last nicely for 10 - 12 years. Score 88- 90. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau La Fleur-Petrus, Pomerol, 2000: So dark that it is almost opaque, and with plenty of spices, mocha and black cherry and plums in its aromas and flavors, this medium to full bodied wine has plenty of depth, concentration and crispness. Drink early if you will but the wine will cellar nicely for 8 - 10 years. Score 88 - 90. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Gazin, Pomerol, 2000: Not a great wine but a delightful one, with plenty of toasty oak, flowers and herbs in its aromas and flavors of blackcurrants, and coffee. Full bodied and with smooth tannins, a wine that will be ready to drink when it is released but then will last nicely for up to 15 - 20 years longer. Score 88 - 90. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau La Grave, Pomerol, 2000: Deep ruby red, with an enchanting bouquet of black fruits, toasted bread, mocha and minerals, and with good fruits in its flavors, this medium bodied wine has flavors that linger seductively on the palate. Ready for drinking young. Score 88 - 90. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Clos Rene, Pomerol, 2000: Lots of plums and prunes, this fleshy, almost meaty medium bodied wine has smooth tannins. Drink young or in the next decade. Score 88 - 90. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Latour a Pomerol, Pomerol, 2000: Deep royal purple and with intense currant, plum, wood and spice flavors and aromas, this medium bodied wine will be ready for drinking early but should hold nicely for 6 - 8 years. Score 88 - 90. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau La Vraye-Croix-de-Gay, Pomerol, 2000: Perhaps finally starting to live up to its potential, this lovely full bodied wine has a dark ruby color and a fragrant bouquet of cassis, plums, coffee and tobacco. Score 88 - 90. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Clos de Clocher, Pomerol, 2000: Deep ruby-purple in color, with deep blackberry and vanilla aromas and plenty of berries and minerals, this concentrated wine will make for good drinking in its youth but will cellar nicely for 10 - 12 years. Score 87 - 89. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau La Croix du Casse, Pomerol, 2000: Earthy, spicy fruits (including olives) and bit intense flavors come together in this medium to full bodied wine very nicely indeed. Rich and old fashioned, this lovely wine will make good drinking over the next decade. Score 87 - 89. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Taillefer, Pomerol, 2000: A happy surprise from a not often exciting Chateau. Richly fruity, with velvety fruit flavors and tannins packed comfortably into a medium bodied wine with overall good balance. The wine will be ready young but should cellar nicely for 6 - 8 years. Score 87 - 89. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau L'Enclos, Pomerol, 2000: Lots of blackberries, plums and black cherries and violets and mocha in the aromas and flavors make this medium bodied wine one for simple but pure pleasure. Drink now or in the next 6 - 8 years. Score 86 - 88. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Gombaude-Guillot, Pomerol, 2000: Medium to full bodied, with a moderate ruby-purple color and aromas of roasted plums and cassis and spring flowers. Moderate tannins make this a smooth wine ready to drink in the next 5 years. Score 86 - 88. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Haut-Maillet, Pomerol, 2000: Deep color, medium to fullbodied, and with lots of plums and mocha in its flavors and aromas, this well made wine has rich, fruity flavors and a soft and long finish. Score 86 - 88. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Lafleur, Pomerol, 2000: Not up to the heights of the best wines from this chateau because it is a bit stingy in its flavors and aromas. Perhaps it wil open as it develops and begins to show what are now mere hints of cherries, cassis, minerals, spring flowers and oak. Deeply colored and with tannins so tight at this tasting that it has a rather harsh aftertaste. A wine I intend to try again after it is released. Score 86 - 88. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Rouget, Pomerol, 2000: Rich, medium-bodied, with plenty of alcohol and tannins and plums, berries and flowers in its aromas and flavors. Not one with which to impress your friends, but a good choice for everyday drinking. Score 86 - 88. Chateau de Sales, Pomerol, 2000: Bold and rich, with lots of black cherries, vanilla and toast in its bouquet, this ripe, medium bodied wine has flavors that fill the mouth and then linger nicely on the palate. Score 86 - 88. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Beauregard, Pomerol, 2000: Chunky and full bodied, but now a bit too jammy because of its youth, this is a wine to set aside for 2 - 3 years after bottling before approaching. Score 85 - 87. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau La Cabanne, Pomerol, 2000: Medium bodied, with smooth tannins and plenty of black fruit, this moderately tannic, lightly oaky wine has a good dark ruby color and is generously fruity. A wine for drinking now or in the next 3 - 4 years. Score 85 - 87. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Certan de May, Pomerol, 2000: Full bodied, with a lovely cassis, nut and herbaceous bouquet, and with plenty of berries, plums, black cherries and a hint of eucalyptus in its flavors. Not a great wine but a very nice one, destined for drinking between 2004 -2007. Score 85 - 87 (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Le Gay, Pomerol, 2000: Medium bodied, with silky tannins and with an abundance of black fruits, prunes, damp earth and tobacco, a wine for drinking over the next 4 - 6 years. Score 85 - 87. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Moulinet, Pomerol, 2000: Lacking complexity but well balanced and with berry, cherry and light tobacco flavors and aromas, this medium bodied wine will be ready to drink quite early on. Score 85 - 87. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau La Pointe, Pomerol, 2000: Light to medium bodied, but with plenty of
fruits and tannins. One of the nice wines to think of for drinking young. 85 -
87. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Fronsac and Canon-Fronsac Chateau Canon-de-Brem, Canon-Fronsac, 2000: Medium to full bodied, with plenty of black cherries, herbs, chocolate and just the barest hints of tar and earthiness. Moderate tannins make the wine ready now or in the next 10 - 15 years. Score 88 - 90. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Fontenil, Fronsac, 2000: Deep and opaque, rich and with lovely toasty oak, plums, other black fruits, herbs and spices. Medium to full bodied, dense and with good tannins, a wine with the potential to age for 10 - 12 years. Score 88 - 90. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Mazeris, Canon-Fronsac, 2000: As always, sweet raspberries dominate here, but there are also blueberries, cherries and a hint of wild flowers in the aromas and flavors. Medium to full bodied, and just tannic enough to carry it off beautifully. Score 88 - 90. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Moulin Haut-Laroque, Fronsac, 2000: Medium bodied, with lots of fruits and moderate tannins, but concentrated and rich, promising to develop nicely for 6 - 8 years. Score 86 - 88. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau La Vielle Cure, Fronsac, 2000: Medium bodied, with a bouquet redolent of sweet fruit, earth and vanilla, this moderately tannic wine is well made, well balanced and will make good drinking over the next decade. Score 86 - 88. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau de la Dauphine, Fronsac, 2000: With lots of dried prunes, black cherries, flower and ripe black fruits, this almost sweet and fleshy wine will remind many more of the wines of Burgundy than of Bordeaux. Whatever, a rich and mouth filling wine with flavors that linger nicely. Score 85 - 87. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Dalem, Fronsac, 2000: With spicy berry and cherry flavors, and appealing spicy oak in its bouquet, this medium bodied wine has silky tannins and a nice mineral overlay. Should cellar nicely until about 2008. Score 84 - 86. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Cassagne-Haut-Canon, Canon Fronsac, La Truffiere, 2000: Almost black
in color, with plenty of fruit but rather one dimensional and with some spicy
oak, herbs and licorice. Meant for young drinking. Score 80 - 82. (Special Bordeaux
Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Haut-Medoc Chateau Beaumont, Haut-Medoc, 2000: Deep in color, this medium to full bodied wine offers up ripe raspberries, cherries and currants, moderate tannins and flavors that linger very nicely indeed. Score 88 - 90. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Cissac, Haut-Medoc, 2000: A definite leap in quality for this chateau. Full bodied, with still tight tannins and still somewhat closed but promising to open nicely to reveal a styligh wine with plenty of dark fruit, toasty vanilla and light herbaceous overtones in its flavors and aromas. Score 88 - 90. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Camensac, Haut-Medoc, 2000: One of the best efforts of this Chateau in the last twenty years. Lots of wild berries, cassis, nice hints of oak and vanilla and chocolate flavors, all of which open nicely and then linger nicely on the palate. Score 88 - 90. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau LaMarque, Haut-Medoc, 2000: Plenty of spicy berry, cherry and herbal flavors and aromas in a medium bodied wine. Nice levels of ripeness and good firm tannins make this oaky wine drinkable now but it should cellar very nicely for another 6 - 8 years. Score 88 - 90. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Sociando-Mallet, Haut-Medoc, 2000: A twin to the 1989 when it was in
its youth! Medium bodied, a bit lighter than one expects from Sociando-Mallet,
but cocentrated and spicy with good balance. Plenty of blackcurrants, plums, black
cherries, herbs and minerals here, as well as some spicy new oak flavors and aromas. Chateau Potensac, Haut-Medoc, 2000: Intense, alcoholic and with fine ripeness, full body and a long, chewy finish, this wine has plenty of still tight but appropriate tannins and a long chewy finish. Look for currant, earthy aromas and plenty of dark fruit and a bit of tobacco in the flavors. Well made and with the potential to age for a decade or longer. Score 87 - 89. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Senejac, Haut-Medoc, 2000: Even better than the 1990 wine, with good aromas of spicy oak and damp, fresh earth. Soft tannins, lots of red and black currants and hints of mint come through nicely. Score 87 - 89. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Citran, Haut-Medoc, 2000: More than a few surprises from a wine categorized "merely" as cru bourgeois, for this dark purple wine has beautiful smoky bouquet of cassis, lots of oak all balanced nicely by flavors of cassis, licorice and smooth tannins. A lovely wine. Score 87 - 89. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Lanessan, Haut-Medoc, 2000: Medium to full bodied and with smooth tannins this concentrated and ripe wine has complex aromas and flavors of currants, oak, and cedar wood. Score 86 - 88. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Larose-Trintaudon, Haut-Medoc, 2000: Dark ruby in color, with orange reflections as it is held up to the light, this richly fruity wine has aromas and flavors of wild berries, currants and light mineral and earthy overlays. Somewhat on the light side, one to be drunk now or in the next 4 - 5 years. Score 85 - 87. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Malecasse, Haut-Medoc, 2000: Richly fruity, almost sweet on the palate, this medium bodied wine has an appealing chewy texture. Drink in the next 4 - 5 years. Score 85 - 87. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Verdignan, Haut-Medoc, 2000: Call this cru bourgeois wine lusty if you like, but with plenty of alcohol, good fruit, medium body and moderate tannins, this makes for a nice mouthful to drink in the next 3- 5 years. Score 84 -86. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Soudars, Haut-Medoc, 2000: Nothing all that special in this light, not well structued and too soft wine. The best you can say is that it offers plenty of simple fruit flavors. Score 83 - 85. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Moulis Chateau Chasse-Spleen, Moulis, 2000: Rich and powerful, with layer after layer of blackcurrants and raspberries, overlays of smoky oak and minerals all packed into a medium bodied, elegant wine. Score 90 - 92. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Maucaillou, Moulis, 2000: Generous amounts of raspberries, strawberries and other lively fruits come together nicely with smooth tannins in this medium bodied and delicious wine. A seductive wine that will drink well in its youth or for at least another decade. Score 90 - 92. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) Chateau Poujeaux, Moulis, 2000: Good but falling short of excellence, this
appealing wine has a slightly muted bouquet of toast, spices and black currants.
Medium to full bodied and with moderate tannins, the wine should open in the next
4 - 5 years. Score 84 - 86. (Special Bordeaux Barrel Tasting, Spring, 2001) © Daniel Rogov |
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