Chateau Angelots de Gracia 2003
St. Emilion, Bordeaux
This is the 2nd Wine from Chateau Gracia
St. Emilion, Bordeaux Kudos to proprietor Hubert Bouard, who has been making brilliant wines at this estate since the mid- to late-1980s. A blend of 58% Cabernet Franc and 42% Merlot, the beautiful 2003 (14% alcohol; 6,500 cases produced) is somewhat tightly knit, but it reveals a perfumed nose of rose...
Chateau Angelus 2003 Bordeaux 1.5L
St. Emilion, Bordeaux Kudos to proprietor Hubert Bouard, who has been making brilliant wines at this estate since the mid- to late-1980s. A blend of 58% Cabernet Franc and 42% Merlot, the beautiful 2003 (14% alcohol; 6,500 cases produced) is somewhat tightly knit, but it reveals a perfumed nose of rose...
Chateau Angelus 2003 Bordeaux 375ml
St. Emilion, Bordeaux Kudos to proprietor Hubert Bouard, who has been making brilliant wines at this estate since the mid- to late-1980s. A blend of 58% Cabernet Franc and 42% Merlot, the beautiful 2003 (14% alcohol; 6,500 cases produced) is somewhat tightly knit, but it reveals a perfumed nose of rose...
Chateau Armens 2000 - Bordeaux
St Emilion, Bordeaux The structured, muscular, backward 2000 offers notes of minerals, red cherries, earth, and wood. Medium-bodied and well-concentrated, it will be very good to excellent. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2016. - Rated 88, Robert Parker Very good. Lovely violet and currant character. Full- to medium-bodied, with velvety tannins and a caressing finish. –JS - Rated 89-91, Wine Spectator
Chateau Beausejour Becot 2000 Bordeaux
Saint Emilion Bordeaux This the greatest Beau Sejour-Becot I have ever tasted. The opaque purple 2000 has put on weight during its elevage and, from the bottle, appears to be spectacular. The wood is well-integrated, and the fruit, glycerin, and overall flavor dimensions are noteworthy. The bouquet smells of ink, espresso, jammy blackberries and currants, wet stones, and licorice. Super-pure and fabulously extracted, with high tannin, full body, a thick texture, and awesome richness and length, this blockbuster effort will be at its finest between 2008-2025. - Rated 93, Robert Parker Slightly herbal, with berry and tobacco character. Full-bodied, chewy and rich, with a velvety and medium fruity finish. Very extracted. A bit too much for me, but very good. Best after 2007. –JS - Rated 89, Wine Spectator
Chateau Beausejour Becot 2003 Bordeaux
Saint Emilion Bordeaux From a 41-acre vineyard situated on St.-Emilion’s limestone plateau, Beau-Sejour-Becot’s blend can vary, but it is approximately 70% Merlot, 24% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon. Production can be as low as 4,000+ cases (in a tiny vintage such as 2003), or as high as 7,000+ cases (in an abundant year such as 2004). The 2003, which reminds me of a 1990 Right Bank Bordeaux, tips the scales at 13.5% alcohol. Its dark plum/ruby/purple color is followed by a sweet nose of creosote, scorched earth, black cherries, currants, and pain grille. Deep, full-flavored, muscular, textured, and rich with light to moderate tannin in the finish, this lavishly rich, full-bodied effort requires 1-3 years of bottle age, and should drink well over the following 12-15. - Rated 93, Robert Parker Opulent aromas of ripe fruit, toasted oak and grilled meat. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and loads of fruit and lightly toasted oak. Very long and delicious. Balanced wine. Best after 2010. 4,665 cases made. –JS - Rated 90, Wine Spectator
Chateau Bellevue Mondotte 2003 Bordeaux
St. Emilion, Bordeaux An exquisite jewel in Chantal and Gerard Perse’s Right Bank empire, Bellevue-Mondotte is a tiny, 5-acre parcel of 45-year-old vines planted on the limestone plateau above Pavie-Decesse and Pavie-Macquin. It is composed of 90% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. I tasted the 2003 on three separate occasions, one of which merited a three-digit rating. Sadly, there are only 4,000 bottles of this prodigious effort. Possessing relatively high alcohol (14.5%) for a Bordeaux, it is an amazing blend made from 15 hectoliters per hectare. A dense, viscous-looking purple color is accompanied by a sweet perfume of blackberries, espresso roast, fried lard, and pain grille. Full-bodied and massively rich with decent acidity and plenty of structure as well as tannin, this youthful 2003 should hit its stride in 3-5 years, and last for three decades. This may be what the great 1929s or 1947s tasted like at age three. - Rated 90, Robert Parker Beautiful aromas of blackberry, coffee and cherry follow through to a full-bodied palate, with soft, round tannins and a long, rich finish. Supersilky. Best after 2007. –JS - Rated 92, Wine Spectator
Chateau Cadet Piola 2000 - Bordeaux
Bordeaux St. Emilion Excellent currant, earthy, herb-tinged leather and black cherry fruit emerge from this medium-bodied, fleshy, yet somewhat rustic effort. Possessing sweeter tannin than generally found in Cadet-Piola, it should drink well for a decade. - Rated 86, Robert Parker Subtle aromas of ripe fruit and Indian spices follow through to a full-bodied palate, yet reserved, with well-integrated tannins. Racy red. Best after 2008. 2,415 cases made. –JS - Rated 90, Wine Spectator
Chateau Cadet Piola 2003 - Bordeaux
St. Emilions, Bordeaux This estate typically produces muscular, tannic St.-Emilions, but recent vintages have revealed more charm and texture. The 2003 is hard as a rock, but it reveals good weight and ripeness as well as plenty of earthy, black cherry, and spice characteristics. This austere, muscular Cadet-Piola lacks charm and suppleness, but makes up for those defects with a dense, concentrated, structured style. - Rated 88, Robert Parker Blackberry and plum character follows through to a medium-bodied palate, with fine tannins and a light finish. Delicate wine. Best after 2008. 1,500 cases made. –JS Rated 87, Wine Spectator
St. Emilion, Bordeaux A typically charming and approachable for Canon, the 2003 exhibits a deep plum/ruby color as well as a sweet bouquet of black cherries, ripe currants, and a hint of figs. With lush fruit on the attack, medium body, light to moderate tannin, and excellent texture, concentration, and purity, it should be at its finest between 2007-2018. - Rated 89, Robert Parker Aromas of blackberry and lightly toasted oak with just an undertone of vanilla. Full-bodied, with fine tannins and a lovely, silky texture. Best after 2010. 3,665 cases made. –JS - Rated 91, Wine Spectator
Chateau Cantenac 2000 - Bordeaux
St Emilion, Bordeaux Cantenac is a reasonably priced St.-Emilion, a commodity that is increasingly difficult to find. While not complex, it is a fruit-driven, fat, ripe, in-your-face effort that will provide tasty drinking over the next 5-6 years. - Rated 87-88, Robert Parker Impressive aromas of plums and earth in this one. Medium-bodied, with well-integrated tannins and a smoky, berry aftertaste. Best after 2005. 4,580 cases made. –JS - Rated 89, Wine Spectator
Chateau Chauvin 2003 - Bordeaux
St Emilion, Bordeaux Aromas of dried herbs, chocolate, black cherry jam, earth, and spice emerge from this fleshy, ripe, medium to full-bodied, dark plum/ruby-hued 2003. It will provide lovely drinking now and over the next decade. - Rated 89, Robert Parker Pleasant blackberry and licorice character with medium body, fine tannins and a fresh finish. Nice mouthfeel, if a bit hollow. Almost 89-91. –JS - Rated 85-88, Wine Spectator
Chateau Chauvin 2003 375ml -Bordeaux
St Emilion, Bordeaux Aromas of dried herbs, chocolate, black cherry jam, earth, and spice emerge from this fleshy, ripe, medium to full-bodied, dark plum/ruby-hued 2003. It will provide lovely drinking now and over the next decade. - Rated 89, Robert Parker Pleasant blackberry and licorice character with medium body, fine tannins and a fresh finish. Nice mouthfeel, if a bit hollow. Almost 89-91. –JS - Rated 85-88, Wine Spectator
Chateau Cheval Blanc 2003 Bordeaux
St. Emilion, Bordeaux The 2003 Cheval Blanc, a tiny production of 5,000 cases, was bottled early to protect its delicate style. It is a light to medium-bodied, superficial, but seductive effort offering notes of cherries, herbs, smoke, and new oak. It possesses moderate depth as well as exceptional elegance and finesse....
Chateau Cheval Blanc 2003 Bordeaux 1.5L
St. Emilion, Bordeaux The 2003 Cheval Blanc, a tiny production of 5,000 cases, was bottled early to protect its delicate style. It is a light to medium-bodied, superficial, but seductive effort offering notes of cherries, herbs, smoke, and new oak. It possesses moderate depth as well as exceptional elegance and finesse....
Chateau Clos De Prince 2000 - Bordeaux
St. Emilion, Bordeaux A so-called garage wine from St.-Emilion, this debut vintage (700 cases from a 4-acre vineyard planted with 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc) offers elegance and finesse in addition to loads of fruit, glycerin, and toasty wood. This big fruit bomb should become more defined with aging. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2016. - Rated 88-90, Robert Parker
Chateau Clos Fourtet 2000 Bordeaux
St Emilion, Bordeaux This is a substantial, large-sized wine for Clos Fourtet. A saturated dark plum/purple color characterizes this full-bodied effort. This impressive, dense wine displays plenty of power as well as notes of charcoal, blackberry jam, licorice, and toasty new oak. With good size, firm tannin, outstanding ripeness, and overall richness, this exceptional offering is the finest Clos Fourtet produced in many years. It will also be long-lived. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2022. - Rated 90, Robert Parker Starts off a bit earthy, but then turns to lovely ripe, almost decadent fruit. Full-bodied, with soft and round tannins and a long, refreshing finish. A beauty. This is really good for Clos Fourtet. Best after 2006. 4,580 cases made. –JS - Rated 92, Wine Spectator
Chateau Clos L'Oratoire 2000 - Bordeaux
St Emilion, Bordeaux This is one of St-Emilion's foothill (pieds de cotes) vineyards planted with 90% Merlot and equal parts Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. The vinification is classic Stephan von Neipperg and Stephane Derenoncourt. Undoubtedly the finest effort this property has yet produced, the black-colored 2000 offers up sexy notes...
Chateau Dassault 2000 - Bordeaux
St Emilion, Bordeaux This is a fruity, consumer-friendly St.-Emilion meant to be drunk during its first decade of life. The sexy, low acid 2000 reveals ripe black cherry fruit intermixed with notes of Provencal herbs, spice box, and new oak. It is round, expansive, fleshy, and cleanly made, with more tannin and persistence on the palate than previous vintages. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2014. - Rated 88, Robert Parker Not big, but it's got length. Attractive aromas of crushed berries and vanilla follow through to a medium-bodied palate, with superfine tannins and a long, bright and fruity aftertaste. Best after 2006. 5,830 cases made. –JS - Rated 90, Wine Spectator
Chateau Destieux 2000 - Bordeaux
St Emilion, Bordeaux Along with the 2001, the 2000 Destieux is one of the finest efforts I have tasted from this property. Its inky purple color is followed by copious quantities of underbrush, truffle, blackberry and cassis characteristics along with high tannin, a sweet mid-palate, and more depth in the mid-section than exhibited in past vintages. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2018. It is a sleeper of the vintage. - Rated 89, Robert Parker A firm, slightly lean 2000, with berry and tobacco character, medium body and a fresh finish. –JS - Rated 85-88 Wine Spectator
Chateau Figeac 2000 - Bordeaux
St Emilion, Bordeaux Figeac has become a more consistent wine over the last few years. A profound effort, the surprisingly full-bodied 2000 Figeac has an opaque purple color accompanied by a terrific bouquet of camphor, graphite, black currants, licorice, and smoked herbs. With well-balanced, powerful tannin, concentration, and pinpoint precision, finesse, and purity, this expressive as well as textured effort will drink well between 2004-2018. When Figeac hits on all cylinders, one can understand why some tasters believe it is as complex as Cheval Blanc. This is undeniably the estate's finest effort since 1996. - Rated 93, Robert Parker Interesting, decadent character. Some might call it old-fashioned. Intense aromas of dried herbs and chocolate. Cooked plum. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a medium finish. Slightly herbal character. Not quite as good as from barrel. Best after 2010. –JS - Rated 89, Wine Spectator
Chateau Fleur Cardinal 2003 Bordeaux
St. Emilion, Bordeaux As suggested in previous reports, Fleur-Cardinale has become a seriously run estate under the new owners, Dominique and Florence Decoster. The vineyard consists of 45 acres planted (in rich clay/limestone soils) with 70% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 15% Cabernet Franc. The winemaking team represents a partnership between...
Chateau Fleur Cardinal 2003 Bordeaux 1.5L
St. Emilion, Bordeaux“As suggested in previous reports, Fleur-Cardinale has become a seriously run estate under the new owners, Dominique and Florence Decoster. The vineyard consists of 45 acres planted (in rich clay/limestone soils) with 70% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 15% Cabernet Franc. The winemaking team represents a partnership between Michel...
Chateau Fleur Cardinal 2003 Bordeaux 375ml
St. Emilion, Bordeaux As suggested in previous reports, Fleur-Cardinale has become a seriously run estate under the new owners, Dominique and Florence Decoster. The vineyard consists of 45 acres planted (in rich clay/limestone soils) with 70% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 15% Cabernet Franc. The winemaking team represents a partnership between...
Chateau Fombrauge 2003 Bordeaux
St. Emilion, Bordeaux The largest vineyard of St.-Emilion, acquired by Bordeaux visionary Bernard Magrez nearly a decade ago, the wines of Fombrauge have soared in quality. A special five-acre parcel is segregated for their luxury cuvee, Magrez-Fombrauge. Fombrauge tends to be a blend of approximately 70% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. With notes of white chocolate, figs, plums, and black cherry liqueur, the heady, fleshy, seductive, medium to full-bodied 2003 should be enjoyed over the next 6-8 years.” – Rated 89, Robert Parker
“Lots of blackberry, earth and roasted fruit on the nose. Full-bodied, with very soft tannins and a long chocolate, berry and vanilla aftertaste. Yummy. Seductive. Best after 2006. 10,915 cases made. -JS” – Rated 90, Wine Spectator
Formats Offered 375ml, 750ml, 1.5L
Chateau Fombrauge 2003 Bordeaux 375ml
St. Emilion, Bordeaux The largest vineyard of St.-Emilion, acquired by Bordeaux visionary Bernard Magrez nearly a decade ago, the wines of Fombrauge have soared in quality. A special five-acre parcel is segregated for their luxury cuvee, Magrez-Fombrauge. Fombrauge tends to be a blend of approximately 70% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. With notes of white chocolate, figs, plums, and black cherry liqueur, the heady, fleshy, seductive, medium to full-bodied 2003 should be enjoyed over the next 6-8 years.” – Rated 89, Robert Parker
“Lots of blackberry, earth and roasted fruit on the nose. Full-bodied, with very soft tannins and a long chocolate, berry and vanilla aftertaste. Yummy. Seductive. Best after 2006. 10,915 cases made. -JS” – Rated 90, Wine Spectator
Formats Offered 375ml, 750ml, 1.5L
Chateau Gachon 2003 - Bordeaux
Gradual hillsides of gravel and clay in this satellite of northern Saint-Emilion are the home of Monsieur Gerard Arpin and his delightful red wines. Made from 70% Merlot and equal parts of both Cabernets the wine is a deep ruby with purple hues and has a soft nose of cherry, cassis,...
Chateau Gachon 2003 Bordeaux 375ml
Gradual hillsides of gravel and clay in this satellite of northern Saint-Emilion are the home of Monsieur Gerard Arpin and his delightful red wines. Made from 70% Merlot and equal parts of both Cabernets the wine is a deep ruby with purple hues and has a soft nose of cherry, cassis,...
Chateau Gachon 2003 Bordeaux 1.5L
Gradual hillsides of gravel and clay in this satellite of northern Saint-Emilion are the home of Monsieur Gerard Arpin and his delightful red wines. Made from 70% Merlot and equal parts of both Cabernets the wine is a deep ruby with purple hues and has a soft nose of cherry, cassis,...
St. Emilion, Bordeaux A true garagiste estate, hand-made wines are fashioned from this 4.5-acre vineyard (planted with 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon). The first bottle of 2003 I tasted was corked, but the second one was healthy. It revealed a dense purple color along with a muscular personality, impressive concentration, power, and depth, and an elevated level of gritty, astringent tannin. The latter component is cause for concern. If the tannin falls away and the fruit holds, this may turn out to be a brilliant wine, but given the way it is showing at present, that is a risky proposition. - Rated 90, Robert Parker
Chateau L'Arrosee 2000 - Bordeaux
St Emilion, Bordeaux The deep ruby/purple-colored 2000 is revealing more of a mid-palate and depth than previously. Sweet vanilla and black cherry jam aromas are followed by a wine of outstanding purity, attractive texture, moderate tannin, and a distinctive, traditional St.-Emilion style. There are also hints of mint and underbrush in this medium-bodied, elegantly-wrought wine. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2018. - Rated 89, Robert Parker Powerful and decadent young red. Lots of smoky, berry and cherry character. Full-bodied and very chewy, with loads of fruit. This always impresses me, with its rich and decadent character. Best after 2009. 3,330 cases made. –JS - Rated 92, Wine Spectator
A soft St. Emilion with round fruit and supple tannins. Chateau La Claymore is an unbeatable value.
Chateau La Clusiere Bordeaux 2000
St. Emilion, Bordeaux From this hillside 2.6-acre vineyard planted with 100% Merlot a veritable legend has emerged. The 2000 is undoubtedly the finest La Clusiere ever produced. A magnificent effort possessing off-the-chart extract levels as well as a remarkably intense palate impression, it tastes like the undistilled essence of a particular vineyard and wine type. The color is opaque blue/purple. The bouquet reveals dense blackberry, plum, and cassis aromas infused with minerals, licorice, espresso, and graphite. Full-bodied, massively-endowed, concentrated, and incredibly well-delineated, with high but velvety tannin, this is a magnificent wine. It was bottled, as are all the Perse wines, with neither fining nor filtration. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2035. - Rated 100, Robert Parker Splendid. Wild flower and superripe fruit. Full-bodied, with fine tannins and a super, long finish. Pure Merlot. –JS - Rated 92-94, Wine Spectator
Chateau La Couspaude Bordeaux 2000
St. Emilion, Bordeaux This is a lavishly fruity, toasty, seductive wine with no hard edges. It possesses terrific fat and a sweet, opulent, multi-layered style. Possessing a dense ruby/purple color along with copious quantities of black cherry liqueur, espresso, mineral, oak, and roasted nut characteristics, this layered, voluptuous, full-throttle effort should be drinkable in 2-3 years and last for 16+. A full-bodied wine, it is sexy stuff. - Rated 92, Robert Parker Serious wine. Loads of chocolate, raspberry and cherry character. Full-bodied, with lots of vanilla and reduced raspberry flavors. Long and caressing. Modern and exciting. Best Couspaude I have ever tasted. Best after 2010. 3,330 cases made. –JS - Rated 92, Wine Spectator
Chateau La Dominique Bordeaux 2000
St Emilion, Bordeaux Typically sexy, rich, loaded with fruit, and opulent, the dense purple-colored 2000 La Dominique may turn out to be this estate's finest wine since their wonderful duo of 1989 and 1990. It exhibits copious quantities of jammy blackberry and cassis fruit intertwined with licorice, cigar smoke, and spice box characteristics with a hint of herbs. Full-bodied and fleshy, with low acidity but high tannin, this substantial, voluptuously-textured, impressive St.-Emilion is already drinkable. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2018. - Rated 91, Robert Parker A rich, beautiful wine. Dark color, with blackberry, smoky and coffee aromas. Full-bodied and very firm, with silky tannins and a caressing finish. Muscular. Best after 2007. 4,580 cases made. –JS - Rated 91, Wine Spectator
Chateau La Gaffeliere 2000 - Bordeaux
St Emilion, Bordeaux A subtle wine that impresses with displays of measured, incremental fruit, the 2000 offers sweet aromas of mocha, black cherries, cassis, and delicious toasty oak. Although light in the mouth, this ruby/purple-colored 2000 possesses wonderful expansive richness, a deep mid-section, and sweet tannin in the persistent finish. It is not a wine that knocks you out with a blast of fruit and wood, but rather one that impresses for its nobility/subtlety. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2019. - Rated 90, Robert Parker Intense red licorice, crushed berries and flowers. Medium-bodied, with medium fine tannins and a silky finish. Not the biggest 2000, but very enjoyable. Best after 2007. -Rated 90, Wine Spectator
Chateau la Gomerie 2003 Bordeaux
St. Emilion, Bordeaux A limited production garagiste operation, La Gomerie is treated like a favored child by its proprietor. Jean-Philippe Fort, Michel Rolland’s top assistant, is a consultant for this 100% Merlot-based wine produced from a 5-acre, 31-year-old vineyard. The sensational 2003 is performing even better from bottle than it did...
Chateau La Grangere 2000 Bordeaux
St Emilion, Bordeaux This debut release, made with the assistance of the well-known Bordeaux oenologist Professor Denis Dubourdieu, exhibits pure blackberry and cherry fruit intermixed with some subtle wood and licorice. The wine has sweet tannin, medium to full body, low acidity, and a long and nicely textured finish. It is a sleeper of the vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2015. - Rated 89, Robert Parker
Chateau La Mondotte 2003 Bordeaux
St. Emilion, Bordeaux This cuvee (from an 11+ acre vineyard planted on a clay and limestone plateau above Pavie-Decesse) performed better in January than they did last year. Minuscule yields of 15 hectoliters per hectare and bottling without fining or filtration after 24 months in new oak have resulted in an outstanding 2003 La Mondotte. Revealing more texture, depth, and persistence than I initially predicted, it possesses a dense purple color along with a big, sweet nose of creme de cassis, graphite, espresso roast, new saddle leather, and truffles. This opulent, dense, full-bodied, gloriously rich effort can be drunk in 1-3 years, but because of its power, concentration, and overall equilibrium will keep for two decades. - Rated 95, Robert Parker Fascinating aromas of blackberry, green olive, fresh basil and black licorice. Great nose. Full-bodied, with very soft tannins and a long, caressing finish. A beautiful wine in every sense of the word. Best after 2010. 665 cases made. –JS - Rated 94, Wine Spectator
Chateau Larcis Ducasse 2003 Bordeaux
St. Emilion, Bordeaux This noble terroir is finally exploiting its full potential. Situated near Pavie on a clay/limestone base topped with pure limestone, the brilliant team of Nicolas Thienpont and Stephane Derenoncourt has completely resurrected this great estate from the depths of mediocrity in less than two years. Fashioned from 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon (2,500 cases produced), the beautifully elegant 2003 reveals sweet cedar, fruitcake, and aristocratic cassis and tobacco notes reminiscent of an exceptional Medoc. Complexity and nobility continue in the mouth with wonderfully fresh, lively, black currant and plum-like characteristics interwoven with kirsch. Expansive, round, and generous, with low acidity and superb fruit ripeness, it is a candidate for drinking during its first 12-15 years of life. It is undeniably disarming at present, but will it close down? Anticipated maturity: now-2016. - Rated 90, Robert Parker You have to like the complex aromas of minerals, berries and tarragon. Tobacco. Medium- to full-bodied, with superfine tannins and a very pretty finish. Refined. -JS - Rated 89-91, Wine Spectator
Chateau Larmarde 2000 - Bordeaux
St Emilion Bordeaux Make no mistake about it, this is a good wine, but I had expected more of this impeccably run property. A deep ruby/purple-colored effort displaying notes of dried herbs, licorice, black fruits, and toasty oak, the medium to full-bodied, elegant 2000 is not complex, but is well-made and savory. It possesses low acidity as well as noticeable tannin. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2014. - Rated 88, Robert Parker Well-crafted. Blackberry and dark tobacco, with hints of dark chocolate, follow through to a medium- to full-bodied palate, with firm, yet silky tannins and a fresh, citric finish. Best after 2006. 5,830 cases made. –JS - Rated 89, Wine Spectator
St. Emilion, Bordeaux This 7.5-acre garagiste estate includes an extremely old plot of vines (situated across the road from Grand-Pontet) planted in 1901 in clay soils. The other parcels are near Monbousquet, and the vineyard composition is 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. Stephane Derenoncourt is the consulting winemaker. The well-made, deep ruby/purple-tinged 2003 reveals plenty of toasty oak in addition to ripe black cherry fruit, and a fleshy attack, but moderately high tannin and a narrow texture emerge in the finish. This elegant effort is best consumed during its first decade of life. - Rated 89, Robert Parker Clean, with good fruit, medium body and a slightly simple finish. –JS - Rated 85-88, Wine Spectator
Chateau Lynsolence 2003 Bordeaux
St. Emilion, Bordeaux A tiny 6.5-acre vineyard planted in light gravel/sandy soils not far from Monbousquet and Valandraud, Lynsolence’s proprietor, Denis Baraud, is an up-and-coming star of St.-Emilion. Made from yields of 19 hectoliters per hectare, the 2003 (100% Merlot that achieved 14.5% alcohol) is an exuberant, flamboyant, modern-styled St.-Emilion displaying an inky/plum/purple color, a big, sweet, ostentatious bouquet (smoke, new oak, blackberries, cassis), low acidity, a dense, chewy personality, abundant fruit and glycerin, and plenty of flesh covering its structural skeleton. Sadly, there are only 525 cases of this gorgeous offering. It can be enjoyed now and over the next 12-14 years of life. - Rated 92, Robert Parker Classy wine with currant, berry and light vanilla aromas. Full-bodied, with a dense yet refined texture and a medium finish. Tight and well done. Best after 2008. 525 cases made. –JS - Rated 90, Wine Spectator
Chateau Milens 2000 - Bordeaux
St Emilion Bordeaux Made under the supervision of St.-Emilion's leading garagiste and bete-noir (Jean-Luc Thunevin), this is a blend of 71% Merlot and 29% Cabernet Franc. Yields were kept to a modest 31 hectoliters per hectare. The most impressive Milens to date, the opaque ruby/purple-colored 2000 exhibits deep, chewy, black cherry and currant fruit intermixed with spicy new oak, tar, and a hint of cocoa. Impressively-textured, pure, and medium to full-bodied, with low acidity and moderate tannin, it will be at its finest between 2006-2018. - Rated 89, Robert Parker A bit rustic, but you have to like the concentration. Very ripe, with raisiny, smoky character. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and a long, tannic finish. –JS - Rated 89-91, Wine Spectator
Chateau Monbousquet 2003 Bordeaux
St. Emilion, Bordeaux From a mixture of sand, gravel, and clay soils, this unheralded terroir produces wines well-above its pedigree thanks to the extraordinary efforts of proprietors Chantal and Gerard Perse. The wines are given a 4- to 5-week maceration in both stainless steel and oak, and are aged sur-lie in new oak. The dark ruby/purple-colored 2003 offers up notes of smoky meats, melted licorice, jammy black cherries, spice box, earth, and cedar. This plump, fleshy, sexy, unfined, unfiltered wine represents a classic blend of 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Yields were 32 hectoliters per hectare, and the alcohol is 13.5%. Anticipated maturity: now-2016. - Rated 93, Robert Parker Essence of blackberry here on the nose with a hint of cream. Full-bodied yet silky and refined, with lovely texture and length. Delicious and long. Gorgeous. Best after 2010. 7,000 cases made. –JS - Rated 90, Wine Spectator
Chateau Monbousquet 2003 Bordeaux 1.5Liter
St. Emilion, Bordeaux From a mixture of sand, gravel, and clay soils, this unheralded terroir produces wines well-above its pedigree thanks to the extraordinary efforts of proprietors Chantal and Gerard Perse. The wines are given a 4- to 5-week maceration in both stainless steel and oak, and are aged sur-lie in new oak. The dark ruby/purple-colored 2003 offers up notes of smoky meats, melted licorice, jammy black cherries, spice box, earth, and cedar. This plump, fleshy, sexy, unfined, unfiltered wine represents a classic blend of 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Yields were 32 hectoliters per hectare, and the alcohol is 13.5%. Anticipated maturity: now-2016. - Rated 93, Robert Parker Essence of blackberry here on the nose with a hint of cream. Full-bodied yet silky and refined, with lovely texture and length. Delicious and long. Gorgeous. Best after 2010. 7,000 cases made. –JS - Rated 90, Wine Spectator
Chateau Monbousquet 2003 Bordeaux 3.0Liter
St. Emilion, Bordeaux From a mixture of sand, gravel, and clay soils, this unheralded terroir produces wines well-above its pedigree thanks to the extraordinary efforts of proprietors Chantal and Gerard Perse. The wines are given a 4- to 5-week maceration in both stainless steel and oak, and are aged sur-lie in new oak. The dark ruby/purple-colored 2003 offers up notes of smoky meats, melted licorice, jammy black cherries, spice box, earth, and cedar. This plump, fleshy, sexy, unfined, unfiltered wine represents a classic blend of 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Yields were 32 hectoliters per hectare, and the alcohol is 13.5%. Anticipated maturity: now-2016. - Rated 93, Robert Parker Essence of blackberry here on the nose with a hint of cream. Full-bodied yet silky and refined, with lovely texture and length. Delicious and long. Gorgeous. Best after 2010. 7,000 cases made. –JS - Rated 90, Wine Spectator
Chateau Moulin St Georges 2003 Bordeaux
St. Emilion, Bordeaux Another estate owned by perfectionist Alain Vauthier (the proprietor of Ausone), this is the poor person’s value pick from this proprietor. One of the finest vintages ever made by Alain Vauthier is the 2003 Moulin St.-Georges, a sleeper of the vintage. Deep purple to the rim with an exquisite nose of blueberries, white flowers, crushed rocks, and mulberry, the wine is rich, textured, powerful, and much more structured and full-bodied than it usually is in other vintages. This wine will actually benefit from 3-4 years of bottle-age and drink well for 15-20 years.” – Rated 91, Robert Parker Dark in color, with intense aromas of blackberry, raspberry and licorice. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and a long finish. Slightly linear but impressive. Very New World in style. Best after 2010. 2,375 cases made. JS” - Rated 90, Wine Spectator
Chateau Moulin St Georges 2003 Bordeaux 375ml
St. Emilion, Bordeaux Another estate owned by perfectionist Alain Vauthier (the proprietor of Ausone), this is the poor person’s value pick from this proprietor. One of the finest vintages ever made by Alain Vauthier is the 2003 Moulin St.-Georges, a sleeper of the vintage. Deep purple to the rim with an exquisite nose of blueberries, white flowers, crushed rocks, and mulberry, the wine is rich, textured, powerful, and much more structured and full-bodied than it usually is in other vintages. This wine will actually benefit from 3-4 years of bottle-age and drink well for 15-20 years.” – Rated 91, Robert Parker Dark in color, with intense aromas of blackberry, raspberry and licorice. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and a long finish. Slightly linear but impressive. Very New World in style. Best after 2010. 2,375 cases made. JS” - Rated 90, Wine Spectator
St. Emilion, Bordeaux One of the candidates for wine of the vintage ... again, the 2001 Pavie, from a magnificent south-facing vineyard planted primarily on limestone soil, is a blend of 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. After a six week maceration, it spent nearly 24 months in...
St. Emilion, Bordeaux This 92-acre vineyard, which enjoys an impeccable southern orientation, is composed of limestone on the upper slopes, clay and limestone in the middle, and sand and clay at the base. Proprietor Gerard Perse, who has done a brilliant job since acquiring the estate in 1998, continues to push...
St Emilion, Bordeaux This 9-acre vineyard, situated on the limestone plateau above Pavie, is planted with 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. The average age of the vines is 43 years. Pavie-Decesse has become a limited production cuvee since part of the vineyard was incorporated into the larger Pavie site. Production currently averages around 400 cases, depending on the vintage. Composed of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc (13.5% alcohol), the inky/purple-tinged 2003 exhibits an extraordinary bouquet of crushed rocks, white flowers, and red as well as black fruits. The most port-like of the 2003 Perse offerings, it is a sexy, opulent, viscous St.-Emilion with extraordinary density as well as an exotic, nearly over-the-top richness. It will be drinkable in 2-3 years, and last for 25 or more. This flamboyant, ostentatious wine is a brilliant tour de force in 2003 Bordeaux. - Rated 96, Robert Parker Intense aromas of blackberry and raspberry. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and lots of fruit. Big and juicy. Impressive. This is 90 percent Merlot and 10 percent Cabernet Franc. Very flamboyant. Best after 2010. 2,000 cases made. –JS - Rated 93, Wine Spectator
Chateau Peby Faugeres 2003 Bordeaux
St. Emilion, Bordeaux A luxury cuvee culled from the large Faugeres vineyard, Peby-Faugeres is a nearly 100% Merlot made from 45-year-old vines planted in limestone soils. The wine’s upbringing is similar to that of a well-crafted Burgundy, with malolactic in barrel, aging on its lees, and no clarification at bottling. It has been a huge success since it debuted in 1998. Even better from bottle than it was from cask, the intense, deep purple-hued 2003 offers a big, sweet nose of blackberries, creme de cassis, creosote, coffee, and flowers. Full-bodied and opulent with low acidity, huge glycerin and flavor density, and a spectacularly long, flamboyant finish, this exotic, intense St.-Emilion reflects this interesting vintage. Anticipated maturity: now-2020+. - Rated 93, Robert Parker Crushed plum, berry and cherry on the nose. Full-bodied, with loads of fruit and velvety tannins. Goes on for minutes. Very 2003. Very Port-like, but I love it. Best after 2009. 1,330 cases made. –JS - Rated 93, Wine Spectator
Chateau Petit Cheval 2003 Bordeaux
St. Emilion, Bordeaux The 2003 Le Petit Cheval is soft, round, and ready to drink. It needs to be consumed over the next 5-7 years. - Rated 87, Robert Parker Fresh berry and mineral with hints of tobacco and fresh herbs. Medium-bodied, with sweet fruit and a pleasing length. Very nice. Second wine of Cheval-Blanc. –JS - Rated 85-88, Wine Spectator
St. Emilion, Bordeaux A good value from St.-Emilion, this well-run estate has turned out a dense, muscular, masculine-styled 2003 with a dark ruby/purple color, and up-front, ripe black cherry fruit intermixed with hints of black currants, earth, and incense. Plush, fleshy, long, and low in acidity, it should be consumed over...
Chateau Pipeau 2003 Bordeaux 1.5L
St. Emilion, Bordeaux A good value from St.-Emilion, this well-run estate has turned out a dense, muscular, masculine-styled 2003 with a dark ruby/purple color, and up-front, ripe black cherry fruit intermixed with hints of black currants, earth, and incense. Plush, fleshy, long, and low in acidity, it should be consumed over...
Chateau Plaisance Cuvee Sortilege Bordeaux 2000
Premieres Cotes de Bordeaux, Bordeaux The smoky, chocolatey, espresso, and cassis-scented, dense purple-colored 2000 Sortilege is pure black fruit wrapped in plenty of toasty oak. It is a serious/ambitious wine to drink during its first decade of life. - Rated 90, Robert Parker
Chateau Rocher Bellevue Figeac 2000 - Bordeaux
St Emilion Bordeaux This is a well-made wine, with a dense ruby/purple color, and thick, ripe flavors of black fruits intermixed with underbrush, licorice and some smoky, toasty oak. Medium to full-bodied, with abundant but sweet tannin, along with the 1998 and 2001 this is one of the most impressive wines to emerge from this well-placed estate in many a year. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2015. - Rated 88 Robert Parker
Chateau St. Dominique 2000 - Bordeaux
St Emilion Bordeaux Saint Domingue, another marvel from the same owner as Saint Dominique in Saint-Emilion. Situated next to Cheval Blanc on the edge of the Pomerol. This Saint Emilion village has all the class of a Grand Cru. Deep purple in colour. Intense aromas of stewed black berries and creme...
Chateau Tetre Rotebouef Bordeaux 2000
St. Emilion, Bordeaux I know this sounds crazy, but when I tasted the 2000 Tertre Roteboeuf from bottle on two separate occasions, the only wine that jumped into my head was a deja vu of the 1990 Petrus at age two! Undeniably the finest Tertre Roteboeuf since the spectacular 1998, 1990, and 1989, the dense ruby/purple-colored 2000 exhibits a sweet nose of roasted espresso, mocha, chocolate, black cherry jam, cassis, licorice, new saddle leather, and toasty oak. This explosive, hedonistic concoction is followed by a full-bodied wine with silky tannin, a sumptuous, sweet, lavishly rich mid-palate and texture, and a 45-second finish. It reveals more noticeable structure and grip than the 1998 or 1990 possessed at a similar age. This is a majestic wine. I kept one bottle open for six days without any oxidation! Anticipated maturity: 2005-2025. - Rated 98, Robert Parker
Chateau Valandraud 2003 -Bordeaux
St. Emilion, Bordeaux The home property of Jean-Luc Thunevin, the inspirational spirit for Bordeaux’s garagiste movement, is Valandraud. The 2003 is a full-bodied, powerful St.-Emilion offering up notes of espresso roast, chocolate, sweet currants and cherries, and hints of minerals as well as cedar. Expressive and pure, with copious tannins lurking behind the cascade of fruit and glycerin, this wine requires 2-4 years of bottle age, and should drink well for two decades or more. - Rated 93, Robert Parker Intense aromas of blackberry, chocolate and spice. Full-bodied, with firm tannins and loads of fruit. Long. Spicy and chewy. This has guts. Structured. Best after 2010. 1,000 cases made. –JS - Rated 93, Wine Spectator
Chateau Virgine De Valandraud 2000 - Bordeaux
St. Emilion, Bordeaux Loads of tobacco, berry and currants, with meat. Massive aromas. Full-bodied, with fantastic silky tannins. Very good for a second wine. From Valandraud. Best after 2008. 830 cases made. -JS - Rated 90, Wine Spectator
