Ratings By Robert Parker (85-87) Tasting Notes After years of mostly mediocre performances, this property has begun to show signs of life with a very good 1995. The dark purple-colored 1995 is one of the finest wines made at Rauzan-Gassies in decades. It exhibits plenty of pure, ripe, blackcurrant fruit, and high quality toasty oak.… Read More »
Ratings By Robert Parker 90 Tasting Notes This is often looked at as the second wine of Leoville Barton, but it is actually a separate estate, producing wines that are slightly softer than the more formidably endowed and broodingly backward Leoville Bartons. The outstanding 2003, a softer version of the Leoville Barton, exhibits a deep… Read More »
Ratings By Robert Parker 87 Tasting Notes A seductive style of Palmer, the 1997 will have many admirers (assuming they can afford it). It boasts a dark ruby/plum/purple color in addition to a seductive bouquet of sweet berry fruit, and an elegant, medium-bodied, fruit-driven, easy-going, fleshy personality. While there is little weight and density, the… Read More »
Ratings By Robert Parker 92+ Tasting Notes A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot, the totally closed 2005 Calon Segur is one of those traditionally made, backstrapping, uncompromising Bordeaux that will last 30-40 or more years. Its dense ruby color with purple nuances is followed by a nose that reluctantly offers up scents… Read More »
Ratings By Robert Parker 89 Tasting Notes The 1999 Branaire is from an under-rated estate. This is a beautifully perfumed effort revealing scents of graphite, lead pencil shavings, blueberries, raspberries, and black currants. The wine is rich, layered, medium-bodied, pure, and elegant. It is a complex St.-Julien with good flavor depth, soft tannin, and unobtrusive… Read More »
Ratings By Robert Parker 89 Tasting Notes A strong effort in this mid-weight, charming vintage, this potential sleeper of the vintage exhibits deep black raspberry, black currant, and floral notes, a sweet entry on the palate, ripe tannin, low acidity, and a round, generous mouthfeel. It should drink well for a decade.(Wine Advocate #188 Apr… Read More »
Ratings By Robert Parker 87 Tasting Notes An elegant, easy-going effort, the 2001 Haut-Batailley appears to have more in common with a southern Medoc than most Pauillacs. A deep ruby color and aromas of caramels, black currants, herbs, and oak are followed by a light to medium-bodied, friendly, easy quaffing red to enjoy over the… Read More »
Ratings By Robert Parker 86 Tasting Notes A broodingly backward, tannic, dark ruby-colored wine, Dauzac’s 1995 borders on being too austere, but there is enough sweet black currant fruit, as well as medium body and a fleshy mid-palate to elicit enthusiasm. While this will never be a great claret, it is a well-made, competent Margaux… Read More »
Ratings By Robert Parker 81 Tasting Notes This soft, round, elegant wine is not concentrated, but it does possess moderately sweet jammy cassis and red currant fruit intermixed with spicy, smoky oak. Already soft, it is ideal for consuming during its first decade of life. Anticipated maturity: now-2010.(Wine Advocate #128 Apr 2000) By Robert Parker