Category Archives: Tasting Notes

Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 2005

Ratings By Robert Parker 86 Tasting Notes The disappointing 2005 Pichon Lalande reveals a much lighter style than one expects from this estate. However, the new owners, the Louis Roederer/Deutz champagne firm, have recently brought in Hubert de Bouard (from St.-Emilion) as a consultant, and the 2006 appears to be a dramatic improvement over the… Read More »

Chateau Leoville-Poyferre 1999

Ratings By Robert Parker 89 Tasting Notes Dry tannin and a backward, austere, muscular, brooding personality characterize Leoville Barton’s 1999. However, it is packed with grip, body, and depth. Give it 5-6 years of cellaring and hope the tannin melts away sufficiently for the fruit to come forward. It should last for two decades, but… Read More »

Chateau Durfort-Vivens 2007

Ratings By Robert Parker 88 Tastings Notes This dark ruby-colored 2007 possesses aromas of plum sauce, berry fruit, juicy black currants, and a hint of herbs. It is an attractive, mid-weight, fleshy wine with good purity and depth. Enjoy it over the next decade.(Wine Advocate #188 Apr 2010) By Robert Parker

Chateau d’Issan 2001

Ratings By Robert Parker 89 Tasting Notes A floral, elegant, graceful, classic Margaux, the 2001 d??Issan displays medium-bodied flavors (cherries, black currants, and acacia flowers), and an understated, restrained personality without the power of the superb 2000. Drink this pure, well-balanced 2001 over the next 12-14 years.(Wine Advocate #153 Jun 2004) By Robert Parker

Chateau Cantenac-Brown 1995

Ratings By Robert Parker 78 Tasting Notes Although the 1995 reveals a good color, it has been consistently angular, austere, and too tannic. This is a lean, spartan style of claret that is likely to dry out before enough tannin melts away to reach a balance with the wine??s fruit. Anticipated maturity: Now-2010. Last tasted,… Read More »

Chateau Saint-Pierre 1997

Ratings By Robert Parker (87-89) Tasting Notes The underrated estate of St.-Pierre deserves more attention. While the wines do not quite hit the heights of Leoville-Las-Cases, Leoville-Barton, or Leoville-Poyferre, they are remarkably consistent, chunky, husky Bordeaux with considerable character. The 1997 reveals a nicely saturated ruby/purple color, and an earthy, spicy, fruit-driven bouquet (primarily jammy… Read More »

Chateau Duhart-Milon 2005

Ratings By Robert Parker 94 Tasting Notes The finest Duhart-Milon ever made? This structured, tannic, dense ruby/purple-tinged Pauillac offers up hints of cassis, licorice, chocolate, and earth. Medium to full-bodied with good purity, strong tannins, and undeniable elegance, it reveals a character not dissimilar from its renowned sibling, Lafite-Rothschild. A blend of 71% Cabernet Sauvignon… Read More »

Chateau Pontet-Canet 1999

Ratings By Robert Parker88 Tasting Notes Licorice, creme de cassis, and toasty oak are typical of this classic Pauillac. It is full-bodied, with excellent sweetness, grip, structure, and more tannin than many 1999s possess. This structured, muscular effort will require patience. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2016.(Wine Advocate #140 Apr 2002) By Robert Parker