Category Archives: Tasting Notes

Chateau Lagrange 2008

Ratings By Robert Parker 89+ Tasting Notes The dark ruby/purple-hued 2008 reveals an angular, austere personality along with medium to full-bodied, deep, concentrated fruit. An unusually backward and highly tannic 2008, it will benefit from 3-4 years of cellaring and should keep for 20 years. It is a very good wine, but it is not… Read More »

Chateau Boyd-Cantenac 2002

Ratings By Robert Parker 90 Tasting Notes An undeniable sleeper of the vintage, this wine exhibits a deep ruby/purple color, a sweet nose of charcoal-infused black fruits, some gritty tannin, but enough concentration and stuffing to balance out the wine??s structure. It is a long-term effort and will require more patience than the supple-textured 2003,… Read More »

Chateau Calon-Segur 1996

Ratings By Robert Parker 92 Tasting Notes The 1996 may not be as profound as I had predicted from cask, but it is an exceptional wine. Dark ruby-colored, with a complex nose of dried herbs, Asian spices, and black cherry jam intermixed with cassis, it possesses outstanding purity, and considerable tannin in the finish. This… Read More »

Chateau Talbot 2004

Ratings By Robert Parker 88 Tasting Notes A sumptuous, complex, Provencal-like bouquet of roasted herbs, cherries, licorice, and underbrush emerges from this dark plum/ruby-colored 2004. Tart acidity provides freshness, but the overall impression is of abundant currant and cherry fruit presented in a forward, superficial style. It is best consumed over the next 10-12 years.(Wine… Read More »

Chateau Beychevelle 1998

Ratings By Robert Parker 87 Tasting Notes This elegant, stylish, well-delineated Beychevelle offers finesse and beauty in a medium-bodied, firmly-structured, flavorful format. Red and black currants, licorice, minerals, spice, and tar notes are subtle, but persuasive. While it does not cut an enormous swath across the palate, the wine’s acidity, alcohol, and tannin are well-balanced.… Read More »

Chateau Batailley 2006

Ratings By Robert Parker 91 Tasting Notes A real sleeper of the vintage and a sensational effort from the Casteja family, Batailley has turned out a complete, powerful, classic Pauillac, with oodles of black currant fruit as well as hints of new saddle leather, toast, chocolate, and forest floor. Full-bodied, dense, and built for the… Read More »

Chateau Lynch-Moussas 2000

Ratings by Robert Parker 88 Tasting Notes Probably the best effort I have tasted from Lynch-Moussas … in my career! Deep ruby/purple, with a sweet nose of creme de cassis intermixed with licorice, dried herbs, and vanilla, the wine is rich in fruit, has good glycerin, silky tannin, and a nice, spicy, layered finish. This… Read More »

Chateau Haut-Bages-Liberal 2008

Ratings By Robert Parker 88 Tasting Notes Composed of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon and 32% Merlot, the earthy, spicy 2008 offers up notes of underbrush, red and black fruits and subtle smoke in its medium to full-bodied, solidly tannic, structured personality. It will benefit from 3-4 years of bottle age and keep for two decades.(Wine Advocate… Read More »

Chateau Clerc-Milon 2002

Ratings By Robert Parker 90 Tasting Notes Cedar, burning embers, licorice, black currants, and espresso notes jump from the glass of this dense ruby/purple-colored, firm, tannic, powerful, and muscular style of Clerc-Milon. Quite virile, a bit angular, but at the same time packed and stacked, full and concentrated, this impressive blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon,… Read More »