Grand Bordeaux 2000 horizontal tasting

Grand Bordeaux 2000 tasting with ~60 wines from the vintage hosted by a private collector. All wines were poured directly from the bottle with no decant and served in flights of 4. As general observations I would highlight: 1/ Today the 2000 is, without a doubt, a right bank vintage with Pomerol the star, 2/ the vast majority of wines are still going strong with hardly any past their peak 3/ On the left bank, St Estèphe was most ready to drink with a lot of wines in a closed stage right now, 4/ On the left bank, 2nd to 4th growths were generally more open for business than the 1st growths which almost all closed, only hinting at their full potential. 5/ If you must open a left bank bottle, Margaux is the safest place to look. Complete scoring overview and additional commentary included in the tasting story.

The ranks 1-3 were almost exclusively held by the right bank, with Le Pin (99) a lonely #1, followed by Trotanoy and Pavie (98) on #2 and Cheval Blanc, Smith Haut Lafitte and Lynch Bages (97) sharing rank #3.

The overall vintage score when compared to similarly large horizontals was high with 93.5 (vs 2009 93.1, 2010 92.6), but I would attribute this to the much higher share of classified wines with only 2 non-classifieds in the 2000 tasting vs 8 in the 2010 tasting.

Of the tier 2 and 3 wines SHL and Lynch Bages really stood out as combining complexity with the sufficient maturity to have fully entered the drinking window. Other outstanding showings we had from Gazin (95) and Prieuré-Lichine (96).

On the left bank Margaux stood out as both most consistent and most approachable of the appellations, but you'll also find second tier wines from Paulliac that should drink brilliantly today (Lynch Bages, Pichon Comtesse, Grand Puy Lacoste).

The low-lights, of the ones that did not have obvious faults, were Branaire-Ducru (87), L'Evangile (88) and Léoville Las Cases (89). Other noteworthy underwhelming wines were Ausone (92) and the notoriously slow-aging Haut Brion (93) and La Mission (92). The Paulliac firsts (Mouton, Lafite, Latour) were all punching below their weight class (92-94), but this may yet change with 5-10 more years of bottle age.

Ranking by appellations, sorted by region and wine, was as follows:

Pomerol
Le Pin 99
Trotanoy 98
Gazin 95
L'Eglise Clinet 95
La Conseillante 94
Vieux Château Certan 93
L'Evangile 88

Margaux
Prieuré-Lichine 96
Margaux 95
Rauzan Ségla 95
Giscours 93
Palmer 93
Brane-Cantenac 93

St Emilion
Pavie 98
Cheval Blanc 97
La Mondotte 95
Valandrau 94
Auson 92
Troplong Mondot 90
Berliquet 90
Canon NR

Paulliac
Lynch Bages 97
Pichon Comtesse 6
Grand Puy Lacoste 95
Latour 94
Pontet Canet 94
Lafite 93
Pichon Baron 93
Mouton 92
Le petit Mouton 88
Batailley NR

Péssac
Smith Haut Lafitte 97
Pape Clément 94
Haut Brion 93
La Mission Haut Brion 92
Haut Bailly 91
La Tour-Martillac NR

St Estèphe
Montrose 95
Calon Ségur 93

St Julien
Ducru-Beaucaillou 95
Léoville Poyferré 95
Lagrange 94
Léoville Barton 93
Gruaud Larose 91
Léoville Las Cases 89
Branaire-Ducru 87

Other regions
Dubois-Grimon 93
Moulin Haut-Laroque 92

Non-reds
Yquem 98
Y 92

Non-Bordeaux
Niepoort vintage 2000 Port 94

• 2000 Château Calon-Ségur 93 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Estèphe

  (6/20/2021)

  Grand Bordeaux 2000 tasting with ~60 wines from the vintage hosted by a private collector. All wines were poured directly from the bottle with no decant and served in flights of 4. As general observations I would highlight: 1/ Today the 2000 is, without a doubt, a right bank vintage with Pomerol the star, 2/ the vast majority of wines are still going strong with hardly any past their peak 3/ On the left bank, St Estèphe was most ready to drink with a lot of wines in a closed stage right now, 4/ On the left bank, 2nd to 4th growths were generally more open for business than the 1st growths which almost all closed, only hinting at their full potential. 5/ If you must open a left bank bottle, Margaux is the safest place to look. Complete scoring overview and additional commentary included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  Fine tobacco, leather, dark cherry fruit core, green minty notes as a herbal side and just a whiff of perfume. Fresh, more red berry type of palate. Good balance even if tannin still have quite some grip. This felt rather early in the drinking window. A solid Calon Segur, but more recent vintages are no doubt punching in a different weight class (2010, 2016, 2018).

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• 2000 Château Montrose 95 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Estèphe

  (6/20/2021)

  Grand Bordeaux 2000 tasting with ~60 wines from the vintage hosted by a private collector. All wines were poured directly from the bottle with no decant and served in flights of 4. As general observations I would highlight: 1/ Today the 2000 is, without a doubt, a right bank vintage with Pomerol the star, 2/ the vast majority of wines are still going strong with hardly any past their peak 3/ On the left bank, St Estèphe was most ready to drink with a lot of wines in a closed stage right now, 4/ On the left bank, 2nd to 4th growths were generally more open for business than the 1st growths which almost all closed, only hinting at their full potential. 5/ If you must open a left bank bottle, Margaux is the safest place to look. Complete scoring overview and additional commentary included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  Scorched earth, dark cherry, blueberry. Fine iodine provides mineral undertones. Fine, elegant palate, juicy and linear but still with grippy tannin. Long finish. This was one of the left bank highlights and I reckon with a proper decant would be ready to drink now.

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• 2000 Château Latour-Martillac Flawed

  France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan

  (6/20/2021)

  Grand Bordeaux 2000 tasting with ~60 wines from the vintage hosted by a private collector. All wines were poured directly from the bottle with no decant and served in flights of 4. As general observations I would highlight: 1/ Today the 2000 is, without a doubt, a right bank vintage with Pomerol the star, 2/ the vast majority of wines are still going strong with hardly any past their peak 3/ On the left bank, St Estèphe was most ready to drink with a lot of wines in a closed stage right now, 4/ On the left bank, 2nd to 4th growths were generally more open for business than the 1st growths which almost all closed, only hinting at their full potential. 5/ If you must open a left bank bottle, Margaux is the safest place to look. Complete scoring overview and additional commentary included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  Lacking intensity, maybe a bit closed at this point, greenish notes but otherwise not really expressive a bit of cigar box. So far so ok, but the palate really punches you in the face: green, unintegrated, quite horrible - almost spat all across the table. In the end the group agreed this was corked.

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• 2000 Château Smith Haut Lafitte 97 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan

  (6/20/2021)

  Grand Bordeaux 2000 tasting with ~60 wines from the vintage hosted by a private collector. All wines were poured directly from the bottle with no decant and served in flights of 4. As general observations I would highlight: 1/ Today the 2000 is, without a doubt, a right bank vintage with Pomerol the star, 2/ the vast majority of wines are still going strong with hardly any past their peak 3/ On the left bank, St Estèphe was most ready to drink with a lot of wines in a closed stage right now, 4/ On the left bank, 2nd to 4th growths were generally more open for business than the 1st growths which almost all closed, only hinting at their full potential. 5/ If you must open a left bank bottle, Margaux is the safest place to look. Complete scoring overview and additional commentary included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  Amazing notes of coffee, incredibly fine and refined, dried leaves, bit of leather and tobacco, whiffs of mint and rather red type of fruit. Palate perfectly balances fine aging notes with fresh berry fruit, tannins are tangible but silky. Leads into a finish that keeps going on and on. This is one of the best SHL's I've had so far and on a par with 2009 and 2016. In great spot right now with plenty of bottle age left.

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• 2000 Château Haut-Bailly 91 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan

  (6/20/2021)

  Grand Bordeaux 2000 tasting with ~60 wines from the vintage hosted by a private collector. All wines were poured directly from the bottle with no decant and served in flights of 4. As general observations I would highlight: 1/ Today the 2000 is, without a doubt, a right bank vintage with Pomerol the star, 2/ the vast majority of wines are still going strong with hardly any past their peak 3/ On the left bank, St Estèphe was most ready to drink with a lot of wines in a closed stage right now, 4/ On the left bank, 2nd to 4th growths were generally more open for business than the 1st growths which almost all closed, only hinting at their full potential. 5/ If you must open a left bank bottle, Margaux is the safest place to look. Complete scoring overview and additional commentary included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  A bit closed, but beautifully detailed fruit, more red in nature, but also some blue in the mix. Incredibly sublime aging notes of barnyard and tobacco. That’s the good news. Quite wild palate with mouth-coating tannin. Intense but slightly unripe fruit. This does require plenty of more aging but not sure about the fruit longer term, might just tip into overripe or even degenerate into balsamic before the tannins fully integrate.

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• 2000 Château Pape Clément 94 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan

  (6/20/2021)

  Grand Bordeaux 2000 tasting with ~60 wines from the vintage hosted by a private collector. All wines were poured directly from the bottle with no decant and served in flights of 4. As general observations I would highlight: 1/ Today the 2000 is, without a doubt, a right bank vintage with Pomerol the star, 2/ the vast majority of wines are still going strong with hardly any past their peak 3/ On the left bank, St Estèphe was most ready to drink with a lot of wines in a closed stage right now, 4/ On the left bank, 2nd to 4th growths were generally more open for business than the 1st growths which almost all closed, only hinting at their full potential. 5/ If you must open a left bank bottle, Margaux is the safest place to look. Complete scoring overview and additional commentary included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  Wet leaves, ripe cherry fruit, slightly green herbal notes, at the edges a bit Porty and too extracted for my liking. Otherwise nicely perfumed and florally scented. The aging notes were hiding on the palate where they hit you with dried tobacco and leather. Not yet perfectly integrated but lots of structure and backbone there.

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• 2000 Château Haut-Brion 93 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan

  (6/20/2021)

  Grand Bordeaux 2000 tasting with ~60 wines from the vintage hosted by a private collector. All wines were poured directly from the bottle with no decant and served in flights of 4. As general observations I would highlight: 1/ Today the 2000 is, without a doubt, a right bank vintage with Pomerol the star, 2/ the vast majority of wines are still going strong with hardly any past their peak 3/ On the left bank, St Estèphe was most ready to drink with a lot of wines in a closed stage right now, 4/ On the left bank, 2nd to 4th growths were generally more open for business than the 1st growths which almost all closed, only hinting at their full potential. 5/ If you must open a left bank bottle, Margaux is the safest place to look. Complete scoring overview and additional commentary included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  Restrained and closed, but lurking behind the facade was an intense nose combining aging notes with a precise albeit overripe fruit. Palate bursting with tannin and acidity, felt not even close to being ready all the while I couldn't help thinking there were some soy sauce notes. That said, this improved quickly in the glass and the palate was more fresh with the fruit fully intact. Really hard to put much conviction behind a score on this one after only a few minutes from an un-decanted bottled.

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• 2000 Château La Mission Haut-Brion 92 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan

  (6/20/2021)

  Grand Bordeaux 2000 tasting with ~60 wines from the vintage hosted by a private collector. All wines were poured directly from the bottle with no decant and served in flights of 4. As general observations I would highlight: 1/ Today the 2000 is, without a doubt, a right bank vintage with Pomerol the star, 2/ the vast majority of wines are still going strong with hardly any past their peak 3/ On the left bank, St Estèphe was most ready to drink with a lot of wines in a closed stage right now, 4/ On the left bank, 2nd to 4th growths were generally more open for business than the 1st growths which almost all closed, only hinting at their full potential. 5/ If you must open a left bank bottle, Margaux is the safest place to look. Complete scoring overview and additional commentary included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  Smoke, some leather, tobacco and scorched earth. Rather dark fruit profile but with blue accents. High octane palate that didn't feel quite in balance. Unimpressive performance, in-line as in the past. I am convinced this would require some serious decanting to make this work at this stage, but in this setting it was impossible to find much enthusiasm directly out of the bottle with only a few minutes in the glass.

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• 2000 Le Petit Mouton de Mouton Rothschild 88 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac

  (6/20/2021)

  Grand Bordeaux 2000 tasting with ~60 wines from the vintage hosted by a private collector. All wines were poured directly from the bottle with no decant and served in flights of 4. As general observations I would highlight: 1/ Today the 2000 is, without a doubt, a right bank vintage with Pomerol the star, 2/ the vast majority of wines are still going strong with hardly any past their peak 3/ On the left bank, St Estèphe was most ready to drink with a lot of wines in a closed stage right now, 4/ On the left bank, 2nd to 4th growths were generally more open for business than the 1st growths which almost all closed, only hinting at their full potential. 5/ If you must open a left bank bottle, Margaux is the safest place to look. Complete scoring overview and additional commentary included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  Detailed, precise notes of red berry fruit and a bit of tobacco. Came across as closed and not overly expressive, but underneath a more facetted profile did shine through. Palate with lots of tension, electric acidity showing balance and posture. Unfortunately towards the end cork taint, in even only just of the slightest kind, was blurring the picture. This is one of the few second wines I would like to revisit at one point.

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• 2000 Château Lynch-Bages 97 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac

  (6/20/2021)

  Grand Bordeaux 2000 tasting with ~60 wines from the vintage hosted by a private collector. All wines were poured directly from the bottle with no decant and served in flights of 4. As general observations I would highlight: 1/ Today the 2000 is, without a doubt, a right bank vintage with Pomerol the star, 2/ the vast majority of wines are still going strong with hardly any past their peak 3/ On the left bank, St Estèphe was most ready to drink with a lot of wines in a closed stage right now, 4/ On the left bank, 2nd to 4th growths were generally more open for business than the 1st growths which almost all closed, only hinting at their full potential. 5/ If you must open a left bank bottle, Margaux is the safest place to look. Complete scoring overview and additional commentary included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  Elegant and well-defined nose of mostly red and blue berries with aging notes only in the distance. There are additional layers of sweet notes, a bit of spice and minearlity. Everything you‘re really looking for in a classic Bordeaux. Fresh, juicy more fruit-forward palate with vibrant acidity, firm structural tannin and a long, pleasant finish. An excellent Lynch Bages and in its current form one of the best I've ever had.

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• 2000 Château Pichon-Longueville Baron 93 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac

  (6/20/2021)

  Grand Bordeaux 2000 tasting with ~60 wines from the vintage hosted by a private collector. All wines were poured directly from the bottle with no decant and served in flights of 4. As general observations I would highlight: 1/ Today the 2000 is, without a doubt, a right bank vintage with Pomerol the star, 2/ the vast majority of wines are still going strong with hardly any past their peak 3/ On the left bank, St Estèphe was most ready to drink with a lot of wines in a closed stage right now, 4/ On the left bank, 2nd to 4th growths were generally more open for business than the 1st growths which almost all closed, only hinting at their full potential. 5/ If you must open a left bank bottle, Margaux is the safest place to look. Complete scoring overview and additional commentary included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting notes:
  A bit of coffee with slightly medicinal touch, blueberry fruit, just hints of tobacco and leather. Palate pretty intense but lacking in harmony.

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• 2000 Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 96 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac

  (6/20/2021)

  Grand Bordeaux 2000 tasting with ~60 wines from the vintage hosted by a private collector. All wines were poured directly from the bottle with no decant and served in flights of 4. As general observations I would highlight: 1/ Today the 2000 is, without a doubt, a right bank vintage with Pomerol the star, 2/ the vast majority of wines are still going strong with hardly any past their peak 3/ On the left bank, St Estèphe was most ready to drink with a lot of wines in a closed stage right now, 4/ On the left bank, 2nd to 4th growths were generally more open for business than the 1st growths which almost all closed, only hinting at their full potential. 5/ If you must open a left bank bottle, Margaux is the safest place to look. Complete scoring overview and additional commentary included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  Roasted coffee beans, incredibly detailed and precise red berry fruit, minty herbal notes and some graphite. Easily one of the most layered palates I've encountered on the left bank.

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• 2000 Château Pontet-Canet 94 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac

  (6/20/2021)

  Grand Bordeaux 2000 tasting with ~60 wines from the vintage hosted by a private collector. All wines were poured directly from the bottle with no decant and served in flights of 4. As general observations I would highlight: 1/ Today the 2000 is, without a doubt, a right bank vintage with Pomerol the star, 2/ the vast majority of wines are still going strong with hardly any past their peak 3/ On the left bank, St Estèphe was most ready to drink with a lot of wines in a closed stage right now, 4/ On the left bank, 2nd to 4th growths were generally more open for business than the 1st growths which almost all closed, only hinting at their full potential. 5/ If you must open a left bank bottle, Margaux is the safest place to look. Complete scoring overview and additional commentary included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  This one is ready for business with convincing intensity, just a bit of leather, tobacco, chocolate and herbal notes with a ripe red and dark berry fruit. Fruit forward, juicy palate with impeccable balance. That said the aromtic complexity could be better and did not reflect what I was anticipating from the multi-dimensional nose.

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• 2000 Château Mouton Rothschild 92 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac

  (6/20/2021)

  Grand Bordeaux 2000 tasting with ~60 wines from the vintage hosted by a private collector. All wines were poured directly from the bottle with no decant and served in flights of 4. As general observations I would highlight: 1/ Today the 2000 is, without a doubt, a right bank vintage with Pomerol the star, 2/ the vast majority of wines are still going strong with hardly any past their peak 3/ On the left bank, St Estèphe was most ready to drink with a lot of wines in a closed stage right now, 4/ On the left bank, 2nd to 4th growths were generally more open for business than the 1st growths which almost all closed, only hinting at their full potential. 5/ If you must open a left bank bottle, Margaux is the safest place to look. Complete scoring overview and additional commentary included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  Lots of detail and precision even if not overly expressive. Sweet red berry fruit, just a bit of leather. After a closed start, this opened up quickly adding more aging notes (tobacco) and refinement. Pretty harmonious palate with well integrated tannin, but not showing too much character at this stage. The weakest of the 3 Paulliac first growths. Looking back to the last bottle I had about 2 years ago it seems there hasn't been much evolution since.

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• 2000 Château Lafite Rothschild 93 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac

  (6/20/2021)

  Grand Bordeaux 2000 tasting with ~60 wines from the vintage hosted by a private collector. All wines were poured directly from the bottle with no decant and served in flights of 4. As general observations I would highlight: 1/ Today the 2000 is, without a doubt, a right bank vintage with Pomerol the star, 2/ the vast majority of wines are still going strong with hardly any past their peak 3/ On the left bank, St Estèphe was most ready to drink with a lot of wines in a closed stage right now, 4/ On the left bank, 2nd to 4th growths were generally more open for business than the 1st growths which almost all closed, only hinting at their full potential. 5/ If you must open a left bank bottle, Margaux is the safest place to look. Complete scoring overview and additional commentary included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  Tobacco, dried leaves, a well faceted bouquet overall with herbal and even floral elements, but not really intense and rather in a closed phase. Very fresh palate with aging notes popping up, relatively approachable but tannins felt a bit coarse and I found a small acidity overhang weighing on the balance.

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• 2000 Château Latour Grand Vin 94 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac

  (6/20/2021)

  Grand Bordeaux 2000 tasting with ~60 wines from the vintage hosted by a private collector. All wines were poured directly from the bottle with no decant and served in flights of 4. As general observations I would highlight: 1/ Today the 2000 is, without a doubt, a right bank vintage with Pomerol the star, 2/ the vast majority of wines are still going strong with hardly any past their peak 3/ On the left bank, St Estèphe was most ready to drink with a lot of wines in a closed stage right now, 4/ On the left bank, 2nd to 4th growths were generally more open for business than the 1st growths which almost all closed, only hinting at their full potential. 5/ If you must open a left bank bottle, Margaux is the safest place to look. Complete scoring overview and additional commentary included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  A bit smoky, tobacco, some coffee, dark chocolate with a blueish fruit core. Well-structured palate, dense. The grip of the tannin warrants further cellaring, but you can sense the slumbering potential here. For me the strongest performance among the Paulliac first growths.

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• 2000 Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste 95 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac

  (6/20/2021)

  Grand Bordeaux 2000 tasting with ~60 wines from the vintage hosted by a private collector. All wines were poured directly from the bottle with no decant and served in flights of 4. As general observations I would highlight: 1/ Today the 2000 is, without a doubt, a right bank vintage with Pomerol the star, 2/ the vast majority of wines are still going strong with hardly any past their peak 3/ On the left bank, St Estèphe was most ready to drink with a lot of wines in a closed stage right now, 4/ On the left bank, 2nd to 4th growths were generally more open for business than the 1st growths which almost all closed, only hinting at their full potential. 5/ If you must open a left bank bottle, Margaux is the safest place to look. Complete scoring overview and additional commentary included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting notes:
  Good intensity, leathery, dark berry fruit with red accents, pencil shavings. Overall pretty ripe and extracted. That said the palate was a showstopper: singing with amazing vibrancy, sweet berry fruit, tangible but well-structured tannin. Best GPL I've had to date.

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• 2000 Château Batailley Flawed

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac

  (6/20/2021)

  Grand Bordeaux 2000 tasting with ~60 wines from the vintage hosted by a private collector. All wines were poured directly from the bottle with no decant and served in flights of 4. As general observations I would highlight: 1/ Today the 2000 is, without a doubt, a right bank vintage with Pomerol the star, 2/ the vast majority of wines are still going strong with hardly any past their peak 3/ On the left bank, St Estèphe was most ready to drink with a lot of wines in a closed stage right now, 4/ On the left bank, 2nd to 4th growths were generally more open for business than the 1st growths which almost all closed, only hinting at their full potential. 5/ If you must open a left bank bottle, Margaux is the safest place to look. Complete scoring overview and additional commentary included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  Either heavily corked or well past its life. Dead. No notes.

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• 2000 Le Haut-Médoc du Prieuré 96 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Haut-Médoc

  (6/20/2021)

  Grand Bordeaux 2000 tasting with ~60 wines from the vintage hosted by a private collector. All wines were poured directly from the bottle with no decant and served in flights of 4. As general observations I would highlight: 1/ Today the 2000 is, without a doubt, a right bank vintage with Pomerol the star, 2/ the vast majority of wines are still going strong with hardly any past their peak 3/ On the left bank, St Estèphe was most ready to drink with a lot of wines in a closed stage right now, 4/ On the left bank, 2nd to 4th growths were generally more open for business than the 1st growths which almost all closed, only hinting at their full potential. 5/ If you must open a left bank bottle, Margaux is the safest place to look. Complete scoring overview and additional commentary included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  Nice ripe red and blue berries, a bit of dried herbs, roasted coffee beans. Full-bodied, dense with an expanding sensation on the palate, claiming all your attention. Overall complexity could be better, but this is in a fantastic spot right now.

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• 2000 Château Giscours 93 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Margaux

  (6/20/2021)

  Grand Bordeaux 2000 tasting with ~60 wines from the vintage hosted by a private collector. All wines were poured directly from the bottle with no decant and served in flights of 4. As general observations I would highlight: 1/ Today the 2000 is, without a doubt, a right bank vintage with Pomerol the star, 2/ the vast majority of wines are still going strong with hardly any past their peak 3/ On the left bank, St Estèphe was most ready to drink with a lot of wines in a closed stage right now, 4/ On the left bank, 2nd to 4th growths were generally more open for business than the 1st growths which almost all closed, only hinting at their full potential. 5/ If you must open a left bank bottle, Margaux is the safest place to look. Complete scoring overview and additional commentary included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  Pretty ripe red berry fruit with layers of smoke, espresso, a bit of medicinal notes or menthol. Appealing, well balanced and fresh nose, drinks reasonably now but rather simple.

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• 2000 Château Palmer 93 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Margaux

  (6/20/2021)

  Grand Bordeaux 2000 tasting with ~60 wines from the vintage hosted by a private collector. All wines were poured directly from the bottle with no decant and served in flights of 4. As general observations I would highlight: 1/ Today the 2000 is, without a doubt, a right bank vintage with Pomerol the star, 2/ the vast majority of wines are still going strong with hardly any past their peak 3/ On the left bank, St Estèphe was most ready to drink with a lot of wines in a closed stage right now, 4/ On the left bank, 2nd to 4th growths were generally more open for business than the 1st growths which almost all closed, only hinting at their full potential. 5/ If you must open a left bank bottle, Margaux is the safest place to look. Complete scoring overview and additional commentary included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  Intense, ripe and precise aroma profile, fruit forward and rather extracted. Pretty dense and structured palate, but lacking elegance. Rather atypical for Palmer I found and clearly a much inferior bottle to the one I had a couple of years ago, even though that too was not as elegant and refined as I've come to expect from one of my favorite Châteaux.

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• 2000 Château Margaux 95 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Margaux

  (6/20/2021)

  Grand Bordeaux 2000 tasting with ~60 wines from the vintage hosted by a private collector. All wines were poured directly from the bottle with no decant and served in flights of 4. As general observations I would highlight: 1/ Today the 2000 is, without a doubt, a right bank vintage with Pomerol the star, 2/ the vast majority of wines are still going strong with hardly any past their peak 3/ On the left bank, St Estèphe was most ready to drink with a lot of wines in a closed stage right now, 4/ On the left bank, 2nd to 4th growths were generally more open for business than the 1st growths which almost all closed, only hinting at their full potential. 5/ If you must open a left bank bottle, Margaux is the safest place to look. Complete scoring overview and additional commentary included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  Dried tobacco, smoke and leather, darkish cherry fruit with aging notes becoming more dominant quite quickly once in the glass. But while adding lots of leather this always left enough space for sweet, fruity accents. Electric acidity with well-integrated even if still very tangible tannin. Seems like very early days here, but the best performing first growth of the vintage at this point.

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• 2000 Château Brane-Cantenac 93 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Margaux

  (6/20/2021)

  Grand Bordeaux 2000 tasting with ~60 wines from the vintage hosted by a private collector. All wines were poured directly from the bottle with no decant and served in flights of 4. As general observations I would highlight: 1/ Today the 2000 is, without a doubt, a right bank vintage with Pomerol the star, 2/ the vast majority of wines are still going strong with hardly any past their peak 3/ On the left bank, St Estèphe was most ready to drink with a lot of wines in a closed stage right now, 4/ On the left bank, 2nd to 4th growths were generally more open for business than the 1st growths which almost all closed, only hinting at their full potential. 5/ If you must open a left bank bottle, Margaux is the safest place to look. Complete scoring overview and additional commentary included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  Some green notes, otherwise a bit restrained and closed initially. Not showing much at this point. Mostly red berry fruit, some sweet accents. Sweet palate with red berries, tension and lots of structure – in fact very palatable and I would imagine with 1-2h decant this would be singing.

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• 2000 Château Rauzan-Ségla 95 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Margaux

  (6/20/2021)

  Grand Bordeaux 2000 tasting with ~60 wines from the vintage hosted by a private collector. All wines were poured directly from the bottle with no decant and served in flights of 4. As general observations I would highlight: 1/ Today the 2000 is, without a doubt, a right bank vintage with Pomerol the star, 2/ the vast majority of wines are still going strong with hardly any past their peak 3/ On the left bank, St Estèphe was most ready to drink with a lot of wines in a closed stage right now, 4/ On the left bank, 2nd to 4th growths were generally more open for business than the 1st growths which almost all closed, only hinting at their full potential. 5/ If you must open a left bank bottle, Margaux is the safest place to look. Complete scoring overview and additional commentary included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  Black coffee, blue and red berry fruit, sous-bois. Vibrant palate with great tension and structural tannin. You can tell how well this is crafted and even though it didn't come across as being in the best possible spot just now, still one of the best performers in Margaux.

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• 2000 Château Moulin Haut-Laroque 92 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Fronsac

  (6/21/2021)

  Grand Bordeaux 2000 tasting with ~60 wines from the vintage hosted by a private collector. All wines were poured directly from the bottle with no decant and served in flights of 4. As general observations I would highlight: 1/ Today the 2000 is, without a doubt, a right bank vintage with Pomerol the star, 2/ the vast majority of wines are still going strong with hardly any past their peak 3/ On the left bank, St Estèphe was most ready to drink with a lot of wines in a closed stage right now, 4/ On the left bank, 2nd to 4th growths were generally more open for business than the 1st growths which almost all closed, only hinting at their full potential. 5/ If you must open a left bank bottle, Margaux is the safest place to look. Complete scoring overview and additional commentary included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  Scented tobacco, sous-bouis and a ripe, mostly red berry fruit. Fresh, fruit-forward palate with a nice frame of aging notes. Fresh acidity and well-balanced structure. Hedonistically a great wine ready to be popped.

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• 2000 Château Gruaud Larose 91 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien

  (6/21/2021)

  Grand Bordeaux 2000 tasting with ~60 wines from the vintage hosted by a private collector. All wines were poured directly from the bottle with no decant and served in flights of 4. As general observations I would highlight: 1/ Today the 2000 is, without a doubt, a right bank vintage with Pomerol the star, 2/ the vast majority of wines are still going strong with hardly any past their peak 3/ On the left bank, St Estèphe was most ready to drink with a lot of wines in a closed stage right now, 4/ On the left bank, 2nd to 4th growths were generally more open for business than the 1st growths which almost all closed, only hinting at their full potential. 5/ If you must open a left bank bottle, Margaux is the safest place to look. Complete scoring overview and additional commentary included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  A sweeter type of berry fruit, mineral layers and aging notes of leather. Pretty acidic on the palate. While tannins felt soft, the balance was not quite where it should be.

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• 2000 Château Lagrange (Pomerol) 94 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol

  (6/21/2021)

  Grand Bordeaux 2000 tasting with ~60 wines from the vintage hosted by a private collector. All wines were poured directly from the bottle with no decant and served in flights of 4. As general observations I would highlight: 1/ Today the 2000 is, without a doubt, a right bank vintage with Pomerol the star, 2/ the vast majority of wines are still going strong with hardly any past their peak 3/ On the left bank, St Estèphe was most ready to drink with a lot of wines in a closed stage right now, 4/ On the left bank, 2nd to 4th growths were generally more open for business than the 1st growths which almost all closed, only hinting at their full potential. 5/ If you must open a left bank bottle, Margaux is the safest place to look. Complete scoring overview and additional commentary included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  Sweet raspberry fruit, sweet spice, hints of roasted coffee beans. Lots of tension on the palate with acidity, intensity and tannin appearing all in balance, even if not quite harmonious.

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• 2000 Château Branaire (Duluc-Ducru) 86 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien

  (6/21/2021)

  Grand Bordeaux 2000 tasting with ~60 wines from the vintage hosted by a private collector. All wines were poured directly from the bottle with no decant and served in flights of 4. As general observations I would highlight: 1/ Today the 2000 is, without a doubt, a right bank vintage with Pomerol the star, 2/ the vast majority of wines are still going strong with hardly any past their peak 3/ On the left bank, St Estèphe was most ready to drink with a lot of wines in a closed stage right now, 4/ On the left bank, 2nd to 4th growths were generally more open for business than the 1st growths which almost all closed, only hinting at their full potential. 5/ If you must open a left bank bottle, Margaux is the safest place to look. Complete scoring overview and additional commentary included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  Very ripe and borderline over-extracted fruit. Leather and wet earth and a bit of liquorice candy. Lacking balance with a greenish finish. There was not much to like here unfortunately.

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• 2000 Château Ducru-Beaucaillou 95 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien

  (6/20/2021)

  Grand Bordeaux 2000 tasting with ~60 wines from the vintage hosted by a private collector. All wines were poured directly from the bottle with no decant and served in flights of 4. As general observations I would highlight: 1/ Today the 2000 is, without a doubt, a right bank vintage with Pomerol the star, 2/ the vast majority of wines are still going strong with hardly any past their peak 3/ On the left bank, St Estèphe was most ready to drink with a lot of wines in a closed stage right now, 4/ On the left bank, 2nd to 4th growths were generally more open for business than the 1st growths which almost all closed, only hinting at their full potential. 5/ If you must open a left bank bottle, Margaux is the safest place to look. Complete scoring overview and additional commentary included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  Nice bouquet of mixed berries, a bit of sous-bois and sweet elements. Good harmony, fresh with tension on the palate where you‘ll also find a bit more aging notes. Tannin well built into the fabric. In this form the best Ducru-Beaucaillu I've tasted so far.

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• 2000 Château Léoville Las Cases 89 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien

  (6/21/2021)

  Grand Bordeaux 2000 tasting with ~60 wines from the vintage hosted by a private collector. All wines were poured directly from the bottle with no decant and served in flights of 4. As general observations I would highlight: 1/ Today the 2000 is, without a doubt, a right bank vintage with Pomerol the star, 2/ the vast majority of wines are still going strong with hardly any past their peak 3/ On the left bank, St Estèphe was most ready to drink with a lot of wines in a closed stage right now, 4/ On the left bank, 2nd to 4th growths were generally more open for business than the 1st growths which almost all closed, only hinting at their full potential. 5/ If you must open a left bank bottle, Margaux is the safest place to look. Complete scoring overview and additional commentary included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  Rather restrained and closed nose. Pretty ripe and extracted fruit - although still in an ok-ish territory. No aging notes to speak of. Lots of concentration. Palate pretty wild and not yet integrated. This Las Cases is not really enjoyable at this point and the weakest of the Léovilles in this tasting.

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• 2000 Château Léoville Barton 93 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien

  (6/21/2021)

  Grand Bordeaux 2000 tasting with ~60 wines from the vintage hosted by a private collector. All wines were poured directly from the bottle with no decant and served in flights of 4. As general observations I would highlight: 1/ Today the 2000 is, without a doubt, a right bank vintage with Pomerol the star, 2/ the vast majority of wines are still going strong with hardly any past their peak 3/ On the left bank, St Estèphe was most ready to drink with a lot of wines in a closed stage right now, 4/ On the left bank, 2nd to 4th growths were generally more open for business than the 1st growths which almost all closed, only hinting at their full potential. 5/ If you must open a left bank bottle, Margaux is the safest place to look. Complete scoring overview and additional commentary included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  Ripe and pretty nice fruit profile, mostly red berry in nature. Only minor aging notes. Palate fresh and soft despite a firm structure.

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• 2000 Château Léoville Poyferré 95 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien

  (6/21/2021)

  Grand Bordeaux 2000 tasting with ~60 wines from the vintage hosted by a private collector. All wines were poured directly from the bottle with no decant and served in flights of 4. As general observations I would highlight: 1/ Today the 2000 is, without a doubt, a right bank vintage with Pomerol the star, 2/ the vast majority of wines are still going strong with hardly any past their peak 3/ On the left bank, St Estèphe was most ready to drink with a lot of wines in a closed stage right now, 4/ On the left bank, 2nd to 4th growths were generally more open for business than the 1st growths which almost all closed, only hinting at their full potential. 5/ If you must open a left bank bottle, Margaux is the safest place to look. Complete scoring overview and additional commentary included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  Fine, refined and detailed nose with layered fruit, sweet spices, a bit of menthol and light cigar box notes. Vibrant palate with fantastic acidity and impeccable balance. Even though in my mind Poyferré usually trails Las Cases and Barton, the 2000 didn't just outshine its cousins, but also most others in Saint Julien.

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• 2000 Château Dubois-Grimon 93 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux

  (6/21/2021)

  Grand Bordeaux 2000 tasting with ~60 wines from the vintage hosted by a private collector. All wines were poured directly from the bottle with no decant and served in flights of 4. As general observations I would highlight: 1/ Today the 2000 is, without a doubt, a right bank vintage with Pomerol the star, 2/ the vast majority of wines are still going strong with hardly any past their peak 3/ On the left bank, St Estèphe was most ready to drink with a lot of wines in a closed stage right now, 4/ On the left bank, 2nd to 4th growths were generally more open for business than the 1st growths which almost all closed, only hinting at their full potential. 5/ If you must open a left bank bottle, Margaux is the safest place to look. Complete scoring overview and additional commentary included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  Intense, ripe fruit profile. Slightly sweet with a bit of wet leather. Not yet well integrated and would likely benefit from a bit more cellaring. Otherwise firmly structured. Best Dubois-Grimon I've had to date, really strong performance.

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• 2000 Château Gazin Pomerol 95 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol

  (6/21/2021)

  Grand Bordeaux 2000 tasting with ~60 wines from the vintage hosted by a private collector. All wines were poured directly from the bottle with no decant and served in flights of 4. As general observations I would highlight: 1/ Today the 2000 is, without a doubt, a right bank vintage with Pomerol the star, 2/ the vast majority of wines are still going strong with hardly any past their peak 3/ On the left bank, St Estèphe was most ready to drink with a lot of wines in a closed stage right now, 4/ On the left bank, 2nd to 4th growths were generally more open for business than the 1st growths which almost all closed, only hinting at their full potential. 5/ If you must open a left bank bottle, Margaux is the safest place to look. Complete scoring overview and additional commentary included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  A bit of leather, tobacco, black tea, herbal layer of menthol, coffee and toast. So far so amazing. Palate is beautifully round and soft. What a Gazin!

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• 2000 Château La Conseillante 94 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol

  (6/21/2021)

  Grand Bordeaux 2000 tasting with ~60 wines from the vintage hosted by a private collector. All wines were poured directly from the bottle with no decant and served in flights of 4. As general observations I would highlight: 1/ Today the 2000 is, without a doubt, a right bank vintage with Pomerol the star, 2/ the vast majority of wines are still going strong with hardly any past their peak 3/ On the left bank, St Estèphe was most ready to drink with a lot of wines in a closed stage right now, 4/ On the left bank, 2nd to 4th growths were generally more open for business than the 1st growths which almost all closed, only hinting at their full potential. 5/ If you must open a left bank bottle, Margaux is the safest place to look. Complete scoring overview and additional commentary included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  Just marginally jammy red and blue fruit - but in a good way. Also sweet and spicy at the margins. A very promising nose that could not fully translate to the palate, unfortunately, where structurally there was not enough mid-palate weight I found.

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• 2000 Château L'Evangile 88 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol

  (6/21/2021)

  Grand Bordeaux 2000 tasting with ~60 wines from the vintage hosted by a private collector. All wines were poured directly from the bottle with no decant and served in flights of 4. As general observations I would highlight: 1/ Today the 2000 is, without a doubt, a right bank vintage with Pomerol the star, 2/ the vast majority of wines are still going strong with hardly any past their peak 3/ On the left bank, St Estèphe was most ready to drink with a lot of wines in a closed stage right now, 4/ On the left bank, 2nd to 4th growths were generally more open for business than the 1st growths which almost all closed, only hinting at their full potential. 5/ If you must open a left bank bottle, Margaux is the safest place to look. Complete scoring overview and additional commentary included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  Not very expressive at this point, appeared pretty ripe and over-extracted in terms of fruit profile which overshadowed what else there was in terms of herbal and aging notes. Searing acidity on the palate and rather unripe, mouth-coating tannin.

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• 2000 Château L'Eglise-Clinet 95 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol

  (6/21/2021)

  Grand Bordeaux 2000 tasting with ~60 wines from the vintage hosted by a private collector. All wines were poured directly from the bottle with no decant and served in flights of 4. As general observations I would highlight: 1/ Today the 2000 is, without a doubt, a right bank vintage with Pomerol the star, 2/ the vast majority of wines are still going strong with hardly any past their peak 3/ On the left bank, St Estèphe was most ready to drink with a lot of wines in a closed stage right now, 4/ On the left bank, 2nd to 4th growths were generally more open for business than the 1st growths which almost all closed, only hinting at their full potential. 5/ If you must open a left bank bottle, Margaux is the safest place to look. Complete scoring overview and additional commentary included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  Pretty ripe but fortunately not over-extracted fruit, bit of leather. Great acidity provides for plenty of freshness. Youthful and energetic, clean and precise.

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• 2000 Château Trotanoy 98 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol

  (6/21/2021)

  Grand Bordeaux 2000 tasting with ~60 wines from the vintage hosted by a private collector. All wines were poured directly from the bottle with no decant and served in flights of 4. As general observations I would highlight: 1/ Today the 2000 is, without a doubt, a right bank vintage with Pomerol the star, 2/ the vast majority of wines are still going strong with hardly any past their peak 3/ On the left bank, St Estèphe was most ready to drink with a lot of wines in a closed stage right now, 4/ On the left bank, 2nd to 4th growths were generally more open for business than the 1st growths which almost all closed, only hinting at their full potential. 5/ If you must open a left bank bottle, Margaux is the safest place to look. Complete scoring overview and additional commentary included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  Nice notes of coffee, cigar box, tobacco, red and blue berry fruit. Incredibly soft, yet dense and concentrated with a finish that goes on and on. One of the wines of the vintage in this tasting, only surpassed by a majestic Le Pin.

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• 2000 Château Le Pin 99 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol

  (6/21/2021)

  Grand Bordeaux 2000 tasting with ~60 wines from the vintage hosted by a private collector. All wines were poured directly from the bottle with no decant and served in flights of 4. As general observations I would highlight: 1/ Today the 2000 is, without a doubt, a right bank vintage with Pomerol the star, 2/ the vast majority of wines are still going strong with hardly any past their peak 3/ On the left bank, St Estèphe was most ready to drink with a lot of wines in a closed stage right now, 4/ On the left bank, 2nd to 4th growths were generally more open for business than the 1st growths which almost all closed, only hinting at their full potential. 5/ If you must open a left bank bottle, Margaux is the safest place to look. Complete scoring overview and additional commentary included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  Sweet strawberry fruit, cotton candy, hardly any aging notes noticeable here. Fine layers of spice and fresh herbs. Precise, round and velvety. The 2000 Le Pin is ticking all boxes. A unique character that is at the same time sexy and elegant. Absolutely magnificent and for me without the slightest hesitation the wine of the vintage in this tasting.

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• 2000 Vieux Château Certan 93 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol

  (6/21/2021)

  Grand Bordeaux 2000 tasting with ~60 wines from the vintage hosted by a private collector. All wines were poured directly from the bottle with no decant and served in flights of 4. As general observations I would highlight: 1/ Today the 2000 is, without a doubt, a right bank vintage with Pomerol the star, 2/ the vast majority of wines are still going strong with hardly any past their peak 3/ On the left bank, St Estèphe was most ready to drink with a lot of wines in a closed stage right now, 4/ On the left bank, 2nd to 4th growths were generally more open for business than the 1st growths which almost all closed, only hinting at their full potential. 5/ If you must open a left bank bottle, Margaux is the safest place to look. Complete scoring overview and additional commentary included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  Spices appear first, followed by red and blue berry fruit and elements of espresso and tobacco. Nicely structured, but not as sexy and beguiling as more recent vintages.

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• 2000 Château Pavie 98 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru

  (6/21/2021)

  Grand Bordeaux 2000 tasting with ~60 wines from the vintage hosted by a private collector. All wines were poured directly from the bottle with no decant and served in flights of 4. As general observations I would highlight: 1/ Today the 2000 is, without a doubt, a right bank vintage with Pomerol the star, 2/ the vast majority of wines are still going strong with hardly any past their peak 3/ On the left bank, St Estèphe was most ready to drink with a lot of wines in a closed stage right now, 4/ On the left bank, 2nd to 4th growths were generally more open for business than the 1st growths which almost all closed, only hinting at their full potential. 5/ If you must open a left bank bottle, Margaux is the safest place to look. Complete scoring overview and additional commentary included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  Ripe red berry fruit, amazing peppery spiciness, coca cola. Fantastic palate, incredibly layered throwing some aging notes of leather and smoke into the mix. Silky, velvety, round. Wow.

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• 2000 La Mondotte 95 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru

  (6/21/2021)

  Grand Bordeaux 2000 tasting with ~60 wines from the vintage hosted by a private collector. All wines were poured directly from the bottle with no decant and served in flights of 4. As general observations I would highlight: 1/ Today the 2000 is, without a doubt, a right bank vintage with Pomerol the star, 2/ the vast majority of wines are still going strong with hardly any past their peak 3/ On the left bank, St Estèphe was most ready to drink with a lot of wines in a closed stage right now, 4/ On the left bank, 2nd to 4th growths were generally more open for business than the 1st growths which almost all closed, only hinting at their full potential. 5/ If you must open a left bank bottle, Margaux is the safest place to look. Complete scoring overview and additional commentary included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  A bit closed currently. Ripe, mostly red berry fruit, also floral and mineral bits and pieces. Juicy, fresh palate, super harmonious, round with a soft texture.

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• 2000 Château Cheval Blanc 97 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru

  (6/21/2021)

  Grand Bordeaux 2000 tasting with ~60 wines from the vintage hosted by a private collector. All wines were poured directly from the bottle with no decant and served in flights of 4. As general observations I would highlight: 1/ Today the 2000 is, without a doubt, a right bank vintage with Pomerol the star, 2/ the vast majority of wines are still going strong with hardly any past their peak 3/ On the left bank, St Estèphe was most ready to drink with a lot of wines in a closed stage right now, 4/ On the left bank, 2nd to 4th growths were generally more open for business than the 1st growths which almost all closed, only hinting at their full potential. 5/ If you must open a left bank bottle, Margaux is the safest place to look. Complete scoring overview and additional commentary included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  Black coffee, mocha, sweet spices, sweet red berries (mostly strawberry) but also a bit of cranberry. Fresh and well balanced palate even if not quite as velvety as Pavie.

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• 2000 Château Ausone 92 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru

  (6/21/2021)

  Grand Bordeaux 2000 tasting with ~60 wines from the vintage hosted by a private collector. All wines were poured directly from the bottle with no decant and served in flights of 4. As general observations I would highlight: 1/ Today the 2000 is, without a doubt, a right bank vintage with Pomerol the star, 2/ the vast majority of wines are still going strong with hardly any past their peak 3/ On the left bank, St Estèphe was most ready to drink with a lot of wines in a closed stage right now, 4/ On the left bank, 2nd to 4th growths were generally more open for business than the 1st growths which almost all closed, only hinting at their full potential. 5/ If you must open a left bank bottle, Margaux is the safest place to look. Complete scoring overview and additional commentary included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  Pretty extracted fruit here providing for a Port-like feel. Also liquorice and green, herbal complexity. Palate not quite in perfect balance. Another one in my unlucky series of Ausone experiences.

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• 2000 Château Valandraud 94 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru

  (6/21/2021)

  Grand Bordeaux 2000 tasting with ~60 wines from the vintage hosted by a private collector. All wines were poured directly from the bottle with no decant and served in flights of 4. As general observations I would highlight: 1/ Today the 2000 is, without a doubt, a right bank vintage with Pomerol the star, 2/ the vast majority of wines are still going strong with hardly any past their peak 3/ On the left bank, St Estèphe was most ready to drink with a lot of wines in a closed stage right now, 4/ On the left bank, 2nd to 4th growths were generally more open for business than the 1st growths which almost all closed, only hinting at their full potential. 5/ If you must open a left bank bottle, Margaux is the safest place to look. Complete scoring overview and additional commentary included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note: High intensity here, ripe red fruit, tobacco and sweet spicy elements. Felt not as integrated as others, but everything is in place.

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• 2000 Château Canon Flawed

  France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru

  (6/21/2021)

  Grand Bordeaux 2000 tasting with ~60 wines from the vintage hosted by a private collector. All wines were poured directly from the bottle with no decant and served in flights of 4. As general observations I would highlight: 1/ Today the 2000 is, without a doubt, a right bank vintage with Pomerol the star, 2/ the vast majority of wines are still going strong with hardly any past their peak 3/ On the left bank, St Estèphe was most ready to drink with a lot of wines in a closed stage right now, 4/ On the left bank, 2nd to 4th growths were generally more open for business than the 1st growths which almost all closed, only hinting at their full potential. 5/ If you must open a left bank bottle, Margaux is the safest place to look. Complete scoring overview and additional commentary included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  Corked. NR.

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• 2000 Château Troplong Mondot 90 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru

  (6/21/2021)

  Grand Bordeaux 2000 tasting with ~60 wines from the vintage hosted by a private collector. All wines were poured directly from the bottle with no decant and served in flights of 4. As general observations I would highlight: 1/ Today the 2000 is, without a doubt, a right bank vintage with Pomerol the star, 2/ the vast majority of wines are still going strong with hardly any past their peak 3/ On the left bank, St Estèphe was most ready to drink with a lot of wines in a closed stage right now, 4/ On the left bank, 2nd to 4th growths were generally more open for business than the 1st growths which almost all closed, only hinting at their full potential. 5/ If you must open a left bank bottle, Margaux is the safest place to look. Complete scoring overview and additional commentary included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  A bit closed, showing a really nice sweet strawberry fruit initially, but coming across as too extracted after a short while in the glass. Balance not quite perfect here with an acidity overhang. Pretty austere overall.

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• 2000 Château Berliquet 90 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru

  (6/20/2021)

  Grand Bordeaux 2000 tasting with ~60 wines from the vintage hosted by a private collector. All wines were poured directly from the bottle with no decant and served in flights of 4. As general observations I would highlight: 1/ Today the 2000 is, without a doubt, a right bank vintage with Pomerol the star, 2/ the vast majority of wines are still going strong with hardly any past their peak 3/ On the left bank, St Estèphe was most ready to drink with a lot of wines in a closed stage right now, 4/ On the left bank, 2nd to 4th growths were generally more open for business than the 1st growths which almost all closed, only hinting at their full potential. 5/ If you must open a left bank bottle, Margaux is the safest place to look. Complete scoring overview and additional commentary included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  Coffee, nice and fruity, a bit of wet earth. Palate very much fruit forward, but with not much weight behind it.

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• 2000 Lur-Saluces "Y" 92 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Bordeaux Supérieur

  (6/21/2021)

  Grand Bordeaux 2000 tasting with ~60 wines from the vintage hosted by a private collector. All wines were poured directly from the bottle with no decant and served in flights of 4. As general observations I would highlight: 1/ Today the 2000 is, without a doubt, a right bank vintage with Pomerol the star, 2/ the vast majority of wines are still going strong with hardly any past their peak 3/ On the left bank, St Estèphe was most ready to drink with a lot of wines in a closed stage right now, 4/ On the left bank, 2nd to 4th growths were generally more open for business than the 1st growths which almost all closed, only hinting at their full potential. 5/ If you must open a left bank bottle, Margaux is the safest place to look. Complete scoring overview and additional commentary included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  Mineral, fruit of quince, apricot and even hints of saffron, herbs, spices and some nutty notes. Lots of fresh acidity and a slightly creamy texture. The nutty aromas carry on on the palate. On the downside, this lacked the density to bridge the intensity from attack to the finish.

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• 2000 Château d'Yquem 98 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Sauternais, Sauternes

  (6/21/2021)

  Grand Bordeaux 2000 tasting with ~60 wines from the vintage hosted by a private collector. All wines were poured directly from the bottle with no decant and served in flights of 4. As general observations I would highlight: 1/ Today the 2000 is, without a doubt, a right bank vintage with Pomerol the star, 2/ the vast majority of wines are still going strong with hardly any past their peak 3/ On the left bank, St Estèphe was most ready to drink with a lot of wines in a closed stage right now, 4/ On the left bank, 2nd to 4th growths were generally more open for business than the 1st growths which almost all closed, only hinting at their full potential. 5/ If you must open a left bank bottle, Margaux is the safest place to look. Complete scoring overview and additional commentary included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  Signature saffron, quince and candid apricot, not as faceted and complex as 2015 maybe, but in an absolutely perfect spot right now. Acidity provides fabulous freshness. Texture is creamy and to die for.

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• 2000 Niepoort Porto Vintage 94 Points

  Portugal, Douro, Porto

  (6/21/2021)

  Grand Bordeaux 2000 tasting with ~60 wines from the vintage hosted by a private collector. All wines were poured directly from the bottle with no decant and served in flights of 4. As general observations I would highlight: 1/ Today the 2000 is, without a doubt, a right bank vintage with Pomerol the star, 2/ the vast majority of wines are still going strong with hardly any past their peak 3/ On the left bank, St Estèphe was most ready to drink with a lot of wines in a closed stage right now, 4/ On the left bank, 2nd to 4th growths were generally more open for business than the 1st growths which almost all closed, only hinting at their full potential. 5/ If you must open a left bank bottle, Margaux is the safest place to look. Complete scoring overview and additional commentary included in the tasting story.
  
  Tasting note:
  This squares the circle of combining candid fruit of cherry, fig and plum with a cool character. Palate catches you completely off guard with multi-layered complexity, fresh red strawberry and raspberry fruit. Incredible tension with creamy texture.

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