Bordeaux 2011 - 10 Years On - 30 Reds
Tasted Wednesday, November 10, 2021 by Cailles with 634 views
Introduction
Great opportunity to taste trough many top 2011s (w/o Cheval, which is great) with all bottles coming from a large Bdx collector who bought it all on release. Note: fruit day
2011 VS OTHER VINTAGE RETROSPECTIVES (updated 02/24)
AAVERAGE GROUP SCORE
1) 2009 93.9 (Tasted in 2019)
2) 2010 93.0 (2020)
3) 2000 92.7 (2021)
4) 2012 92.1 (2022)
5) 2011 91.3 (2021)
6) 2003 91.1 (2023)
7) 2004 91.0 (2024)
WINES >95 AVERAGE SCORE
1) 2009 17x (47 red wines)
2) 2010 13x (61)
3) 2000 4x (48)
4) 2012 4x (33)
5) 2011 3x (30)
6) 2003 1x (29)
6) 2004 1x (33)
WINES >97 AVERAGE SCORE
1) 2010 5x
2) 2009 4x
3) 2000, 2003, 2004, 2011, 2012 0x
2011 Château La Clotte 90 Points
France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru
All tasted blind, not decanted. A few observations: 1) As expected, it's a mediocre vintage with many wines lacking depth and mid palate weight of great vintages. My average score for the reds was 91.3 pts vs group scores at more recent horizontals for 2010 (93.0), 2000 (92.7) and 2009 (93.9). 2) I expected more green/unripe notes and drying tannins but that is not the case (hence the solid 91.3 average). Most wines showed well-made (with only 6 out of 30 reds rated below 90 pts). 3) Left bank (average 91.8 pts) clearly trumps right bank (90.6) thanks to more mid palate substance. 4) Virtually no wine showed a) over extracted and already dying and b) with far too much ripeness. Both 2009/2010 (and 2015/2018) have several wines with these problem. 5) Most wines are in a good drinking window. Although not yet with tertiary complexity, the structure has softened and the wines are open (even without extended decanting). 6) Unfortunately (due to price), the best reds were Le Pin (97+ pts), Margaux (96), Petrus (96) and Mouton (95). 7) Good vintage for Sauternes it seems (we tasted only two) with a surprising Giraud (96 pts) beating a too sweet Yquem (93).
TN: Medium- intense nose with ripe dark fruits, some tobacco and minerality. Nothing too exciting but round and without fault other than being not that expressive and complex. On the palate a beautiful rather blue and fresh fruit profile, stems and probably a touch green notes but more like a feature than fault. Not very long but quite good and round, even though its not very complex. Solid 90 pts.
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2011 Château La Fleur de Boüard 93 Points
France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Lalande de Pomerol
All tasted blind, not decanted. A few observations: 1) As expected, it's a mediocre vintage with many wines lacking depth and mid palate weight of great vintages. My average score for the reds was 91.3 pts vs group scores at more recent horizontals for 2010 (93.0), 2000 (92.7) and 2009 (93.9). 2) I expected more green/unripe notes and drying tannins but that is not the case (hence the solid 91.3 average). Most wines showed well-made (with only 6 out of 30 reds rated below 90 pts). 3) Left bank (average 91.8 pts) clearly trumps right bank (90.6) thanks to more mid palate substance. 4) Virtually no wine showed a) over extracted and already dying and b) with far too much ripeness. Both 2009/2010 (and 2015/2018) have several wines with these problem. 5) Most wines are in a good drinking window. Although not yet with tertiary complexity, the structure has softened and the wines are open (even without extended decanting). 6) Unfortunately (due to price), the best reds were Le Pin (97+ pts), Margaux (96), Petrus (96) and Mouton (95). 7) Good vintage for Sauternes it seems (we tasted only two) with a surprising Giraud (96 pts) beating a too sweet Yquem (93).
TN: Medium plus expressive nose with coffee, ripe dark fruits and hints of tobacco. Quite sexy, round and inviting. On the palate there is a beautiful freshness, a good roundness and harmony with ripe dark and blue fruit, some floral aromas, coffee notes and hints of tobacco. Missing a bit of weight mid palate and on the finish, this is nevertheless a beautiful wine and a lot of fun to drink. Solid 93-94 pts, with a nose that would even deserve a higher rating.
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2011 Château Dubois-Grimon 84 Points
France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux
All tasted blind, not decanted. A few observations: 1) As expected, it's a mediocre vintage with many wines lacking depth and mid palate weight of great vintages. My average score for the reds was 91.3 pts vs group scores at more recent horizontals for 2010 (93.0), 2000 (92.7) and 2009 (93.9). 2) I expected more green/unripe notes and drying tannins but that is not the case (hence the solid 91.3 average). Most wines showed well-made (with only 6 out of 30 reds rated below 90 pts). 3) Left bank (average 91.8 pts) clearly trumps right bank (90.6) thanks to more mid palate substance. 4) Virtually no wine showed a) over extracted and already dying and b) with far too much ripeness. Both 2009/2010 (and 2015/2018) have several wines with these problem. 5) Most wines are in a good drinking window. Although not yet with tertiary complexity, the structure has softened and the wines are open (even without extended decanting). 6) Unfortunately (due to price), the best reds were Le Pin (97+ pts), Margaux (96), Petrus (96) and Mouton (95). 7) Good vintage for Sauternes it seems (we tasted only two) with a surprising Giraud (96 pts) beating a too sweet Yquem (93).
TN: Not overly expressive and precise nose with some hints dark fruits and minerality and a touch of cola. On the palate the wine is a touch dry and without much stuffing and weight, with not much showing beside some dark fruit, minerality and a touch of green notes. No success here, 84 pts.
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2011 Château Dassault 89 Points
France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru
All tasted blind, not decanted. A few observations: 1) As expected, it's a mediocre vintage with many wines lacking depth and mid palate weight of great vintages. My average score for the reds was 91.3 pts vs group scores at more recent horizontals for 2010 (93.0), 2000 (92.7) and 2009 (93.9). 2) I expected more green/unripe notes and drying tannins but that is not the case (hence the solid 91.3 average). Most wines showed well-made (with only 6 out of 30 reds rated below 90 pts). 3) Left bank (average 91.8 pts) clearly trumps right bank (90.6) thanks to more mid palate substance. 4) Virtually no wine showed a) over extracted and already dying and b) with far too much ripeness. Both 2009/2010 (and 2015/2018) have several wines with these problem. 5) Most wines are in a good drinking window. Although not yet with tertiary complexity, the structure has softened and the wines are open (even without extended decanting). 6) Unfortunately (due to price), the best reds were Le Pin (97+ pts), Margaux (96), Petrus (96) and Mouton (95). 7) Good vintage for Sauternes it seems (we tasted only two) with a surprising Giraud (96 pts) beating a too sweet Yquem (93).
TN: Not overly expressive, nor precise nose with dark fruits, some smoke and minerality. Not overly exciting. On the palate there is some candied dark red and dark fruit which is quite pleaseant and sticks with you for quite a while, somer herbs and minerality. More interesting on the palate than the nose. Solid 89 pts.
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2011 Château Trotanoy 90 Points
France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol
All tasted blind, not decanted. A few observations: 1) As expected, it's a mediocre vintage with many wines lacking depth and mid palate weight of great vintages. My average score for the reds was 91.3 pts vs group scores at more recent horizontals for 2010 (93.0), 2000 (92.7) and 2009 (93.9). 2) I expected more green/unripe notes and drying tannins but that is not the case (hence the solid 91.3 average). Most wines showed well-made (with only 6 out of 30 reds rated below 90 pts). 3) Left bank (average 91.8 pts) clearly trumps right bank (90.6) thanks to more mid palate substance. 4) Virtually no wine showed a) over extracted and already dying and b) with far too much ripeness. Both 2009/2010 (and 2015/2018) have several wines with these problem. 5) Most wines are in a good drinking window. Although not yet with tertiary complexity, the structure has softened and the wines are open (even without extended decanting). 6) Unfortunately (due to price), the best reds were Le Pin (97+ pts), Margaux (96), Petrus (96) and Mouton (95). 7) Good vintage for Sauternes it seems (we tasted only two) with a surprising Giraud (96 pts) beating a too sweet Yquem (93).
TN: At first this showed ok with a very mineralic nose with crushed rocks and graphite dominating the darker fruit core, some smoke notes and hints of earthy notes. Clearly missing a touch sexiness on the nose but nevertheless quite interesting. Very fresh on the palate with cleanly delineated fresh blue and dark red fruit, mainly blue, some minerality. Not super complex but overall solid with medium- length. With some time, however, more and more TCA taint came forward and rendered the wine undrinkable. So take these 90 pts with a grain of salt.
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2011 Château La Conseillante 89 Points
France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol
All tasted blind, not decanted. A few observations: 1) As expected, it's a mediocre vintage with many wines lacking depth and mid palate weight of great vintages. My average score for the reds was 91.3 pts vs group scores at more recent horizontals for 2010 (93.0), 2000 (92.7) and 2009 (93.9). 2) I expected more green/unripe notes and drying tannins but that is not the case (hence the solid 91.3 average). Most wines showed well-made (with only 6 out of 30 reds rated below 90 pts). 3) Left bank (average 91.8 pts) clearly trumps right bank (90.6) thanks to more mid palate substance. 4) Virtually no wine showed a) over extracted and already dying and b) with far too much ripeness. Both 2009/2010 (and 2015/2018) have several wines with these problem. 5) Most wines are in a good drinking window. Although not yet with tertiary complexity, the structure has softened and the wines are open (even without extended decanting). 6) Unfortunately (due to price), the best reds were Le Pin (97+ pts), Margaux (96), Petrus (96) and Mouton (95). 7) Good vintage for Sauternes it seems (we tasted only two) with a surprising Giraud (96 pts) beating a too sweet Yquem (93).
TN: Medium expressive nose with smoke, minerality and not enough fruit to balance it out. Not super precise but with some hints of tobacco making it a tad more interesting. With time a bit better but never truly good. On the palate this is nicely fresh and light with blue and red berries, crushed rocks, some herbs but not enough weight to carry the aromas into a long and impressive finish. Quite fresh but round and harmonious and slightly drying on the finish. Ok with 89 pts.
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2011 Château L'Eglise-Clinet 84 Points
France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol
All tasted blind, not decanted. A few observations: 1) As expected, it's a mediocre vintage with many wines lacking depth and mid palate weight of great vintages. My average score for the reds was 91.3 pts vs group scores at more recent horizontals for 2010 (93.0), 2000 (92.7) and 2009 (93.9). 2) I expected more green/unripe notes and drying tannins but that is not the case (hence the solid 91.3 average). Most wines showed well-made (with only 6 out of 30 reds rated below 90 pts). 3) Left bank (average 91.8 pts) clearly trumps right bank (90.6) thanks to more mid palate substance. 4) Virtually no wine showed a) over extracted and already dying and b) with far too much ripeness. Both 2009/2010 (and 2015/2018) have several wines with these problem. 5) Most wines are in a good drinking window. Although not yet with tertiary complexity, the structure has softened and the wines are open (even without extended decanting). 6) Unfortunately (due to price), the best reds were Le Pin (97+ pts), Margaux (96), Petrus (96) and Mouton (95). 7) Good vintage for Sauternes it seems (we tasted only two) with a surprising Giraud (96 pts) beating a too sweet Yquem (93).
TN: Rather muted undefined on the nose. Same on the palate where the wine shows a bit of fruit, probably some herbs and smoke but quickly dries out towards the finish. No sucess in this vintage. Quite consistent with a bottle two months ago. 84 pts.
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2011 Château Figeac 90 Points
France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru
All tasted blind, not decanted. A few observations: 1) As expected, it's a mediocre vintage with many wines lacking depth and mid palate weight of great vintages. My average score for the reds was 91.3 pts vs group scores at more recent horizontals for 2010 (93.0), 2000 (92.7) and 2009 (93.9). 2) I expected more green/unripe notes and drying tannins but that is not the case (hence the solid 91.3 average). Most wines showed well-made (with only 6 out of 30 reds rated below 90 pts). 3) Left bank (average 91.8 pts) clearly trumps right bank (90.6) thanks to more mid palate substance. 4) Virtually no wine showed a) over extracted and already dying and b) with far too much ripeness. Both 2009/2010 (and 2015/2018) have several wines with these problem. 5) Most wines are in a good drinking window. Although not yet with tertiary complexity, the structure has softened and the wines are open (even without extended decanting). 6) Unfortunately (due to price), the best reds were Le Pin (97+ pts), Margaux (96), Petrus (96) and Mouton (95). 7) Good vintage for Sauternes it seems (we tasted only two) with a surprising Giraud (96 pts) beating a too sweet Yquem (93).
TN: Medium— expressive nose with some ripe dark and dark red berries, some hints of coffee and cacao. Quite fine and inviting but with not enough aromatic pressure to truly excite. On the palate the wine shows promising with fine tannins, fine dark and dark red berries, lots of minerality and smoke. Overall ok but not with enough power. The aromatic profile and the structure are promising, though. Solid 90-91 pts
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2011 Château Hosanna 90 Points
France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol
All tasted blind, not decanted. A few observations: 1) As expected, it's a mediocre vintage with many wines lacking depth and mid palate weight of great vintages. My average score for the reds was 91.3 pts vs group scores at more recent horizontals for 2010 (93.0), 2000 (92.7) and 2009 (93.9). 2) I expected more green/unripe notes and drying tannins but that is not the case (hence the solid 91.3 average). Most wines showed well-made (with only 6 out of 30 reds rated below 90 pts). 3) Left bank (average 91.8 pts) clearly trumps right bank (90.6) thanks to more mid palate substance. 4) Virtually no wine showed a) over extracted and already dying and b) with far too much ripeness. Both 2009/2010 (and 2015/2018) have several wines with these problem. 5) Most wines are in a good drinking window. Although not yet with tertiary complexity, the structure has softened and the wines are open (even without extended decanting). 6) Unfortunately (due to price), the best reds were Le Pin (97+ pts), Margaux (96), Petrus (96) and Mouton (95). 7) Good vintage for Sauternes it seems (we tasted only two) with a surprising Giraud (96 pts) beating a too sweet Yquem (93).
TN: Medium expressive with minerality, dark fruit but not much precision but still quite clean. A bit boring. On the palate this shows a nice red fruit core along some minerality, smoke and earthy notes. It misses a bit of mid palate weight and has a rather thin finish. Still quite solid effort but without enough intensity to excite. 90 pts.
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2011 Vieux Château Certan 92 Points
France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol
All tasted blind, not decanted. A few observations: 1) As expected, it's a mediocre vintage with many wines lacking depth and mid palate weight of great vintages. My average score for the reds was 91.3 pts vs group scores at more recent horizontals for 2010 (93.0), 2000 (92.7) and 2009 (93.9). 2) I expected more green/unripe notes and drying tannins but that is not the case (hence the solid 91.3 average). Most wines showed well-made (with only 6 out of 30 reds rated below 90 pts). 3) Left bank (average 91.8 pts) clearly trumps right bank (90.6) thanks to more mid palate substance. 4) Virtually no wine showed a) over extracted and already dying and b) with far too much ripeness. Both 2009/2010 (and 2015/2018) have several wines with these problem. 5) Most wines are in a good drinking window. Although not yet with tertiary complexity, the structure has softened and the wines are open (even without extended decanting). 6) Unfortunately (due to price), the best reds were Le Pin (97+ pts), Margaux (96), Petrus (96) and Mouton (95). 7) Good vintage for Sauternes it seems (we tasted only two) with a surprising Giraud (96 pts) beating a too sweet Yquem (93).
TN: Dark brooding nose with ripe dark fruits, loads of minerality and smoke. Not overly inviting it misses a bit of fruit and sweetness. On the palate this is clearly better with a fresh but ripe enough fruit core, minerality, smoke, earthy notes. It doesnt have the elegance I wish for but is still quite solid, without fault and has the substance to age gracefully for another decade or more. Solid 92 pts. But looking at the ratings here, there are certainly better bottles of the VCC 2011 out there.
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2011 Pétrus 96 Points
France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol
All tasted blind, not decanted. A few observations: 1) As expected, it's a mediocre vintage with many wines lacking depth and mid palate weight of great vintages. My average score for the reds was 91.3 pts vs group scores at more recent horizontals for 2010 (93.0), 2000 (92.7) and 2009 (93.9). 2) I expected more green/unripe notes and drying tannins but that is not the case (hence the solid 91.3 average). Most wines showed well-made (with only 6 out of 30 reds rated below 90 pts). 3) Left bank (average 91.8 pts) clearly trumps right bank (90.6) thanks to more mid palate substance. 4) Virtually no wine showed a) over extracted and already dying and b) with far too much ripeness. Both 2009/2010 (and 2015/2018) have several wines with these problem. 5) Most wines are in a good drinking window. Although not yet with tertiary complexity, the structure has softened and the wines are open (even without extended decanting). 6) Unfortunately (due to price), the best reds were Le Pin (97+ pts), Margaux (96), Petrus (96) and Mouton (95). 7) Good vintage for Sauternes it seems (we tasted only two) with a surprising Giraud (96 pts) beating a too sweet Yquem (93).
TN: Medium plus expressive nose with ripe, round and slightly luxurious dark fruit, coffee, stems and minerality as well as some nutty notes. Nicely precise. On the palate we are talking about another level: so much substance for a 2011, sexy, round with lots of coffee, cacao, ripe dark fruit, earthy notes and minerality. Superb weight and harmony, fresh and clean. Good length. Superb. With some time there is a beautiful, mutli-facetted sweetness with fruit and floral aromas dominating the finish. Ever changing and exciting. Compared to the Le Pin in the next glass (rated 97+ pts) this is purer and shows equally complex but with less oak and more terroir notes showing through. Le Pin is the busty beauty, Petrus the more intellectual one. Anyway, exiciting and easily worth 96 pts.
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2011 Château Le Pin 97 Points
France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol
All tasted blind, not decanted. A few observations: 1) As expected, it's a mediocre vintage with many wines lacking depth and mid palate weight of great vintages. My average score for the reds was 91.3 pts vs group scores at more recent horizontals for 2010 (93.0), 2000 (92.7) and 2009 (93.9). 2) I expected more green/unripe notes and drying tannins but that is not the case (hence the solid 91.3 average). Most wines showed well-made (with only 6 out of 30 reds rated below 90 pts). 3) Left bank (average 91.8 pts) clearly trumps right bank (90.6) thanks to more mid palate substance. 4) Virtually no wine showed a) over extracted and already dying and b) with far too much ripeness. Both 2009/2010 (and 2015/2018) have several wines with these problem. 5) Most wines are in a good drinking window. Although not yet with tertiary complexity, the structure has softened and the wines are open (even without extended decanting). 6) Unfortunately (due to price), the best reds were Le Pin (97+ pts), Margaux (96), Petrus (96) and Mouton (95). 7) Good vintage for Sauternes it seems (we tasted only two) with a surprising Giraud (96 pts) beating a too sweet Yquem (93).
TN: No question, WOTN (for me and many in our group). Most expressive, sexy nose, superb with so much coffee, nutty notes, cacao and dark ripe fruit. By far the best nose until right now, you could never stop smelling this. On the palate there is so much substance for a 2011, so much beautiful ripe fruit, from red to dark red to darker fruit, floral aromas, coffee, the most luxurious oak aromas, good mid palate weight, perfectly integrated acidity, very good length, very harmonious and would probably be too slutty if it wouldnt be for the rather rainy/cool summer that year keeping the ripeness in check. A wow wine. Too bad this was the unattainable Le Pin, otherwise I would have bought my first 2011. 97 to 98 pts, easily. I could smell and drink that all night long and without question, this was one of the greatest off-vintage Bordeaux wines I've ever had.
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2011 Château Mouton Rothschild 95 Points
France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac
All tasted blind, not decanted. A few observations: 1) As expected, it's a mediocre vintage with many wines lacking depth and mid palate weight of great vintages. My average score for the reds was 91.3 pts vs group scores at more recent horizontals for 2010 (93.0), 2000 (92.7) and 2009 (93.9). 2) I expected more green/unripe notes and drying tannins but that is not the case (hence the solid 91.3 average). Most wines showed well-made (with only 6 out of 30 reds rated below 90 pts). 3) Left bank (average 91.8 pts) clearly trumps right bank (90.6) thanks to more mid palate substance. 4) Virtually no wine showed a) over extracted and already dying and b) with far too much ripeness. Both 2009/2010 (and 2015/2018) have several wines with these problem. 5) Most wines are in a good drinking window. Although not yet with tertiary complexity, the structure has softened and the wines are open (even without extended decanting). 6) Unfortunately (due to price), the best reds were Le Pin (97+ pts), Margaux (96), Petrus (96) and Mouton (95). 7) Good vintage for Sauternes it seems (we tasted only two) with a surprising Giraud (96 pts) beating a too sweet Yquem (93).
TN: This is a stunning wine and a good Mouton, especially on the palate. The nose, unfortunately, was not overly expressive and complex with only some dark fruit showing but not much more. True explosion on the palate with a wonderful dark fruit core, coffee, smoke, herbs. Superb freshness, sexy and elegant, good mid palate weight, good length. Quite a complete wine. Yes, it's an off vintage and yes, it's not the most complex wine but quite good and in a very spot today. Winner on the left bank for many in our group but not for me, the Margaux (rated 96 pts) had a better nose and was hence the more complete wine. This again proves that starting with the 2009 vintage, Mouton upped its game and is now among the very best Bordeauxs. 94 to 95 pts (the palate was 95+).
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2011 Château Latour Grand Vin 93 Points
France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac
All tasted blind, not decanted. A few observations: 1) As expected, it's a mediocre vintage with many wines lacking depth and mid palate weight of great vintages. My average score for the reds was 91.3 pts vs group scores at more recent horizontals for 2010 (93.0), 2000 (92.7) and 2009 (93.9). 2) I expected more green/unripe notes and drying tannins but that is not the case (hence the solid 91.3 average). Most wines showed well-made (with only 6 out of 30 reds rated below 90 pts). 3) Left bank (average 91.8 pts) clearly trumps right bank (90.6) thanks to more mid palate substance. 4) Virtually no wine showed a) over extracted and already dying and b) with far too much ripeness. Both 2009/2010 (and 2015/2018) have several wines with these problem. 5) Most wines are in a good drinking window. Although not yet with tertiary complexity, the structure has softened and the wines are open (even without extended decanting). 6) Unfortunately (due to price), the best reds were Le Pin (97+ pts), Margaux (96), Petrus (96) and Mouton (95). 7) Good vintage for Sauternes it seems (we tasted only two) with a surprising Giraud (96 pts) beating a too sweet Yquem (93).
TN: Medium expressive but a bit astringent with lots of minerality and smoke dominating any fruit that might be there on the nose. Much better on the palate which shines bright with superb freshness, fine tannins, harmonious fruit profile consisting mostly of fresh, cool dark and blue fruit. More minerality but not much more other nuances detectable at this stage (Latour usually needs lots of time and probably would have shown better with a proper decant). Today and in this form the wine was not complex enough, not as deep as the Mouton (rated 95 pts) in the next glass but overall quit good. Still, I like the fresh style, the aristocratic feel and would order this off a restaurant list. 92 to 93 pts.
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2011 Château Pichon-Longueville Baron 94 Points
France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac
All tasted blind, not decanted. A few observations: 1) As expected, it's a mediocre vintage with many wines lacking depth and mid palate weight of great vintages. My average score for the reds was 91.3 pts vs group scores at more recent horizontals for 2010 (93.0), 2000 (92.7) and 2009 (93.9). 2) I expected more green/unripe notes and drying tannins but that is not the case (hence the solid 91.3 average). Most wines showed well-made (with only 6 out of 30 reds rated below 90 pts). 3) Left bank (average 91.8 pts) clearly trumps right bank (90.6) thanks to more mid palate substance. 4) Virtually no wine showed a) over extracted and already dying and b) with far too much ripeness. Both 2009/2010 (and 2015/2018) have several wines with these problem. 5) Most wines are in a good drinking window. Although not yet with tertiary complexity, the structure has softened and the wines are open (even without extended decanting). 6) Unfortunately (due to price), the best reds were Le Pin (97+ pts), Margaux (96), Petrus (96) and Mouton (95). 7) Good vintage for Sauternes it seems (we tasted only two) with a surprising Giraud (96 pts) beating a too sweet Yquem (93).
TN: Meidum expressive nose with ripe dark fruit, some floral aromas, minerality and smoke. Much more interesting on the nose with an intense, cool, fresh, clean aroma profile with fresh blue and dark red and dark fruit and minerality. Quite good and interesting but probably not the most complex wine. Good weight and medium length. Superb. 93-94 pts.
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2011 Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 92 Points
France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac
All tasted blind, not decanted. A few observations: 1) As expected, it's a mediocre vintage with many wines lacking depth and mid palate weight of great vintages. My average score for the reds was 91.3 pts vs group scores at more recent horizontals for 2010 (93.0), 2000 (92.7) and 2009 (93.9). 2) I expected more green/unripe notes and drying tannins but that is not the case (hence the solid 91.3 average). Most wines showed well-made (with only 6 out of 30 reds rated below 90 pts). 3) Left bank (average 91.8 pts) clearly trumps right bank (90.6) thanks to more mid palate substance. 4) Virtually no wine showed a) over extracted and already dying and b) with far too much ripeness. Both 2009/2010 (and 2015/2018) have several wines with these problem. 5) Most wines are in a good drinking window. Although not yet with tertiary complexity, the structure has softened and the wines are open (even without extended decanting). 6) Unfortunately (due to price), the best reds were Le Pin (97+ pts), Margaux (96), Petrus (96) and Mouton (95). 7) Good vintage for Sauternes it seems (we tasted only two) with a surprising Giraud (96 pts) beating a too sweet Yquem (93).
TN: Very mineral-driven nose, missing a bit of fruit and overall not expressive enough. The contrary on the palate which is dominated by an intense, candied strawberry fruit core. Especially intense on the attack, the wine thins out towards the mid palate and has a rather short finish. Quite simple but also quite fun to drink and with fine tannins and a well-integrated acidity as well as an airy structure. Overall ok and this bottle was clearly better than a bottle back a few months ago (rated 90 pts) which showed more astringent.
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2011 Château Lynch-Bages 92 Points
France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac
All tasted blind, not decanted. A few observations: 1) As expected, it's a mediocre vintage with many wines lacking depth and mid palate weight of great vintages. My average score for the reds was 91.3 pts vs group scores at more recent horizontals for 2010 (93.0), 2000 (92.7) and 2009 (93.9). 2) I expected more green/unripe notes and drying tannins but that is not the case (hence the solid 91.3 average). Most wines showed well-made (with only 6 out of 30 reds rated below 90 pts). 3) Left bank (average 91.8 pts) clearly trumps right bank (90.6) thanks to more mid palate substance. 4) Virtually no wine showed a) over extracted and already dying and b) with far too much ripeness. Both 2009/2010 (and 2015/2018) have several wines with these problem. 5) Most wines are in a good drinking window. Although not yet with tertiary complexity, the structure has softened and the wines are open (even without extended decanting). 6) Unfortunately (due to price), the best reds were Le Pin (97+ pts), Margaux (96), Petrus (96) and Mouton (95). 7) Good vintage for Sauternes it seems (we tasted only two) with a surprising Giraud (96 pts) beating a too sweet Yquem (93).
TN: Medium- expressive on the nose, not much expressive. But quite good on the palate, round, fresh, without any hard edges but not much complexity either. Fine dark red and dark fruit, some tobacco and some earthy notes. Not overly exciting but solid effort worth 92 pts.
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2011 Château Clerc Milon 86 Points
France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac
All tasted blind, not decanted. A few observations: 1) As expected, it's a mediocre vintage with many wines lacking depth and mid palate weight of great vintages. My average score for the reds was 91.3 pts vs group scores at more recent horizontals for 2010 (93.0), 2000 (92.7) and 2009 (93.9). 2) I expected more green/unripe notes and drying tannins but that is not the case (hence the solid 91.3 average). Most wines showed well-made (with only 6 out of 30 reds rated below 90 pts). 3) Left bank (average 91.8 pts) clearly trumps right bank (90.6) thanks to more mid palate substance. 4) Virtually no wine showed a) over extracted and already dying and b) with far too much ripeness. Both 2009/2010 (and 2015/2018) have several wines with these problem. 5) Most wines are in a good drinking window. Although not yet with tertiary complexity, the structure has softened and the wines are open (even without extended decanting). 6) Unfortunately (due to price), the best reds were Le Pin (97+ pts), Margaux (96), Petrus (96) and Mouton (95). 7) Good vintage for Sauternes it seems (we tasted only two) with a surprising Giraud (96 pts) beating a too sweet Yquem (93).
TN: Rather mineralic and slightly bitter on the nose. Same on the palate with some green notes but a nice fruit core. Overall quite green, too green. This will never be a good wine. 86-87 pts.
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2011 Château Malartic-Lagravière 91 Points
France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan
All tasted blind, not decanted. A few observations: 1) As expected, it's a mediocre vintage with many wines lacking depth and mid palate weight of great vintages. My average score for the reds was 91.3 pts vs group scores at more recent horizontals for 2010 (93.0), 2000 (92.7) and 2009 (93.9). 2) I expected more green/unripe notes and drying tannins but that is not the case (hence the solid 91.3 average). Most wines showed well-made (with only 6 out of 30 reds rated below 90 pts). 3) Left bank (average 91.8 pts) clearly trumps right bank (90.6) thanks to more mid palate substance. 4) Virtually no wine showed a) over extracted and already dying and b) with far too much ripeness. Both 2009/2010 (and 2015/2018) have several wines with these problem. 5) Most wines are in a good drinking window. Although not yet with tertiary complexity, the structure has softened and the wines are open (even without extended decanting). 6) Unfortunately (due to price), the best reds were Le Pin (97+ pts), Margaux (96), Petrus (96) and Mouton (95). 7) Good vintage for Sauternes it seems (we tasted only two) with a surprising Giraud (96 pts) beating a too sweet Yquem (93).
TN: Interesting medium plus expressive nose with some nice red fruit, earthy and some coffee scents. Better on the palate with candied fruit, coffee, herbs. Overall quite ok but other on the table liked it much less. 91 pts.
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2011 Château Haut-Brion 90 Points
France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan
All tasted blind, not decanted. A few observations: 1) As expected, it's a mediocre vintage with many wines lacking depth and mid palate weight of great vintages. My average score for the reds was 91.3 pts vs group scores at more recent horizontals for 2010 (93.0), 2000 (92.7) and 2009 (93.9). 2) I expected more green/unripe notes and drying tannins but that is not the case (hence the solid 91.3 average). Most wines showed well-made (with only 6 out of 30 reds rated below 90 pts). 3) Left bank (average 91.8 pts) clearly trumps right bank (90.6) thanks to more mid palate substance. 4) Virtually no wine showed a) over extracted and already dying and b) with far too much ripeness. Both 2009/2010 (and 2015/2018) have several wines with these problem. 5) Most wines are in a good drinking window. Although not yet with tertiary complexity, the structure has softened and the wines are open (even without extended decanting). 6) Unfortunately (due to price), the best reds were Le Pin (97+ pts), Margaux (96), Petrus (96) and Mouton (95). 7) Good vintage for Sauternes it seems (we tasted only two) with a surprising Giraud (96 pts) beating a too sweet Yquem (93).
TN: Not much expression on the nose, slightly stinky and smokey. On the palate that slightly stink smell stays and taints the experience, but with more swirling it gained a little bit of balance and harmony. There definitely is substance, the structural frame is fine... but once again it shows, Haut Brion is not a wine to put in a blind tasting without proper preparation and decanting. That has never worked... 90 pts maximum.
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2011 Château Rauzan-Ségla 90 Points
France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Margaux
All tasted blind, not decanted. A few observations: 1) As expected, it's a mediocre vintage with many wines lacking depth and mid palate weight of great vintages. My average score for the reds was 91.3 pts vs group scores at more recent horizontals for 2010 (93.0), 2000 (92.7) and 2009 (93.9). 2) I expected more green/unripe notes and drying tannins but that is not the case (hence the solid 91.3 average). Most wines showed well-made (with only 6 out of 30 reds rated below 90 pts). 3) Left bank (average 91.8 pts) clearly trumps right bank (90.6) thanks to more mid palate substance. 4) Virtually no wine showed a) over extracted and already dying and b) with far too much ripeness. Both 2009/2010 (and 2015/2018) have several wines with these problem. 5) Most wines are in a good drinking window. Although not yet with tertiary complexity, the structure has softened and the wines are open (even without extended decanting). 6) Unfortunately (due to price), the best reds were Le Pin (97+ pts), Margaux (96), Petrus (96) and Mouton (95). 7) Good vintage for Sauternes it seems (we tasted only two) with a surprising Giraud (96 pts) beating a too sweet Yquem (93).
TN: Not much expression on the nose, dark brooding with dark fruits, some tobacco and minerality. Not overly inviting. Better on the palate with a touch more expression, red and dark fruits, smoke, tobacco and earthy notes, lots of freshness and fairly round tannins but misses a bit of elegance and has a slightly drying finish. Overall solid but without any exceptionalism. No comparison to the more recent vintages. 90-91 pts.
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2011 Château Margaux 96 Points
France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Margaux
All tasted blind, not decanted. A few observations: 1) As expected, it's a mediocre vintage with many wines lacking depth and mid palate weight of great vintages. My average score for the reds was 91.3 pts vs group scores at more recent horizontals for 2010 (93.0), 2000 (92.7) and 2009 (93.9). 2) I expected more green/unripe notes and drying tannins but that is not the case (hence the solid 91.3 average). Most wines showed well-made (with only 6 out of 30 reds rated below 90 pts). 3) Left bank (average 91.8 pts) clearly trumps right bank (90.6) thanks to more mid palate substance. 4) Virtually no wine showed a) over extracted and already dying and b) with far too much ripeness. Both 2009/2010 (and 2015/2018) have several wines with these problem. 5) Most wines are in a good drinking window. Although not yet with tertiary complexity, the structure has softened and the wines are open (even without extended decanting). 6) Unfortunately (due to price), the best reds were Le Pin (97+ pts), Margaux (96), Petrus (96) and Mouton (95). 7) Good vintage for Sauternes it seems (we tasted only two) with a surprising Giraud (96 pts) beating a too sweet Yquem (93).
TN: Nicely expressive nose with fine red, dark red, dark and blue berries, floral aromas and coffee and luxurious oak aromas. Superb nose. Same is true for the palate with such a blast of fresh red currant, some darker berries, floral aromas, minerality, some tobacco. Nicely complex, superb precision, good attack, mid palate weight and quite long finish. The complete package and I love the freshness and lightness here. This bottle showed clearly better than a bottle 18 months ago (rated 90). Easily worth 95-96 pts.
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2011 Château Giscours 90 Points
France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Margaux
All tasted blind, not decanted. A few observations: 1) As expected, it's a mediocre vintage with many wines lacking depth and mid palate weight of great vintages. My average score for the reds was 91.3 pts vs group scores at more recent horizontals for 2010 (93.0), 2000 (92.7) and 2009 (93.9). 2) I expected more green/unripe notes and drying tannins but that is not the case (hence the solid 91.3 average). Most wines showed well-made (with only 6 out of 30 reds rated below 90 pts). 3) Left bank (average 91.8 pts) clearly trumps right bank (90.6) thanks to more mid palate substance. 4) Virtually no wine showed a) over extracted and already dying and b) with far too much ripeness. Both 2009/2010 (and 2015/2018) have several wines with these problem. 5) Most wines are in a good drinking window. Although not yet with tertiary complexity, the structure has softened and the wines are open (even without extended decanting). 6) Unfortunately (due to price), the best reds were Le Pin (97+ pts), Margaux (96), Petrus (96) and Mouton (95). 7) Good vintage for Sauternes it seems (we tasted only two) with a surprising Giraud (96 pts) beating a too sweet Yquem (93).
TN: At first there was an explosion of red currant right out of the glass with time the fruit and profile became quite alcoholic and too ripe. Not much fun anymore. On the palate this was still quite impressive but especially due to its singularity compared to all the other wines we had. Seemed a bit like a Carmanere from Chile, made in an elegant way. But it is also quite special and weird. 89-91 pts for its singularity.
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2011 Château d'Issan
France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Margaux
All tasted blind, not decanted. A few observations: 1) As expected, it's a mediocre vintage with many wines lacking depth and mid palate weight of great vintages. My average score for the reds was 91.3 pts vs group scores at more recent horizontals for 2010 (93.0), 2000 (92.7) and 2009 (93.9). 2) I expected more green/unripe notes and drying tannins but that is not the case (hence the solid 91.3 average). Most wines showed well-made (with only 6 out of 30 reds rated below 90 pts). 3) Left bank (average 91.8 pts) clearly trumps right bank (90.6) thanks to more mid palate substance. 4) Virtually no wine showed a) over extracted and already dying and b) with far too much ripeness. Both 2009/2010 (and 2015/2018) have several wines with these problem. 5) Most wines are in a good drinking window. Although not yet with tertiary complexity, the structure has softened and the wines are open (even without extended decanting). 6) Unfortunately (due to price), the best reds were Le Pin (97+ pts), Margaux (96), Petrus (96) and Mouton (95). 7) Good vintage for Sauternes it seems (we tasted only two) with a surprising Giraud (96 pts) beating a too sweet Yquem (93).
TN: Medium plus expressive nose but quite particular and a bit stinky. Enough for me not to dive further into the wine. No winner (...and not rated tonight).
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2011 Château Cos d'Estournel 89 Points
France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Estèphe
All tasted blind, not decanted. A few observations: 1) As expected, it's a mediocre vintage with many wines lacking depth and mid palate weight of great vintages. My average score for the reds was 91.3 pts vs group scores at more recent horizontals for 2010 (93.0), 2000 (92.7) and 2009 (93.9). 2) I expected more green/unripe notes and drying tannins but that is not the case (hence the solid 91.3 average). Most wines showed well-made (with only 6 out of 30 reds rated below 90 pts). 3) Left bank (average 91.8 pts) clearly trumps right bank (90.6) thanks to more mid palate substance. 4) Virtually no wine showed a) over extracted and already dying and b) with far too much ripeness. Both 2009/2010 (and 2015/2018) have several wines with these problem. 5) Most wines are in a good drinking window. Although not yet with tertiary complexity, the structure has softened and the wines are open (even without extended decanting). 6) Unfortunately (due to price), the best reds were Le Pin (97+ pts), Margaux (96), Petrus (96) and Mouton (95). 7) Good vintage for Sauternes it seems (we tasted only two) with a surprising Giraud (96 pts) beating a too sweet Yquem (93).
TN: This wine has an expressive nose with smoke, herbs, crushed rocks, ash and very ripe dark fruit. A bit of weird smell too but not overbearing. On the palate this is also quite singular, superb fresh but with very ripe red currant with cassis liquor. Like the Giscours, this is special but not superb. Rather 89-90 because it has no obvious fault but still not too my liking. After revealing they said that the wine is lactic, which is true.
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2011 Château Calon-Ségur 92 Points
France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Estèphe
All tasted blind, not decanted. A few observations: 1) As expected, it's a mediocre vintage with many wines lacking depth and mid palate weight of great vintages. My average score for the reds was 91.3 pts vs group scores at more recent horizontals for 2010 (93.0), 2000 (92.7) and 2009 (93.9). 2) I expected more green/unripe notes and drying tannins but that is not the case (hence the solid 91.3 average). Most wines showed well-made (with only 6 out of 30 reds rated below 90 pts). 3) Left bank (average 91.8 pts) clearly trumps right bank (90.6) thanks to more mid palate substance. 4) Virtually no wine showed a) over extracted and already dying and b) with far too much ripeness. Both 2009/2010 (and 2015/2018) have several wines with these problem. 5) Most wines are in a good drinking window. Although not yet with tertiary complexity, the structure has softened and the wines are open (even without extended decanting). 6) Unfortunately (due to price), the best reds were Le Pin (97+ pts), Margaux (96), Petrus (96) and Mouton (95). 7) Good vintage for Sauternes it seems (we tasted only two) with a surprising Giraud (96 pts) beating a too sweet Yquem (93).
TN: More interesting nose than the other in this St. Estephe flight with some coffee and fresh, fine dark fruits, minerality and earthy notes. Also on the palate, this is luxurious, fine, fresh, round and harmonious with fresh leather, wet earth, smoke, minerality, circling around a ripe dark fruit, cassis core. Fun to drink, this wine has fine tannins but could still use more time to get softer and become more weightless. Promising wine and easily 92-93 pts.
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2011 Château Montrose 93 Points
France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Estèphe
All tasted blind, not decanted. A few observations: 1) As expected, it's a mediocre vintage with many wines lacking depth and mid palate weight of great vintages. My average score for the reds was 91.3 pts vs group scores at more recent horizontals for 2010 (93.0), 2000 (92.7) and 2009 (93.9). 2) I expected more green/unripe notes and drying tannins but that is not the case (hence the solid 91.3 average). Most wines showed well-made (with only 6 out of 30 reds rated below 90 pts). 3) Left bank (average 91.8 pts) clearly trumps right bank (90.6) thanks to more mid palate substance. 4) Virtually no wine showed a) over extracted and already dying and b) with far too much ripeness. Both 2009/2010 (and 2015/2018) have several wines with these problem. 5) Most wines are in a good drinking window. Although not yet with tertiary complexity, the structure has softened and the wines are open (even without extended decanting). 6) Unfortunately (due to price), the best reds were Le Pin (97+ pts), Margaux (96), Petrus (96) and Mouton (95). 7) Good vintage for Sauternes it seems (we tasted only two) with a surprising Giraud (96 pts) beating a too sweet Yquem (93).
TN: Dark brooding nose with lots of very fresh and fresh blue and black fruit, hints of minerality and herbs. More expressive and good on the palate with a pleathora of blue and black berries, fine minerality, some hints of herbs. Very masculine withits freshness and aroma profile but still its round and harmonious enough. Easily 93 pts for me. I just love the classic Montrose style.
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2011 Château Léoville Barton 94 Points
France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien
All tasted blind, not decanted. A few observations: 1) As expected, it's a mediocre vintage with many wines lacking depth and mid palate weight of great vintages. My average score for the reds was 91.3 pts vs group scores at more recent horizontals for 2010 (93.0), 2000 (92.7) and 2009 (93.9). 2) I expected more green/unripe notes and drying tannins but that is not the case (hence the solid 91.3 average). Most wines showed well-made (with only 6 out of 30 reds rated below 90 pts). 3) Left bank (average 91.8 pts) clearly trumps right bank (90.6) thanks to more mid palate substance. 4) Virtually no wine showed a) over extracted and already dying and b) with far too much ripeness. Both 2009/2010 (and 2015/2018) have several wines with these problem. 5) Most wines are in a good drinking window. Although not yet with tertiary complexity, the structure has softened and the wines are open (even without extended decanting). 6) Unfortunately (due to price), the best reds were Le Pin (97+ pts), Margaux (96), Petrus (96) and Mouton (95). 7) Good vintage for Sauternes it seems (we tasted only two) with a surprising Giraud (96 pts) beating a too sweet Yquem (93).
TN: Into the 28th wine, my palate started to become tired. This wine is quite expressive on the nose and palate with the nose showing nicely ripe fruit and probably a touch too much oak (surprising as this is usually not a problem for Barton). The palate showed much better and more typical Barton with a superb freshness, cool black and blue fruit, earthy notes and lots of minerality. Good weight and lenght, nicely harmonious and fairly round. Quite complete and easily 94 points.
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2011 Château Ducru-Beaucaillou 91 Points
France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien
All tasted blind, not decanted. A few observations: 1) As expected, it's a mediocre vintage with many wines lacking depth and mid palate weight of great vintages. My average score for the reds was 91.3 pts vs group scores at more recent horizontals for 2010 (93.0), 2000 (92.7) and 2009 (93.9). 2) I expected more green/unripe notes and drying tannins but that is not the case (hence the solid 91.3 average). Most wines showed well-made (with only 6 out of 30 reds rated below 90 pts). 3) Left bank (average 91.8 pts) clearly trumps right bank (90.6) thanks to more mid palate substance. 4) Virtually no wine showed a) over extracted and already dying and b) with far too much ripeness. Both 2009/2010 (and 2015/2018) have several wines with these problem. 5) Most wines are in a good drinking window. Although not yet with tertiary complexity, the structure has softened and the wines are open (even without extended decanting). 6) Unfortunately (due to price), the best reds were Le Pin (97+ pts), Margaux (96), Petrus (96) and Mouton (95). 7) Good vintage for Sauternes it seems (we tasted only two) with a surprising Giraud (96 pts) beating a too sweet Yquem (93).
TN: This has surprisngly some alcohol notes on the nose which I don‘t like but am super sensitive about. No problem, however, on the palate with ripe black and blue fruit, and the typical leafy notes and herbs combined with an earthy minerality. Being the 29th red wine of the evening I couldn‘t really enjoy or properly analyse it anymore and found it rather a touch too ripe. I would take my 91 pts with grain of salt
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2011 Château Léoville Las Cases 92 Points
France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien
All tasted blind, not decanted. A few observations: 1) As expected, it's a mediocre vintage with many wines lacking depth and mid palate weight of great vintages. My average score for the reds was 91.3 pts vs group scores at more recent horizontals for 2010 (93.0), 2000 (92.7) and 2009 (93.9). 2) I expected more green/unripe notes and drying tannins but that is not the case (hence the solid 91.3 average). Most wines showed well-made (with only 6 out of 30 reds rated below 90 pts). 3) Left bank (average 91.8 pts) clearly trumps right bank (90.6) thanks to more mid palate substance. 4) Virtually no wine showed a) over extracted and already dying and b) with far too much ripeness. Both 2009/2010 (and 2015/2018) have several wines with these problem. 5) Most wines are in a good drinking window. Although not yet with tertiary complexity, the structure has softened and the wines are open (even without extended decanting). 6) Unfortunately (due to price), the best reds were Le Pin (97+ pts), Margaux (96), Petrus (96) and Mouton (95). 7) Good vintage for Sauternes it seems (we tasted only two) with a surprising Giraud (96 pts) beating a too sweet Yquem (93).
TN: The last red wine of the night and hence my senses were a bit tired. Like many LLCs I've tried, this had a good amount of substance, lots of minerality, herbal and leafy notes but is missing a bit of charm and sexiness to make it a balanced wine. The structural frame was good with a wall of round tannins, a well-integrated acidity and an airy texture. Good length and overall a solid wine without exceptionalism. In this flight of three St. Juliens it came in second after the almost unbeatable Barton (94 pts) and the usual winner Ducru Beaucaillou (91 pts?) which showed a bit too much ripeness.
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2011 Château Guiraud 96 Points
France, Bordeaux, Sauternais, Sauternes
All tasted blind, not decanted. A few observations: 1) As expected, it's a mediocre vintage with many wines lacking depth and mid palate weight of great vintages. My average score for the reds was 91.3 pts vs group scores at more recent horizontals for 2010 (93.0), 2000 (92.7) and 2009 (93.9). 2) I expected more green/unripe notes and drying tannins but that is not the case (hence the solid 91.3 average). Most wines showed well-made (with only 6 out of 30 reds rated below 90 pts). 3) Left bank (average 91.8 pts) clearly trumps right bank (90.6) thanks to more mid palate substance. 4) Virtually no wine showed a) over extracted and already dying and b) with far too much ripeness. Both 2009/2010 (and 2015/2018) have several wines with these problem. 5) Most wines are in a good drinking window. Although not yet with tertiary complexity, the structure has softened and the wines are open (even without extended decanting). 6) Unfortunately (due to price), the best reds were Le Pin (97+ pts), Margaux (96), Petrus (96) and Mouton (95). 7) Good vintage for Sauternes it seems (we tasted only two) with a surprising Giraud (96 pts) beating a too sweet Yquem (93).
TN: Super clean boytritis, saffron nose, superb precision and so good. I could smell that forever. So intriguing with a touch of spices, lime and apple fruit. A true explosion on the palate, so much spices, so much saffron, so much fruit, from fresh orchard to tropical but mostly fresh and citrusy. This was superb and for me it seemed clear that this must be the Yquem as the wine in the next glass (the actual Yquem, rated 93 pts) showed equally complex, a touch less expressive but especially clearly less fresh and sweeter. This deserves 95-96 pts.
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2011 Château d'Yquem 93 Points
France, Bordeaux, Sauternais, Sauternes
All tasted blind, not decanted. A few observations: 1) As expected, it's a mediocre vintage with many wines lacking depth and mid palate weight of great vintages. My average score for the reds was 91.3 pts vs group scores at more recent horizontals for 2010 (93.0), 2000 (92.7) and 2009 (93.9). 2) I expected more green/unripe notes and drying tannins but that is not the case (hence the solid 91.3 average). Most wines showed well-made (with only 6 out of 30 reds rated below 90 pts). 3) Left bank (average 91.8 pts) clearly trumps right bank (90.6) thanks to more mid palate substance. 4) Virtually no wine showed a) over extracted and already dying and b) with far too much ripeness. Both 2009/2010 (and 2015/2018) have several wines with these problem. 5) Most wines are in a good drinking window. Although not yet with tertiary complexity, the structure has softened and the wines are open (even without extended decanting). 6) Unfortunately (due to price), the best reds were Le Pin (97+ pts), Margaux (96), Petrus (96) and Mouton (95). 7) Good vintage for Sauternes it seems (we tasted only two) with a surprising Giraud (96 pts) beating a too sweet Yquem (93).
TN: Intense, expressive on the nose and palate with a plethora of fruit ranging from lime, citrus, the typical orange zest and quince. Beautiful saffron notes and a touch of spices. I found it to be a bit less sharp and fresh than the Guiraud in the next glass and was very surprise when revealed as I would have sworn the other one being the Yquem. I went back and forth between the wines, got seconds of both wines to check if I was wrong somehow, if my judgement is clouded after all this was the 32rd wine of the night but my initial judgment was confirmed. This bottle of Yquem lost the race against the Guiraud (rated 96 pts) in the next glass but was overall a touch too sweet with not the usual Yquem freshness and cut to keep it all balanced. Would love to revisit soon as this is supposed to be a great vintage for Sauternes and Yquem.
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