3/31/2023 - Oddbod Likes this wine:

The Myth
I bought this en primeur in the post 2010 gold rush. Needless-to-say it’s not appreciated in value and I have paid a decade of storage on it. At the time Parker gave it a very high rating, 91 I think. Whilst it’s not been on the radar much as a chateau, it’s always as a solid cru, just not anything spectacular. It’s also northern Medoc in a cool year….. so not expected a lot.
The Reality
Still vibrant on the nose, with a cedar, secondary fruit character. Surprisingly ripe, still with some tannic grip, acidity quite high, but not overly so. Dry and quite long. Overall a bit workman-like, but really quite delicious in a straight up and down way. I like it.

3/2/2023 - Oddbod wrote:

First bottle was noticeably Pichon Baron character on the nose, but lacked spark, life and drive on the palate. Smelt lightly oxidised to me. Second bottle, much better and wowed some guests, especially Thomas Parker MW, but mid rank for me. Mixed opinions on this one.

2/5/2021 - Bruno DALBIEZ Likes this wine:

Close to perfection . Carafed about 2 hours before. Enjoyed on a duck Parmentier followed by mature cheeses. Just so enjoyable. Perfectly ready to drink, and probably still has a few years in it. Rounded silky tannins just as we like them. Nice discreet notes of violet, liquorice and chocolate, quite long. What a lovely bottle for a Friday night!. Now over to a little dram of Laphroaig PX cask (one among many of my favourites, depending on my mood... when I am feeling a little tired or melancholic, like tonight, I really enjoy the strong peaty character of a Laphroaig or Octomore... :-)

8/10/2018 - Oddbod Likes this wine:

Incredible nose of white peach flesh, acacia blossom and lime peel. Rich and honeyed on the palate, but with knife-edge precision on the acidity and great structure and length. Half way between Condrieu and Puligny Montrachet.

8/10/2018 - Oddbod Likes this wine:

In perfect condition right now. Nose exploding with a perfume of wild strawberries, old leather, smoked meats and damsons. Fade on the colour, but complete palate, tannins fully integrated, lifted acidity, rich, perfumed, delicate and soft. A delight.

7/13/2018 - Oddbod Likes this wine:

Fairly mind-blowing nose. Baked apple, smoky BBQ, cassis, warm earth, cedarwood, more Burgundian that Bordeaux? Palate rich, fairly full, but just lacks a little definition, structure and bite. Would have liked more depth, but still wonderful in classic claret way. On the edge between brilliant and very good. Drinking beautifully now.