Really nice Margaux - wish we had purchased more. Everything you would expect from nose to finish. Completely integrated at this point. This has a few more years but drinking really nicely at this point. Enjoy now or hold.
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Similar to previous notes. 2010 Château Cantenac Brown BriO ($25 in 2014). Mid-garnet, brick edges, some viscosity (13.5 alc.); red and black fruit, wood, earth nose; mid-body; softening acids, tannins; short to mid-long red fruit, earth and wood. w/beef stew. 16.5-17 UC Davis scale, 91-92 other scales.
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Grape flavors are more earthy than I remember in the past. Slight Sweetness in the fruit and a full and round mouthfeel but not at all big. Has more elegance than power. Lovely dry tannin on the finish
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Dark ruby red with an slight water rim. The nose is a very nice but rather reserved with moderate dark fruits with light cedar, mild leather, tobacco, and mineral notes. The palate is medium-bodied, very balanced, smooth and round texture and soft with the tannins, acidity and alcohol in its proper place which makes this a very, very appealing and easy to wine drink at this juncture of its development. The flavor components includes dark red and dark blue fruits very nice integrated with impressions of old leather, tobacco, cedar, oak, vanilla, wet forest undergrowth, and lots of fine but wet earthy gravel. It improved greatly and became more generous, opulent and nuanced as the evening progressed. Absolutely phenomenal on the second night. A lovely 2nd wine from Chateau Cantenac Brown from a very good vintage. Wish I had more of this.
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Similar to previous note. 2010 Château Cantenac Brown BriO ($25 in 2014). Mid-garnet, brick edges; black fruit, cocoa, cedar, earth nose; mid-body; balanced; decent tannins; short to mid-long fruity finish. w/meat loaf. 16.5 UC Davis scale, 91 other scales.
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1 hour slow ox. Nose: Loads of minerals, herbs and some toast. Palate: Very soft tannins w/ black fruits and an elegant finish. Last of these bottles and a good time to leave. Last notes on 10/14/18 and still 91 points. Best bottle of the lot was the first one in 2016 (92 points).
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A great example of a very good Margaux. Dark heavy fruit, espresso, dark chocolate with a smooth mouth and a fine tannin finish. Drinking very well but still has years of life.
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Embodiment of a Bordeaux blend. Terrior really shines through. Deep dark cassis, black plum, espresso, anise. Masculine and structured but sultry as well.
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Nicely evolving second label Margaux 2010 Château Cantenac Brown BriO ($25 in 2014). Mid-brick, amber edges; rich earthy French nose; smoke and cedar; mid-body; balanced; good fruit; semi-tight finish; just a little short. w/tri-tip and mushroom sauce. 16.5 UC Davis scale; 91 other scales.
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Casualty of me making room in my cellar for incoming wine shipments. Solid entry level Bordeaux, very old world, nice fruit and acid. Not terribly complex; Oak has nicely integrated. Drink in the next 5 years
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Fantastic QPR. Cinnamon cherries on the nose. Spicy red fruits. A crowd favorite. Only had a small taste but seems to be drinking very well. I preferred the 06 Dominico barolo pajana, but I am a barolo guy. Others preferred this (at about 1/3 the price).
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First note ever - Purchased this when we were in Paris this September as one of my first foray's into French Red. The bottle was decanted for 1.5 hours before drinking. Bright ruby in colour and see through with some sediment. Aroma of sweet dark fruit with hint of vanilla and caramel. Medium body and acid with long lasting spicy notes. I normally go for something a bit more bold and rich but this one, a bit less sweet, really grew on me as I savoured a couple glasses. I vacuum cork sealed it and finished it the next day and i enjoyed it even more. Looking forward to picking up more of this to try in the future.
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Somewhat Parkerized, but a note of tar in addition to the overextracted fruit makes it a two-note wine instead of a one-note complete bore. Could just as easily come from the new world, but it's also possible to believe that it came from France. So: real wine--if only just. When you see CT reviews of wine mostly bought from WTSO, take 20% or more off the score. I know: I was an amateur too when I bought this.
Never disappointed by this second wine!! The quality is really there, perfect balance, nice flavors, long in mouth, will try another one in a year from now but I have a feeling it still has a lot under!!! Enjoy
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1 1/2 hour decant (mag decanter). Nose: Complex aromas of moss, dust, and hints of pencil lead. Palate: Black fruits underpinned by earthy flavors, blueberry and an elegant, light to medium length finish. Went with more decant this time out. Wine is still going strong but I'll probably drink up my last bottle in a year or less.
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Wasn't as impressive as the first bottle I had a few months ago. 2+ hour decant which really opened it up. Nice silky fruit up front (not overdone) with a lingering finish that flashes some terrior. Still a solid 91.
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Seriously good entry level Margaux here from an amazing vintage. Classic old world restraint on the front and a nice balanced finish with the perfect amount of oak. Tannins are present but integrating nicely. This was the first 2010 bordeaux I've tasted, besides Lanessan, because I'm saving my classified growths for years down the road. I believe this wine is at the start of its drinking window that should last at least 8 more years. Went back to Costco to buy more.
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Very nice, with lots of new leather over subtler notes of blackberry, blackcurrant, and topsoil, accompanied by fine tannins and fine generous acidity. Very well made.
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This "2nd wine" of Cantenac Brown was positioned between a 2008 Domaine Serene Monogam and a 2012 Vega Sicilia Alion. It more than held its own. Big, bold and brooding (perhaps I should have waited a couple of more years to try it) yet very enjoyable. It showed great depth and will definitely improve with age.
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This wine was way more approachable 24 hours after aeration into the decanter. Still should have waited 2-3 years before opening this wine when I think it will rate at least a couple points higher. Have three more bottles in the cellar to look forward trying in the years ahead.
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PnP. Still youthful. No sign of age in the color. Modest nose. Modest fruit. Balanced. Opened up a bit over 2 hours, last glass best glass. Probably should decant next time...
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Slow ox for 30 min. Nose: Dark fruited with cedar and some pencil shaving qualities. Palate: Somewhat firm tannins with good acidity, and flavors of blackberry, cherry, and oak from youth. This should continue to evolve. Will probably wait at least 2 more years before next one.
Addendum ~ Wow, has this come to life with several hours of oxygen! Aromas of flowers, minerals, milk chocolate and graphite. More additive flavors of plum and chocolate. Now 92+ points. Glad I have three more left.
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Opened with pot roast Christmas dinner. Nice wine and a good example of the Chateau's younger wines. Would buy again. Looking forward to my 2014 and 2015 Grand Cru's.
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Decanted for an hour. Blackberry, hot brick, dried porcini mushroom and dried cherry. Well-honed and sumptuous, with feline qualities. Layered, silky tannins, and a medium-long finish. The second wine of Cantenac Brown. Drink now - 2031.
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Gentle decant for > 1 hr before the first glass. Lots of sediment in the last 5 mL or so. Pours garnet with a thin clear rim and inky core. The nose is tightly bundled, but has facets of well-developed dark fruit, graphite, slate, herbs, and baking spice. A little broader and more generous on the palate, with a surprisingly ripe flavor profile containing well-developed black and blue fruits (boysenberry, blackberry) and medium-sweet cocoa with savory herbal accents. Medium(+) alcohol to start, but blew off quickly. Tangy, round medium(+) acid and velvety medium tannins give this a great balanced structure compatible with many foods. Finishes medium(-).
A bit monotonic, but quite flavorful and not lacking in intensity or presence. It does leave something to be desired in way of complexity and clarity, but a good value for USD$25. "Very good," 89/100.
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Drank over three days. Elegant and precise perfume of blackcurrant, forest berries, black and blue berry preserves, crème de cassis, berry infused dark chocolate, espresso beans, mint, and graphite. Focused juiciness, 'sweet' grainy tannins, pipe tobacco, graphite, and crushed granite star on the palate. Medium plus to full bodied, medium plus acid, excellent balance, definition, and lift. A traditional Marguax, perhaps slightly leaning to the modern style. It should evolve for three to five years and drink well through 2025+. Pure pleasure! 92+.
I think this will rate higher. Knew i was trying it early; more California then Bordeaux, with intense fruit overpowering the tanins and structure. But tried again on 2nd night and it tasted like Bordeaux again. Wait 3-5 years to try again, or decant for a while.
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Really liked it. Agreed with other reviewers. But have it extra points for well-crafted-ness. And not over-the-top-ness. Quite subtle, but could drink a second bottle right away.
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Still very young. Decanted for 2+ hours, but still remained pretty tight throughout. Nice nose of dark fruits, forest floor, and violets. Full-bodied on the palate. Firm, muscular tannins that need some softening. Medium finish. Would expect this to mature into a nice wine that offers excellent value.
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11/24/2023 - booksmiths Likes this wine: 89 Points
Still nice, but in decline.
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10/1/2022 - Børge lillelien wrote: 85 Points
Chocolate
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9/27/2022 - Skibank114 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Really nice Margaux - wish we had purchased more. Everything you would expect from nose to finish. Completely integrated at this point. This has a few more years but drinking really nicely at this point. Enjoy now or hold.
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12/19/2021 - sdwineguru Likes this wine: 91 Points
Similar to previous notes. 2010 Château Cantenac Brown BriO ($25 in 2014). Mid-garnet, brick edges, some viscosity (13.5 alc.); red and black fruit, wood, earth nose; mid-body; softening acids, tannins; short to mid-long red fruit, earth and wood. w/beef stew. 16.5-17 UC Davis scale, 91-92 other scales.
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9/8/2021 - booksmiths Likes this wine: 90 Points
Pop and pour. Drinking very nicely.
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7/3/2021 - wtianseter wrote: 90 Points
Grape flavors are more earthy than I remember in the past. Slight Sweetness in the fruit and a full and round mouthfeel but not at all big. Has more elegance than power. Lovely dry tannin on the finish
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3/1/2021 - Praxis wrote: 92 Points
Dark ruby red with an slight water rim. The nose is a very nice but rather reserved with moderate dark fruits with light cedar, mild leather, tobacco, and mineral notes. The palate is medium-bodied, very balanced, smooth and round texture and soft with the tannins, acidity and alcohol in its proper place which makes this a very, very appealing and easy to wine drink at this juncture of its development. The flavor components includes dark red and dark blue fruits very nice integrated with impressions of old leather, tobacco, cedar, oak, vanilla, wet forest undergrowth, and lots of fine but wet earthy gravel. It improved greatly and became more generous, opulent and nuanced as the evening progressed. Absolutely phenomenal on the second night. A lovely 2nd wine from Chateau Cantenac Brown from a very good vintage. Wish I had more of this.
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12/17/2020 - sdwineguru Likes this wine: 91 Points
Similar to previous note. 2010 Château Cantenac Brown BriO ($25 in 2014). Mid-garnet, brick edges; black fruit, cocoa, cedar, earth nose; mid-body; balanced; decent tannins; short to mid-long fruity finish. w/meat loaf. 16.5 UC Davis scale, 91 other scales.
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8/22/2020 - Mattshank wrote: 91 Points
1 hour slow ox. Nose: Loads of minerals, herbs and some toast. Palate: Very soft tannins w/ black fruits and an elegant finish. Last of these bottles and a good time to leave. Last notes on 10/14/18 and still 91 points. Best bottle of the lot was the first one in 2016 (92 points).
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6/14/2020 - wtianseter wrote: 91 Points
A great example of a very good Margaux. Dark heavy fruit, espresso, dark chocolate with a smooth mouth and a fine tannin finish. Drinking very well but still has years of life.
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4/10/2020 - davewr Likes this wine: 90 Points
Embodiment of a Bordeaux blend. Terrior really shines through. Deep dark cassis, black plum, espresso, anise. Masculine and structured but sultry as well.
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2/4/2020 - sdwineguru Likes this wine: 91 Points
Nicely evolving second label Margaux 2010 Château Cantenac Brown BriO ($25 in 2014). Mid-brick, amber edges; rich earthy French nose; smoke and cedar; mid-body; balanced; good fruit; semi-tight finish; just a little short. w/tri-tip and mushroom sauce. 16.5 UC Davis scale; 91 other scales.
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1/21/2020 - JGinMO wrote: 90 Points
Secondary flavors are there, but wine is just too muted at this age to my tastes.
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9/8/2019 - Mads.b.v wrote: 90 Points
Klassisk og tilpas modnet i 2019
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4/19/2019 - Margaux Bro Likes this wine: 92 Points
Casualty of me making room in my cellar for incoming wine shipments. Solid entry level Bordeaux, very old world, nice fruit and acid. Not terribly complex; Oak has nicely integrated. Drink in the next 5 years
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1/1/2019 - americanstorm Likes this wine: 92 Points
Fantastic QPR. Cinnamon cherries on the nose. Spicy red fruits. A crowd favorite. Only had a small taste but seems to be drinking very well. I preferred the 06 Dominico barolo pajana, but I am a barolo guy. Others preferred this (at about 1/3 the price).
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12/30/2018 - rjhdykstra Likes this wine:
First note ever - Purchased this when we were in Paris this September as one of my first foray's into French Red. The bottle was decanted for 1.5 hours before drinking. Bright ruby in colour and see through with some sediment. Aroma of sweet dark fruit with hint of vanilla and caramel. Medium body and acid with long lasting spicy notes. I normally go for something a bit more bold and rich but this one, a bit less sweet, really grew on me as I savoured a couple glasses. I vacuum cork sealed it and finished it the next day and i enjoyed it even more. Looking forward to picking up more of this to try in the future.
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11/30/2018 - wine&roses wrote: 88 Points
Somewhat Parkerized, but a note of tar in addition to the overextracted fruit makes it a two-note wine instead of a one-note complete bore. Could just as easily come from the new world, but it's also possible to believe that it came from France. So: real wine--if only just. When you see CT reviews of wine mostly bought from WTSO, take 20% or more off the score. I know: I was an amateur too when I bought this.
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11/24/2018 - Pacoderable Likes this wine: 92 Points
Never disappointed by this second wine!! The quality is really there, perfect balance, nice flavors, long in mouth, will try another one in a year from now but I have a feeling it still has a lot under!!! Enjoy
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10/14/2018 - Mattshank wrote: 91 Points
1 1/2 hour decant (mag decanter). Nose: Complex aromas of moss, dust, and hints of pencil lead. Palate: Black fruits underpinned by earthy flavors, blueberry and an elegant, light to medium length finish. Went with more decant this time out. Wine is still going strong but I'll probably drink up my last bottle in a year or less.
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9/26/2018 - speadam Likes this wine: 88 Points
Pairs incredibly well with a Ribeye smoked with Iron wood. Notes of prune and leather. Decant for two hours but drink it quickly after that.
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7/2/2018 - ThalesGaspar Likes this wine: 91 Points
Really nice, at it's peak!
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7/7/2017 - Margaux Bro Likes this wine: 91 Points
Wasn't as impressive as the first bottle I had a few months ago. 2+ hour decant which really opened it up. Nice silky fruit up front (not overdone) with a lingering finish that flashes some terrior. Still a solid 91.
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6/26/2017 - Margaux Bro Likes this wine: 93 Points
Seriously good entry level Margaux here from an amazing vintage. Classic old world restraint on the front and a nice balanced finish with the perfect amount of oak. Tannins are present but integrating nicely. This was the first 2010 bordeaux I've tasted, besides Lanessan, because I'm saving my classified growths for years down the road. I believe this wine is at the start of its drinking window that should last at least 8 more years. Went back to Costco to buy more.
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6/6/2017 - Swaggering Beaunie Likes this wine:
Very nice, with lots of new leather over subtler notes of blackberry, blackcurrant, and topsoil, accompanied by fine tannins and fine generous acidity. Very well made.
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5/20/2017 - Labrador Likes this wine: 88 Points
This "2nd wine" of Cantenac Brown was positioned between a 2008 Domaine Serene Monogam and a 2012 Vega Sicilia Alion. It more than held its own. Big, bold and brooding (perhaps I should have waited a couple of more years to try it) yet very enjoyable. It showed great depth and will definitely improve with age.
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4/1/2017 - Halfeel wrote:
This wine was way more approachable 24 hours after aeration into the decanter. Still should have waited 2-3 years before opening this wine when I think it will rate at least a couple points higher. Have three more bottles in the cellar to look forward trying in the years ahead.
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3/28/2017 - blaine wrote: 88 Points
PnP. Still youthful. No sign of age in the color. Modest nose. Modest fruit. Balanced. Opened up a bit over 2 hours, last glass best glass. Probably should decant next time...
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12/30/2016 - Mattshank wrote: 92 Points
Slow ox for 30 min. Nose: Dark fruited with cedar and some pencil shaving qualities. Palate: Somewhat firm tannins with good acidity, and flavors of blackberry, cherry, and oak from youth. This should continue to evolve. Will probably wait at least 2 more years before next one.
Addendum ~ Wow, has this come to life with several hours of oxygen! Aromas of flowers, minerals, milk chocolate and graphite. More additive flavors of plum and chocolate. Now 92+ points. Glad I have three more left.
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12/25/2016 - epiphany Likes this wine: 90 Points
Opened with pot roast Christmas dinner. Nice wine and a good example of the Chateau's younger wines. Would buy again. Looking forward to my 2014 and 2015 Grand Cru's.
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12/22/2016 - Matt Scott Likes this wine: 91 Points
Decanted for an hour. Blackberry, hot brick, dried porcini mushroom and dried cherry. Well-honed and sumptuous, with feline qualities. Layered, silky tannins, and a medium-long finish. The second wine of Cantenac Brown. Drink now - 2031.
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12/11/2016 - pkbowen Likes this wine: 89 Points
Gentle decant for > 1 hr before the first glass. Lots of sediment in the last 5 mL or so. Pours garnet with a thin clear rim and inky core. The nose is tightly bundled, but has facets of well-developed dark fruit, graphite, slate, herbs, and baking spice. A little broader and more generous on the palate, with a surprisingly ripe flavor profile containing well-developed black and blue fruits (boysenberry, blackberry) and medium-sweet cocoa with savory herbal accents. Medium(+) alcohol to start, but blew off quickly. Tangy, round medium(+) acid and velvety medium tannins give this a great balanced structure compatible with many foods. Finishes medium(-).
A bit monotonic, but quite flavorful and not lacking in intensity or presence. It does leave something to be desired in way of complexity and clarity, but a good value for USD$25. "Very good," 89/100.
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12/10/2016 - king-bing wrote:
A bit hollow this one. Not much to love. Fine but no more.
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11/5/2016 - brinkie Likes this wine: 91 Points
Geur zwarte bessen licht tabak
Smaak zwarte bessen bramen zachte tannines
Afdronk lang aangenaam niet te lang laten liggen.
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10/24/2016 - midub Likes this wine: 90 Points
Excellent. QPR under $33.
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8/29/2016 - JGinMO wrote: 91 Points
This needed 60 minutes of air but was then a very nice Bordeaux with subtle complexity
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3/20/2016 - Serge wrote: 90 Points
Full body with nice acidity and fruit. Well worth the $24 price.
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11/10/2015 - Motz wrote: 92 Points
Drank over three days. Elegant and precise perfume of blackcurrant, forest berries, black and blue berry preserves, crème de cassis, berry infused dark chocolate, espresso beans, mint, and graphite. Focused juiciness, 'sweet' grainy tannins, pipe tobacco, graphite, and crushed granite star on the palate. Medium plus to full bodied, medium plus acid, excellent balance, definition, and lift. A traditional Marguax, perhaps slightly leaning to the modern style. It should evolve for three to five years and drink well through 2025+. Pure pleasure! 92+.
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10/14/2015 - taleboulin wrote: 91 Points
A chic Bordeaux from a great estate. Probably one of the best value for money I found for Merlot bordeaux blend since I arrived in the USA.
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8/8/2015 - JGinMO wrote: 90 Points
I think this will rate higher. Knew i was trying it early; more California then Bordeaux, with intense fruit overpowering the tanins and structure. But tried again on 2nd night and it tasted like Bordeaux again. Wait 3-5 years to try again, or decant for a while.
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3/6/2015 - F_&_M Likes this wine: 91 Points
Really liked it. Agreed with other reviewers. But have it extra points for well-crafted-ness. And not over-the-top-ness. Quite subtle, but could drink a second bottle right away.
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2/26/2015 - DrinkBordeaux wrote: 89 Points
Still very young. Decanted for 2+ hours, but still remained pretty tight throughout. Nice nose of dark fruits, forest floor, and violets. Full-bodied on the palate. Firm, muscular tannins that need some softening. Medium finish. Would expect this to mature into a nice wine that offers excellent value.
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11/13/2014 - rossi.wine wrote: 88 Points
Quite modern, with good concentration and sweet fruit. Approachable, round, a bit sweet and simple, but certainly well made. Good value. 87-89
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10/17/2014 - Rob MacKay wrote: 86 Points
Pretty tasty with a new world edge on it. Leaves just enough off to let you know it's got it's roots in Bordeaux. Good value at $25.
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