Bordeaux 2020 - 10 red & 1 sweet wine: Arrivage tasting by a merchant. Be aware, the sample size is quite small but here are a few observations: 1) Overall quality: This is another good vintage in Bordeaux but clearly not on the same level as 2016 or 2019. 2) Ripeness: What I tasted showed less ripe than 2015/18/19. Most wine show fresh dark and blue fruit, the two right banks showed well behaved too. None of the wines showed alcohol heat (a problem in many 18s and some 15s). Overall, I expected more ripeness but maybe the wineries I sampled all just got the picking date right. 3) Complexity: 2020 will not reach the heights of 2016 and for me is also a step or two behind 2015/18/19. 4) Precision: The precision was quite good, although not on the level of the 2016s. 5) Structural frame: The tannins are ripe but have more edges than in 16/18/19 and will need time to soften, the acidity is high and well-integrated, the texture is not as airy as in 2016 but a step above 15/18 and maybe even 19. Overall, the wines showed quite harmonious but without the magical balance of the 2016s (and the best 15/18/19s I had).
TN: The only sweet wine I tasted, and it showed quite good. Light and airy, with an acidity to cut through the rich orchard and citrus fruit core. Lots of beautiful saffron aroma. This doesn’t feel much like a sweet wine which says a lot about the balance (and acditiy). It doesn’t have the complexity of the greatest Sauternes but is darn delicious to drink.
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91-92 vvPunkte Frische, feinwürzige Nase, zeig Blütentee, Lavendelhonig, florale Noten, verspielt. Der Gaumen ist vollmundig und rund, baut viel Druck auf, die reife Frucht mit viel Süsse wird von einer guten Säure gepuffert, spannungsvoll und lebhaft, mit fruchtig-frischem Abgang auf Dörraprikose und Feigenconfit. (April/Mai 2021)
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Honey coated pineapple, buttery candied orange, lemon zest, flowers and apricots seek and get your attention. Rich, lush, sweet and fresh with ripe and overripe pineapples slathered with honey on the palate, but with enough acidity to maintain freshness. 92-94
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4/23/2023 - Cailles wrote: 93 Points
Bordeaux 2020 - 10 red & 1 sweet wine: Arrivage tasting by a merchant. Be aware, the sample size is quite small but here are a few observations: 1) Overall quality: This is another good vintage in Bordeaux but clearly not on the same level as 2016 or 2019. 2) Ripeness: What I tasted showed less ripe than 2015/18/19. Most wine show fresh dark and blue fruit, the two right banks showed well behaved too. None of the wines showed alcohol heat (a problem in many 18s and some 15s). Overall, I expected more ripeness but maybe the wineries I sampled all just got the picking date right. 3) Complexity: 2020 will not reach the heights of 2016 and for me is also a step or two behind 2015/18/19. 4) Precision: The precision was quite good, although not on the level of the 2016s. 5) Structural frame: The tannins are ripe but have more edges than in 16/18/19 and will need time to soften, the acidity is high and well-integrated, the texture is not as airy as in 2016 but a step above 15/18 and maybe even 19. Overall, the wines showed quite harmonious but without the magical balance of the 2016s (and the best 15/18/19s I had).
TN: The only sweet wine I tasted, and it showed quite good. Light and airy, with an acidity to cut through the rich orchard and citrus fruit core. Lots of beautiful saffron aroma. This doesn’t feel much like a sweet wine which says a lot about the balance (and acditiy). It doesn’t have the complexity of the greatest Sauternes but is darn delicious to drink.
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5/22/2021 - vvWine.ch wrote: 92 Points
91-92 vvPunkte Frische, feinwürzige Nase, zeig Blütentee, Lavendelhonig, florale Noten, verspielt. Der Gaumen ist vollmundig und rund, baut viel Druck auf, die reife Frucht mit viel Süsse wird von einer guten Säure gepuffert, spannungsvoll und lebhaft, mit fruchtig-frischem Abgang auf Dörraprikose und Feigenconfit. (April/Mai 2021)
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5/20/2021 - Jeff Leve wrote: 93 Points
Honey coated pineapple, buttery candied orange, lemon zest, flowers and apricots seek and get your attention. Rich, lush, sweet and fresh with ripe and overripe pineapples slathered with honey on the palate, but with enough acidity to maintain freshness. 92-94
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