Bordeaux 2014 - 10 Years On - 15 Reds

Note: Vinifera Event, Leaf Day

• 2014 Château Lynch-Bages Blanc de Lynch-Bages Flawed

  France, Bordeaux

  Beginning with three white wines, the Malartic emerged as the winner (92pts). It boasted an very good bouquet, encapsulating the quintessential aromas characteristic of a white Bordeaux. However, on the palate it was somewhat brief and straightforward. The Fieuzal (84pts) barely showed signs of life, with hints of baked apple on the palate. The Lynch Bages was disappointingly flawed due to premature oxidation. It's puzzling why DIAM corks were not utilized to prevent such issues.
  
  TN: Unfortunately, oxidized. DIAM guys, use DIAM!

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• 2014 Château Malartic-Lagravière Blanc 92 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan

  Beginning with three white wines, the Malartic emerged as the winner (92pts). It boasted an very good bouquet, encapsulating the quintessential aromas characteristic of a white Bordeaux. However, on the palate it was somewhat brief and straightforward. The Fieuzal (84pts)barely showed signs of life, with hints of baked apple on the palate. The Lynch Bages was disappointingly flawed due to premature oxidation. It's puzzling why DIAM corks were not utilized to prevent such issues.
  
  TN: Featuring an expressive, intense, and alluring bouquet, this white Bordeaux captures the essence of seashell and oyster minerality, enriched with boysenberry and spearmint aromas. It exemplifies the quintessential characteristics expected of a white Bordeaux. However, the palate doesn't quite match the nose's outstanding quality, lacking some intensity and depth, and concludes with a brief finish. It earns 92pts for its great nose.
  
  Decanting: Not decanted, no decanting necessary.

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• 2014 Château de Fieuzal Blanc 84 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan

  Beginning with three white wines, the Malartic emerged as the winner (92pts). It boasted an very good bouquet, encapsulating the quintessential aromas characteristic of a white Bordeaux. However, on the palate it was somewhat brief and straightforward. The Fieuzal (84pts)barely showed signs of life, with hints of baked apple on the palate. The Lynch Bages was disappointingly flawed due to premature oxidation. It's puzzling why DIAM corks were not utilized to prevent such issues.
  
  TN: The bouquet was not quite clean und unremarkable but showed no direct signs of oxidation. On the palate however, there were some baked apple aromas mixing in with a bit of minerality. Barely alive. 84pts feels generous.
  
  Decanting: Not decanted, no decanting necessary.

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• 2014 Château Montrose 94 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Estèphe

  Fifteen red wines (14 left bank/1 right bank). All tasted blind. The 2014 vintage turned out to be good, but not exceptional. This vintage is characterized by a cool, classic style with an impressive expression of fresh fruit. The wines were rich in blue fruit, supported by a fine mineral backbone, without succumbing to overripeness or overbearing fruitiness. Contrary to expectations, the wines were not overly austere and showed good (excellent at the top) tannin structure, contributing to a classic Bordeaux experience. However, it's important to note that while these wines have commendable qualities, they lack the complexity and, to a lesser extent, the finesse and elegance characteristic of the most celebrated vintages. Many of the wines seemed a bit simplistic. I think they are likely to peak in the early rather than mature into 30, 40, 50-year wines as I don’t think there is enough fruit. My top three were a layered, blue-fruited Ducru Beaucaillou, a strawberry-laden, purity-driven Montrose (both rated 94pts), and an elegant Pichon Lalande (93pts), foreshadowing the great things this estate has produced in vintages since. The group winner was also the Ducru.
  
  TN: Fine red berries, from fresh to slightly candied, some herbs and crushed rocks. Quite intriguing nose. On the palate the same pure, fresh red fruit, mostly strawberries, well complemented by a graphite minerality, some herbs and earthy notes in the background. It is not the most complex wine but very balanced and well defined. Fine tannin structure, good freshness, good balance, no excess of any kind. This wine is all about purity and turned out to be the finest of all 2014 we tasted today.
  
  Decanting: Decanted for two hours which worked very well.

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• 2014 Château Rauzan-Ségla 92 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Margaux

  Fifteen red wines (14 left bank/1 right bank). All tasted blind. The 2014 vintage turned out to be good, but not exceptional. This vintage is characterized by a cool, classic style with an impressive expression of fresh fruit. The wines were rich in blue fruit, supported by a fine mineral backbone, without succumbing to overripeness or overbearing fruitiness. Contrary to expectations, the wines were not overly austere and showed good (excellent at the top) tannin structure, contributing to a classic Bordeaux experience. However, it's important to note that while these wines have commendable qualities, they lack the complexity and, to a lesser extent, the finesse and elegance characteristic of the most celebrated vintages. Many of the wines seemed a bit simplistic. I think they are likely to peak in the early rather than mature into 30, 40, 50-year wines as I don’t think there is enough fruit. My top three were a layered, blue-fruited Ducru Beaucaillou, a strawberry-laden, purity-driven Montrose (both rated 94pts), and an elegant Pichon Lalande (93pts), foreshadowing the great things this estate has produced in vintages since. The group winner was also the Ducru.
  
  TN: Dark and intense nose, some cassis, a bit of minerality. Still a bit locked but quite packed on the nose. On the palate intense, full of dark berries, cassis, minerality. Tightly locked. Still slightly coarse tannins which need more time to melt, but good freshness and overall balance.
  
  Decanting: Not decanted, it would have needed 2 hours.

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• 2014 Château Lynch-Bages 86 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac

  Fifteen red wines (14 left bank/1 right bank). All tasted blind. The 2014 vintage turned out to be good, but not exceptional. This vintage is characterized by a cool, classic style with an impressive expression of fresh fruit. The wines were rich in blue fruit, supported by a fine mineral backbone, without succumbing to overripeness or overbearing fruitiness. Contrary to expectations, the wines were not overly austere and showed good (excellent at the top) tannin structure, contributing to a classic Bordeaux experience. However, it's important to note that while these wines have commendable qualities, they lack the complexity and, to a lesser extent, the finesse and elegance characteristic of the most celebrated vintages. Many of the wines seemed a bit simplistic. I think they are likely to peak in the early rather than mature into 30, 40, 50-year wines as I don’t think there is enough fruit. My top three were a layered, blue-fruited Ducru Beaucaillou, a strawberry-laden, purity-driven Montrose (both rated 94pts), and an elegant Pichon Lalande (93pts), foreshadowing the great things this estate has produced in vintages since. The group winner was also the Ducru.
  
  TN: Medium- expressive nose with green bell pepper at the core. On the palate there is not much fruit, but only minerality, herbs, earthy and green bell pepper notes. The tannin quality is good but the wine is not in a good phase right now and very backward, with all the fruit and necessary sweetness dormant. Today, not more than 86pts but with potential.
  
  Decanting: Not decanted, it would have needed several hours.

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• 2014 Château Palmer 93 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Margaux

  Fifteen red wines (14 left bank/1 right bank). All tasted blind. The 2014 vintage turned out to be good, but not exceptional. This vintage is characterized by a cool, classic style with an impressive expression of fresh fruit. The wines were rich in blue fruit, supported by a fine mineral backbone, without succumbing to overripeness or overbearing fruitiness. Contrary to expectations, the wines were not overly austere and showed good (excellent at the top) tannin structure, contributing to a classic Bordeaux experience. However, it's important to note that while these wines have commendable qualities, they lack the complexity and, to a lesser extent, the finesse and elegance characteristic of the most celebrated vintages. Many of the wines seemed a bit simplistic. I think they are likely to peak in the early rather than mature into 30, 40, 50-year wines as I don’t think there is enough fruit. My top three were a layered, blue-fruited Ducru Beaucaillou, a strawberry-laden, purity-driven Montrose (both rated 94pts), and an elegant Pichon Lalande (93pts), foreshadowing the great things this estate has produced in vintages since. The group winner was also the Ducru.
  
  TN: Medium- expressive nose with lots of graphite minerality and a touch dark fruit. I noted: Very Cabernet, very Bordeaux, very Pauillac. But on the palate it revealed more Merlot and Margaux character. Quite a lot of stuffing with dark and red berries, from fresh and ripe, the whole spectrum. Lots of minerality and some herbs, and even some floral notes. Quite complete and already quite round. Very fine to drink. It opened up more and improved by the minute.
  
  Decanting: Not decanted. This could have taken it home, would it have been decanted for 2-3 hours.

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• 2014 Château Ducru-Beaucaillou 94 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien

  Fifteen red wines (14 left bank/1 right bank). All tasted blind. The 2014 vintage turned out to be good, but not exceptional. This vintage is characterized by a cool, classic style with an impressive expression of fresh fruit. The wines were rich in blue fruit, supported by a fine mineral backbone, without succumbing to overripeness or overbearing fruitiness. Contrary to expectations, the wines were not overly austere and showed good (excellent at the top) tannin structure, contributing to a classic Bordeaux experience. However, it's important to note that while these wines have commendable qualities, they lack the complexity and, to a lesser extent, the finesse and elegance characteristic of the most celebrated vintages. Many of the wines seemed a bit simplistic. I think they are likely to peak in the early rather than mature into 30, 40, 50-year wines as I don’t think there is enough fruit. My top three were a layered, blue-fruited Ducru Beaucaillou, a strawberry-laden, purity-driven Montrose (both rated 94pts), and an elegant Pichon Lalande (93pts), foreshadowing the great things this estate has produced in vintages since. The group winner was also the Ducru.
  
  TN: Medium+ expressive nose with mostly dark berries and some blue fruit and a bit of minerality. The palate was quite strong with lots of dark berries, fresh dark berries, intense fresh and slightly candied blue fruit, minerality, some earthy notes and just a hint of luxurious oak. Even though the wine had been decanted for two hours, it was getting better by the minute. Highly precise rainbow of fresh fruit, superb minerality at the core with plenty of elegance and finesse in the structure and a long-lingering finish. The most complete wine of the tasting.
  
  Decanting: Decanted for 2 hours, would have needed used 3 to 4.

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• 2014 Château Léoville Barton 87 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien

  Fifteen red wines (14 left bank/1 right bank). All tasted blind. The 2014 vintage turned out to be good, but not exceptional. This vintage is characterized by a cool, classic style with an impressive expression of fresh fruit. The wines were rich in blue fruit, supported by a fine mineral backbone, without succumbing to overripeness or overbearing fruitiness. Contrary to expectations, the wines were not overly austere and showed good (excellent at the top) tannin structure, contributing to a classic Bordeaux experience. However, it's important to note that while these wines have commendable qualities, they lack the complexity and, to a lesser extent, the finesse and elegance characteristic of the most celebrated vintages. Many of the wines seemed a bit simplistic. I think they are likely to peak in the early rather than mature into 30, 40, 50-year wines as I don’t think there is enough fruit. My top three were a layered, blue-fruited Ducru Beaucaillou, a strawberry-laden, purity-driven Montrose (both rated 94pts), and an elegant Pichon Lalande (93pts), foreshadowing the great things this estate has produced in vintages since. The group winner was also the Ducru.
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  TN: The wine had some fans around the table due to some brett notes combined with the typical structuredness of the winery. I was not the biggest fan as the balance was off for me with not enough fruit and a touch too much austerity and ruggedness. I'm a big fan of Barton in warmer vintages, where the strict adherence to the classic, old-school style results in fresh, never too ripe or over-the-top wines. In colder years, however, this can lead to wines that are a bit austere and lacking in fruit.
  
  Decanting: Quickly double decanted. Would have needed two hours in the decanter.

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• 2014 Clos Manou 91 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc

  Fifteen red wines (14 left bank/1 right bank). All tasted blind. The 2014 vintage turned out to be good, but not exceptional. This vintage is characterized by a cool, classic style with an impressive expression of fresh fruit. The wines were rich in blue fruit, supported by a fine mineral backbone, without succumbing to overripeness or overbearing fruitiness. Contrary to expectations, the wines were not overly austere and showed good (excellent at the top) tannin structure, contributing to a classic Bordeaux experience. However, it's important to note that while these wines have commendable qualities, they lack the complexity and, to a lesser extent, the finesse and elegance characteristic of the most celebrated vintages. Many of the wines seemed a bit simplistic. I think they are likely to peak in the early rather than mature into 30, 40, 50-year wines as I don’t think there is enough fruit. My top three were a layered, blue-fruited Ducru Beaucaillou, a strawberry-laden, purity-driven Montrose (both rated 94pts), and an elegant Pichon Lalande (93pts), foreshadowing the great things this estate has produced in vintages since. The group winner was also the Ducru.
  
  TN: Medium- expressive dark fruit and minerality nose. On the palate lots of minerality wrapped around a dark fruit core. With time the fruit got more intense and showed very ripe/candied. While it was not that complex, it was quite nice to drink with fine tannins, good freshness, and a good balance. Solid, but not a wine I would chase.
  
  Decanting: Not decanted, I would go for two hours. Got better with air.

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• 2014 Château Malartic-Lagravière 90 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan

  Fifteen red wines (14 left bank/1 right bank). All tasted blind. The 2014 vintage turned out to be good, but not exceptional. This vintage is characterized by a cool, classic style with an impressive expression of fresh fruit. The wines were rich in blue fruit, supported by a fine mineral backbone, without succumbing to overripeness or overbearing fruitiness. Contrary to expectations, the wines were not overly austere and showed good (excellent at the top) tannin structure, contributing to a classic Bordeaux experience. However, it's important to note that while these wines have commendable qualities, they lack the complexity and, to a lesser extent, the finesse and elegance characteristic of the most celebrated vintages. Many of the wines seemed a bit simplistic. I think they are likely to peak in the early rather than mature into 30, 40, 50-year wines as I don’t think there is enough fruit. My top three were a layered, blue-fruited Ducru Beaucaillou, a strawberry-laden, purity-driven Montrose (both rated 94pts), and an elegant Pichon Lalande (93pts), foreshadowing the great things this estate has produced in vintages since. The group winner was also the Ducru.
  
  TN: A fine nose with dark, red and blue fruit. Quite complex but a bit shy. On the palate a lot of blue fruit, some red berries, some herbs but quite a bit of oak. This was the only wine in the tasting that showed a bit of intrusive oak notes. Fine structure, good freshness and overall, still quite nice to drink.
  
  Decanting: Not decanted, I would go for two hours. Got better with air.

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• 2014 Château Ferrière 88 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Margaux

  Fifteen red wines (14 left bank/1 right bank). All tasted blind. The 2014 vintage turned out to be good, but not exceptional. This vintage is characterized by a cool, classic style with an impressive expression of fresh fruit. The wines were rich in blue fruit, supported by a fine mineral backbone, without succumbing to overripeness or overbearing fruitiness. Contrary to expectations, the wines were not overly austere and showed good (excellent at the top) tannin structure, contributing to a classic Bordeaux experience. However, it's important to note that while these wines have commendable qualities, they lack the complexity and, to a lesser extent, the finesse and elegance characteristic of the most celebrated vintages. Many of the wines seemed a bit simplistic. I think they are likely to peak in the early rather than mature into 30, 40, 50-year wines as I don’t think there is enough fruit. My top three were a layered, blue-fruited Ducru Beaucaillou, a strawberry-laden, purity-driven Montrose (both rated 94pts), and an elegant Pichon Lalande (93pts), foreshadowing the great things this estate has produced in vintages since. The group winner was also the Ducru.
  
  TN: A bit muted on the nose, with some hints of dark berries shining through. On the palate still a bit rough, minerality at the centre, some dark berries around it. Quite simple at first and with a bit of air more prominent blue and dark fruit. Probably the least complex wine of the tasting, missing a bit of definition too.
  
  Decanting: Not decanted, this would have needed a solid two hours in a decanter.

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• 2014 Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste 92 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac

  Fifteen red wines (14 left bank/1 right bank). All tasted blind. The 2014 vintage turned out to be good, but not exceptional. This vintage is characterized by a cool, classic style with an impressive expression of fresh fruit. The wines were rich in blue fruit, supported by a fine mineral backbone, without succumbing to overripeness or overbearing fruitiness. Contrary to expectations, the wines were not overly austere and showed good (excellent at the top) tannin structure, contributing to a classic Bordeaux experience. However, it's important to note that while these wines have commendable qualities, they lack the complexity and, to a lesser extent, the finesse and elegance characteristic of the most celebrated vintages. Many of the wines seemed a bit simplistic. I think they are likely to peak in the early rather than mature into 30, 40, 50-year wines as I don’t think there is enough fruit. My top three were a layered, blue-fruited Ducru Beaucaillou, a strawberry-laden, purity-driven Montrose (both rated 94pts), and an elegant Pichon Lalande (93pts), foreshadowing the great things this estate has produced in vintages since. The group winner was also the Ducru.
  
  TN: Medium expressive nose. On the palate fine blue fruit, candied and fresh, with time more fresh forest berries. Medium complex but very well defined. A bit more on the fruiter side compared to many others in the lineup (GPL is always a charmer). Fine structure, good freshness, good balance. Overall, this was fun to drink and one of the more open and ready wines.
  
  Decanting: Not decanted, a short decant should be sufficient.

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• 2014 Château Pontet-Canet 91 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac

  Fifteen red wines (14 left bank/1 right bank). All tasted blind. The 2014 vintage turned out to be good, but not exceptional. This vintage is characterized by a cool, classic style with an impressive expression of fresh fruit. The wines were rich in blue fruit, supported by a fine mineral backbone, without succumbing to overripeness or overbearing fruitiness. Contrary to expectations, the wines were not overly austere and showed good (excellent at the top) tannin structure, contributing to a classic Bordeaux experience. However, it's important to note that while these wines have commendable qualities, they lack the complexity and, to a lesser extent, the finesse and elegance characteristic of the most celebrated vintages. Many of the wines seemed a bit simplistic. I think they are likely to peak in the early rather than mature into 30, 40, 50-year wines as I don’t think there is enough fruit. My top three were a layered, blue-fruited Ducru Beaucaillou, a strawberry-laden, purity-driven Montrose (both rated 94pts), and an elegant Pichon Lalande (93pts), foreshadowing the great things this estate has produced in vintages since. The group winner was also the Ducru.
  
  TN: This was a bit controversial around the table due to its style. While most wines shine with their structure and minerality, show that old-school Bordeaux style, this wine was very polished with lots of candied red berries. Clearly an odd-one out, I wouldn’t necessarily have guessed this to be a Bordeaux. I’m not a strict purist and different styles keep it interesting but this is not a wine I would chase.
  
  Decanting: Not decanted, I would go for two hours.

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• 2014 Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 93 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac

  Fifteen red wines (14 left bank/1 right bank). All tasted blind. The 2014 vintage turned out to be good, but not exceptional. This vintage is characterized by a cool, classic style with an impressive expression of fresh fruit. The wines were rich in blue fruit, supported by a fine mineral backbone, without succumbing to overripeness or overbearing fruitiness. Contrary to expectations, the wines were not overly austere and showed good (excellent at the top) tannin structure, contributing to a classic Bordeaux experience. However, it's important to note that while these wines have commendable qualities, they lack the complexity and, to a lesser extent, the finesse and elegance characteristic of the most celebrated vintages. Many of the wines seemed a bit simplistic. I think they are likely to peak in the early rather than mature into 30, 40, 50-year wines as I don’t think there is enough fruit. My top three were a layered, blue-fruited Ducru Beaucaillou, a strawberry-laden, purity-driven Montrose (both rated 94pts), and an elegant Pichon Lalande (93pts), foreshadowing the great things this estate has produced in vintages since. The group winner was also the Ducru.
  
  TN: The wine exhibits a moderately expressive bouquet, featuring dark berries, candied blueberries, minty nuances, and a hint of minerality. The palate introduces additional green bell pepper notes, supported by fine tannins, commendable freshness, and good overall balance. While it represents a quintessential Bordeaux profile, it lacks the complexity and finesse that might elevate it to exceptional status. Nevertheless, it is very enjoyable to drink. However, for enthusiasts who prefer the structured and robust character typical of the 2014 vintage, Pichon Lalande may not fully meet expectations. Despite this, the 2014 vintage serves as an important indicator of the winery's future direction, showcasing a move towards finesse that would position Pichon Lalande as one of the premier producers on the Left Bank in the vintages since.
  
  Decanting: Not decanted, a short decant should be sufficient.

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• 2014 Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion 91 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan

  Fifteen red wines (14 left bank/1 right bank). All tasted blind. The 2014 vintage turned out to be good, but not exceptional. This vintage is characterized by a cool, classic style with an impressive expression of fresh fruit. The wines were rich in blue fruit, supported by a fine mineral backbone, without succumbing to overripeness or overbearing fruitiness. Contrary to expectations, the wines were not overly austere and showed good (excellent at the top) tannin structure, contributing to a classic Bordeaux experience. However, it's important to note that while these wines have commendable qualities, they lack the complexity and, to a lesser extent, the finesse and elegance characteristic of the most celebrated vintages. Many of the wines seemed a bit simplistic. I think they are likely to peak in the early rather than mature into 30, 40, 50-year wines as I don’t think there is enough fruit. My top three were a layered, blue-fruited Ducru Beaucaillou, a strawberry-laden, purity-driven Montrose (both rated 94pts), and an elegant Pichon Lalande (93pts), foreshadowing the great things this estate has produced in vintages since. The group winner was also the Ducru.
  
  TN: Medium expressive, elegant nose with dark fruit and a touch of spices, herbs. On the palate a touch bitter, not enough fruit at this point to make it a balanced experience. The structure is the highlight as the wine is all about finesse, this finesse can be found in the vintages since too.
  
  Decanting: Not decanted. 2-3 hours in a decanter would have been better.

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• 2014 Château Canon-la-Gaffelière 89 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru

  Fifteen red wines (14 left bank/1 right bank). All tasted blind. The 2014 vintage turned out to be good, but not exceptional. This vintage is characterized by a cool, classic style with an impressive expression of fresh fruit. The wines were rich in blue fruit, supported by a fine mineral backbone, without succumbing to overripeness or overbearing fruitiness. Contrary to expectations, the wines were not overly austere and showed good (excellent at the top) tannin structure, contributing to a classic Bordeaux experience. However, it's important to note that while these wines have commendable qualities, they lack the complexity and, to a lesser extent, the finesse and elegance characteristic of the most celebrated vintages. Many of the wines seemed a bit simplistic. I think they are likely to peak in the early rather than mature into 30, 40, 50-year wines as I don’t think there is enough fruit. My top three were a layered, blue-fruited Ducru Beaucaillou, a strawberry-laden, purity-driven Montrose (both rated 94pts), and an elegant Pichon Lalande (93pts), foreshadowing the great things this estate has produced in vintages since. The group winner was also the Ducru.
  
  TN: The only right bank in the tasting. I liked the expressiveness and aromatic intensity with a lot of ripe dark berries at the center. However, it was also marked by some bitter herbal undertones, slightly detracting from its overall balance. Despite this, the wine remained quite enjoyable to drink, suggesting that aeration could potentially enhance its qualities further.
  
  Decanting: Not decanted. Two+ hours in a decanter would have been better.

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• 2014 Château Pape Clément 92 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan

  Fifteen red wines (14 left bank/1 right bank). All tasted blind. The 2014 vintage turned out to be good, but not exceptional. This vintage is characterized by a cool, classic style with an impressive expression of fresh fruit. The wines were rich in blue fruit, supported by a fine mineral backbone, without succumbing to overripeness or overbearing fruitiness. Contrary to expectations, the wines were not overly austere and showed good (excellent at the top) tannin structure, contributing to a classic Bordeaux experience. However, it's important to note that while these wines have commendable qualities, they lack the complexity and, to a lesser extent, the finesse and elegance characteristic of the most celebrated vintages. Many of the wines seemed a bit simplistic. I think they are likely to peak in the early rather than mature into 30, 40, 50-year wines as I don’t think there is enough fruit. My top three were a layered, blue-fruited Ducru Beaucaillou, a strawberry-laden, purity-driven Montrose (both rated 94pts), and an elegant Pichon Lalande (93pts), foreshadowing the great things this estate has produced in vintages since. The group winner was also the Ducru.
  
  TN: This wine presents a beautifully elegant bouquet, showcasing ripe dark berries. The palate reveals slightly coarse tannins that promise to integrate more smoothly over time. This vintage delivers an intense yet not overpowering array of ripe fine blue fruits and some red berries, all nicely accented with herbal and earthy undertones, achieving a commendable balance. Notably, Château Pape Clément's typical approach of embracing ripeness, extraction, and oak sometimes falters in hotter, more opulent vintages and obviously worked quite well in the cooler conditions of 2014. Certainly, one of the standouts of the tasting.
  
  Decanting: Not decanted. Two+ hours in a decanter would have been better.

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