April 15, 2023 - Robe brique foncé. Bouche post apogée avec des notes de sous-bois non désagréables et des tanins assouplis donnant encore un peu de corps au vin, mais il manque d’aromatique et de croquant pour accompagner le plat de viande. Le plateau de fromage lui convient mieux. 87
March 18, 2023 - Cork in very good condition. Ruby red without obvious brick hue. Clear acidity present straight from the bottle. After 2 hours in decanter acidity is mostly gone. Tannins still present, nicely integrated. Dark fruit, oak. Very good wine, not remarkable.
August 28, 2020 - Excellent condition, just slightly past its peak but very, very enjoyable - and it could have lasted more years.
I usually like 2001's, and this bottle too proved to be a very classic (and classy) expression of the left bank.
June 19, 2020 - Nose: black cherry, cedar, fig
Palette: Smoke, cedar, woody spiciness
Food: Beef tenderloin
This was delicious, but could definitely age some more. There was still good acidity present
April 18, 2019 - Drank out of Magnum. I thought this might be to modern for my palate, but I enjoyed this quite a bit over dinner. Good fruit, absorbed oak, tobacco, red fruited with light spice..good Bordeaux. Bottle was drained quickly!
March 24, 2019 - At its top now. Color starts to evolve but still very dense. The nose is very complex a mix of red fruits spices a bit of orange tobacco etc. The mouse is full velvety with excellent freshness no taste of wood tannins are not at the level of second cru but very well integrated. A high value for money
October 28, 2018 - rubin red with orange border. Nose of cinnamon. Velvet taste, figue, long finish. Drink now, over top
April 8, 2017 - I always liked this Chateau after 1) it was one of my first fine French wines, a vintage from the mid to late 1980's, 2) the grandson of the owner gave me a tour in Spring, 2003, and 3) the 2000 vintage I bought on that visit was divine. So I uncorked this 2001 with fond memories. It was maybe a year past its prime, but it was well cared for in my cellar, and I think I opened it within 95 % of its prime. I decided to let it breathe in the bottle (although I decanted the last glass), and after 75 minutes it was open. Earthy nose, with some vanilla, cassis, and a hint of cherry and spice box. Nice ruby color with decent legs. The front palate opened with mild graphite and cherry. Smooth tannins. The flavors developed on the mid palate, expanding to vanilla, cassis, cherry, and that hint of spice box. The cassis faded the longer the bottle was open. The vanilla & cherry finish was medium and elegant, which surprised me a bit because I am used to stronger St. Estephe finishes - but this elegance was quite nice for a change. This was a solid Bordeaux which i enjoyed. Paired nicely with a Manchego cheese. So this wine should not be held any longer, it is time to drink. And onward to the 2003 & 2005 from this delightful Chateau.
August 7, 2015 - Cassis with lead pencil. Light tannins with very light finish.
May 11, 2014 - Mature nose of pencil shavings, cedar, chocolate etc.
Palate of medium weight with quite high acidity, tannins resolved, depth of flavor and good finish. A few days ago I opened a Pavillon Rouge 2002 which was much leaner and lighter but more complex and ethereal. This is weightier yet less refined but still a very nice wine. I would suggest drink within the next five years.