The 2003 Fombrauge is probably the best Fombrauge ever produced in my eyes. Opened for christmas eve pot luck as a pulse check on the other 3 or 4 remaining bottle and it wowed as usual. Cradling both sides of the world, drawing a line across from Napa to Bordeaux, right across the water. Very lush, yet extremely healthy and mature. Beautiful evolved color and shine, the finish was pretty drawn out and kept going and going. This is grand cru quality in a modest wine. Bring your oak sunglasses with you, you will need to have some love for old wood. DRINK!
Overripe strawberries, red plums, red cherry, tobacco, sandlewood, old leather, cracked black pepper and a hint of funk. Full bodied, mellow tannins. Hedonistic little old world gem. Blind, I would call it a Super Tuscan.
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A hot vintage and feel the warmth in the wine. Slightly more extracted and tannic, dries in the mouth. Plenty of black jammy fruits to carry with low acidity. Drink up. Its time.
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Deep garnet color. Medium intensity aromas of plums, prunes,dried blackberry, pencil shaving, tobacco. Wine is dry, rich, balanced, with medium acidity, medium resolved tannins, intense taste of cherry, prunes and tobacco. Long finish.
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really delicious. Opened for about an hour before drinking. first sip was fruity, smooth, just a hint of tannins on the finish. nice feel in the mouth, good aroma. very happy with this bottle
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Well matured right bank in an excellent shape, considering the extremely hot summer that year. Fombrauge delivers quality in a reliable manner, but this vintage sticks out with a remarkable balance and finesse, melting sweet matured fruit, tobacco, caramel, toffee and liquorice, with nice roast aromas in the background. Bravo.
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I don't normally like '03s, nor modern-leaning Bordeaux, but this was hard to argue with. Pretty bright ( limestone & clay, son!) and youthful. Plenty of spicy red fruit without the "brown note" that affects a lot of solar-vintage, modern Bordeaux with age. Okay, on with the glossy wine-porn adjectives: nutmeg, cardamom, tobacco, and tar – some barrel spice that makes me think of Vosne somehow. But darker and denser, of course. Mid-palate fruit profile is red cherry and and plum with some toffee and coffee. Yes, there's some alcohol on the nose, no doubt, and some prune/ dried fig – all expressing the heatwave vintage. I just think it's balanced (for now) by a stony, limestone coolness. Tertiary notes are there, but this is still primary and energetic. Some paté and brie rind notes to indicate evolution. Drink now (with food, and pop & pour might be better than letting this amp up in the decanter) until what, 2028?
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Almost three years since my last note, this wine has not changed much. The fruit is still very much in evidence, fully mature, fragrant & sweet. Nice sweet tannins in the rather ful taste, this is at peak now. And will probably hold a little while yet. Excellent!
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This is an absolutely stunning QPR, immensely fragrant, light but long and mouth coating on notes of cloves, tobacco, cassis and blackberries. Superbly integrated tannins and wonderful roundness and elegance to it. Very much surprised also by the freshness, showing no signs of decline whatsoever. Pure pleasure.
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Nice, distinctive Bordeaux flavor. Modest yet evident oak, and significant fruit, although the fruit is fading compared to the acid. Likely just past the end of its window. Liked by the group, but not comparable to the 1990 Pavie tasted with it. Then again, it's much less expensive.
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Continuing to evolve nicely - only took an hour to come round. Very distinctive. Nothing from North America is comparable - notice that I didn't say better - just not comparable.
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Nice. Still plenty of dark fruit, leather, cedar, milky cocoa. Very short finish. I find it interesting the 2003 medocs have been very unfairly maligned and under rated. The right bank seems to continue to fall short. While not stewed, as some would suggest, this wine doesn't carry the spine needed to be really good. Now don't go throw it down the drain, it is still enjoyable ---but again a very short finish.
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Opened for about two hours but did not decant. First sips were good but a little light on flavor. Then wine opened up and had a very full mouthfeel. Could go another few years with this wine.
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I'm sad that this was my last bottle. Terrific wine. Well-balanced, smooth, and long. Much the same as the last bottle: cigar box, red berry fruit, hints of vanilla, some earth.
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The fruit is toning down just a bit on this, but still plenty there. Secondary and tertiary notes starting to be more evident giving this some additional complexity. Mix of dark and red fruit, nose of cedar, leather and a bit of cocoa, long finish. Good grip, good structure, still some potential for future improvement, but ready to drink now in my opinion.
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Ruby with slightly orange rim, plum, wet leather, tobacco, cherry, cedar, moderate intensity and medium bodied, still quite tannic. This is something to be watched. I don't believe in positive evolution, but this should hold for 3-5 years in cool cellar.
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Decanted for two hours and then put back about 1/3 bottle for 2nd night. At first taste, ripe plum with some mocha and tobacco notes. Interestingly enough, I thought the oak became more prominent with time which was the opposite of some other notes. However it was fairly well integrated and not harsh. For those that find oak offensive I could see this going the wrong way, but I really liked the hints of cedar that it brought. On second night, I found the oak became a bit more prominent which brought my score down from 92. I'll drink my remaining bottles with a 1-2 hour decant over the next 2 years.
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PHMG WAG: Value Bordeaux (Chateau Lyon): This bottle, purchased on futures, was nearly perfect for what it was: "Value Bordeaux". After a 2 hour double decant there's crème de cassis, ripe plum, licorice, tobacco, and cedar. Tannins are integrated and the finish is juicy. Now-2021.
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Yes the oak is heavy but everything mellows two hours after opening. No sign of its oak and fruit fading yet but the tannins are not obtrusive. Plenty of room for evolution here and a wonderful wine to track over the next five years.
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Damn I wish that this wine had less oak! Because otherwise, this is live! After 12 years, so sign of fading...Lots of good vibrant fruit, power and structure..Looong finish that is unfortunately heavily oak dominated. Drink at your leisure...
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A horror show of clumsy flavours and heady alcohol. I enjoyed this 8 years ago and have watched it fall apart since. A second bottle was equally awful. Not scored (some people obviously like wine that tastes like this) but for me this is borderline undrinkable. I see no hope for this in years to come and the rest will be off to auction.
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I think PURPLE TOOTH described this wine perfectly. Dense, sweet and New World with some potential to get better in three to five years. Near top of my list of good and affordable Bordeaux (not impossible to find even in Bordeaux). 14.5% ABV.
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A very nice Bordeaux that is at its peak. Subtle notes of cherry and spice with fine tannins on the finish. Improved slightly after an hour of air. Very nice for a $30 purchase some 8 years ago.
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Peaking. Eminently drinkeable, still lots of fruit. Great nose, fruit-packed. Tannins softened and giving some fine-grained structure. Drawn-out finish suggests there is still some room for further development. Yum!
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From a 375ML A Californian French wine! Still youthful, very fleshy, sweet, and oak driven. In this bottle, secondary development is yielding cedar and pencil lead, giving it a Bordeaux signature. Good acidity to balance the sweet and keep it interesting. This stubborn wine should get better and better over the next 3 to 5 years.
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Wow! This wine is ready and excellent! Even better than what I remember since the last note I posted in Dec 2006. Such a very nice value Bordeaux. Absolutely delicious and enjoyable. Luckily, I have four more from this vintage to enjoy!
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Much more elegant and classic overall, both in the aromatics and in the finish. This is very enjoyable, unfortunately my other bottles tasted very average. Cork variation?
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Very nice bottle. In French, this would be described as "gourmand". It is not an intellectual wine, not extremely refined, not difficult to understand. But it is fruity, mature, fragrant, and makes you want another glass - in other words, the bottle was finished rather quickly. What more do you want?
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If you shelf that buzzing oak component by placing it out of the mind, the wine has a somewhat exotic and flowery bouquet of ripe fruit and new cedar, evolving into roasted espresso bean that jumps out of the glass. Its thick and voluptuous, with a syrupy and polished appearance. Lots of red raspberry and licorice on the palate with a bright, long, lingering dry finish with ample tannins. This bottle seems to be jusssssst starting to drink. Very nice for the price. Great QPR and somewhat overblown in style...I am very impressed with this value, from this wrongfully disrespected vintage. My only criticism: over-oaked...Drink it now with air, and through the decade...
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Needs at least a 2 hour decant to unwind. Red fruit, chocolate, spice, pencil shavings, and a hint of cedar. Firm tannins and medium finish. No significant heat considering the 14.5%. Excellent value from St. Emilion.
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Very good right bank- between 04 mouton and this, the table preferred the st Emilion, although I think better is to come for the mouton, and I'm not sure about the Fombrauge. Interesting consequence of pairing.
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Drank over two days and refrigerated for second day.
Oak definately to the fore in this wine but nicely balanced with the fruit, the tannins are nicely integrating, but are a touch dry and a wee bit chewy. Vaniila and plums with milk chocolate, and those cedar notes poke through.
Lovely juicy plummy fruit to the fore, it's clipped by dryish tannins but balanced out with that smooth chocolate note. The finish is moderate but clipped by a spiciness. There is a vibrant acidity that carries the length though.
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Ready to go and delicious. Enjoyed over 2 hours. Toasty dark chocolate and plums on the aroma. With about an hour in decanter, become more plummy, and bits of cedar were poking through. Impeccable balance. A very well made wine, and delicious. Now to 5+ years, easily. But, why wait.
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Soft, the fruit comes across nicely muted, without the odd burnt or whatever that comes with some of the 2003s. We love the right bank and this suited our expectations.
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Singing now. Tasting notes much the same as the last time - cigar box, vanilla, red berry with wonderful balance. If this had a longer finish it would be absolutely spectacular. But now, in a really great spot.
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Better than the first we opened a few months ago and some at table,preferred this to the 96 ducru. Nicely balanced almost edging on a sweet note- a little light but enough there to handle a big juicy burger and caesar salad. Good value and ready
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Incredibly dark colour, turning brownish at the edges. Sweet nose, somewhat simple. Fresh attack, some grippy tannins in the mid-palate - not at the finish! Sweet & savoury nuances, thick mouthfull. Finishes short. The 2003 heatwave has put its mark on this wine, but altogether a nice bottle to drink or keep a little. Should be great with spicy food.
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La robe est rouge, sombre, très opaque. Le nez assez alcoleux et légèrement fruité (compotée de fruits rouges assez mûrs), herbe coupée, relativement discret. La bouche est pleine, ronde, assez puissante sans que cela soit désagréable. La compotée de fruits rouges revient en force, suivi de la prune et du pruneau, puis les épices type girofle. Beau vin, en pleine maturité.
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Tasted non blind. Opened and decanted one hour before serving.
Garnet color in the glass, clear looking throughout. Nose of flowers, currants, berries and plums. Flavors of berries, plums and a dash of currants. Medium acidity, medium tannin, full bodied. Drink or hold. Drinking very nice right now.
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A nose of coffee and spices allows the wine to dance and sing. A pleasant palate with completely resolved tannins and enough acidity to bite through beef. A good wine at a reasonable price. One of the "sleepers of the vintage" if I'm not mistaken.
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You can smell the ripeness, but the palate is well structured, elegant and maybe a bit sharp. Curious if this wine was better in it's youth, as the faded fruit doesn't reveal anything interesting.
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This has transitioned from youthful exuberance to a mature well-balanced wine.
Cigar box, soft vanilla and red berry fruits on the nose, with plummy flavors, a bit of tar, some slight gravelly minerality. Well balanced. Nice. Medium length finish.
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Decanted for an hour and a half. A bit too prune and extracted at the beginning. Mellowed and filled out after two hours of drinking. Would like to wait several years, but it may quickly fade away after that.
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This one has really blossomed! Cassis, forest floor, and powdered cocoa mark the elegant nose on this wine while the palate is rich with fruit, nicely integrated tannins, and a long finish. Plenty of power here and, as good as it is now, I think it will get better over the coming years.
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The nose on this is a bit mild, but a nice mix of casis, cedar, and a slight green edge. It really explodes in the mouth though! Rich, full bodied, and wonderful fruit, with a still strong tannic backbone, and a l-o-n-g finish. Held up to a steak dinner beautifully. This one is drinking well now, but will definitely get better over the next 5 to 10 years.
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Quite delicious. The fruit has mellowed compared to earlier years, and there is more balance of the dark fruits with substantial tobacco leaf, pencil lead and toast. Not traditionalist Bordeaux, but not Napa Valley either, and great value for the dollar.
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Very nice. The nose has cigar box, lead pencil, smoke, and some red berry fruit. On the palate more of the same but with the red berry fruit replaced by plums perhaps and with some salty minerality. Some dusty tannins still. Long pleasant finish with the cigar box flavors becoming dominant.
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enjoyed this - again rated 91 - similar to prior bottle showed a nice earthy cherry note, this time with a hint of iodine. Fresh and juicy on the palate, just a little earth, nice ripe currant and cherry fruit with a good bite of acidity - still some tannins to resolve.
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deep ruby, almost purple color. Aromas and flavors of coffee, toast, blackberry, and mocha. Firm tannins with a little heat on the finish. If I was tasting this blind, I would have guessed Napa. Not as elegant or refined as I was hoping but the wine has stuffing. Might evolve well with a few more years in bottle.
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Dark purple, some visible cloudiness. Nose of cedar, pencil lead, tar, blackberries. On the palate, there is dark fruit, bramble, gritty tannins and ends with licorice. I have the feeling this still has a long way to go; maybe it will get better, but there is sufficient fruit as well as tannin to last a while longer.
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A bit surprised this was so great for an 03 Right Bank. Not overly ripe. Just perfect and very drinkable. Not one to forget in the cellar, but happy to still have the better part of a case. Drink!
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Really nice. Dark and ripe, complex yet fresh nose, earthy with nice currant and dark cherry fruit. Dry, with fresh tasting currant and cherry plum fruit, this has great acidity, tannins are not obtrusive and the finish is nicely long. Overall a really nicely drinking St Emillion. No rush to drink, but this is drinking well.
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I bought this last week as an aged bordeaux for immediate consumption; not too happy I was charged $35. Oak still a large presence; this is not as soft as I thought an 8-year old StE might be. Pleasant enough; but I'll bet this was pretty raw when it was released.
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This wine didn't impress as much as it did in the past. Vanilla flavours dominate, the alcohol (14.5) spikes and it's just trying too much, almost port-like. Didn't decant, so that might have had something to do with it, but the previous bottle (opened 2 years ago) showed much better...
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Decanted for an hour and funneled back into the bottle. Plum, chocolate, black cherry in a soft, almost tannin-less brew. Comforting and warm, the wine equivalent of meatloaf. Not a lot of structure or high drama. Just thoroughly enjoyable. Paired well with grilled lamb. In its drinking prime? Great QPR.
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Quite nice tonight and my best experience so far. Seemed fairly open tonight while still quite young. It seems to have the stuffing just maybe not the laser precision those digging deeper are seeking. Might not have the acidity for super long aging but nice wine for the short term and a great value at $20. Not overoaked, nor overripe at this point (but still modern and very a 2003). The window seems to be opening on this one?
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Much better than I remembered. Drank fron Susans cellar with dinner at her house. Very dark eggplant color to the rim. Full bordeaux palate of dark fruit, cassis. Excellent balance and structure. Nothing subtle here, clo not know if this will develop secondary and teritary flavor or not, but I assume it has plenty of years ahead.
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Ch. Fombrauge Vertical (Kemp's): Flat appearance. The nose is nice but unremarkable. Cherries. On the palate, soft tannins. Black cherries. Seems mature and ready to drink. I would not hold this although there is no immediate hurry. A nice black cherry snap and some heat on the finish.
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Pomegranate and a little orange rim coming up. Nose of white chocolate, black cherry and dates with trace of orange peel, dry earth, very smokey nose with cedarwood followed by plum, strong old leather and cigar, very old world. Little fruit, harmonious with tannin backbone and little acidity, full, leathery palate and finish. Medium meat-juice finish with hint of cedarwood. Later showed bouquet of cassis, smoke, fresh cut wood, flowers and red meat. with meat and leather palate and finish. Excellent QPR 2003. The nose is better than the palate.
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This was so much better than the other bottles I had. Nose of blackberry and graphite, a medium body and perfect balance all around. Rich flavors of blacberry, plum and coffee. Great mix of fruit, acid and tannin. Long, lip smacking finish.
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Superb nose of dark fruit, kirsch liquor and a bit of vanilla. Very beautiful and intense. The palate is equally expressive, with some leathery notes and cassis together with dark cherries and blackberries. The finish is a bit drying (wood?) and the level of acidity is fairly low. Still a very good wine, but I liked the nose a bit more than the palate.
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Dark pomegranate. 1st nose displayed a complex bouquet of dates, prune, and an interesting sweet and savoury hint of cooked meat in marmalade, followed by strong floral and sweet berry notes. Muscular and tannic, but with a lot of subtle flavours. Short to medium finish with hints of sweet prune with savoury meat After 1-hr decanting, The nose was floral, with strong cedarwood and meat. P & F: Very mild fruit, muscular with some but not enough acidity, medium to full bodied. Medium finish of strong cedarwood and meat Will decant for longer next time. Very muscular and tannic at the moment, but I can feel the loads of subtle flavours and its potential...It can be a monster after 2 years in cellar. Very individualized, it will be excellent.
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Plum and smoke on the nose; same + truffle on the palate. Mid-palate fruit seemed jammy (03 vintage?), but tannins seemed to balance okay. Better with food than on its own.
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Popped and poured. This had a nice dark purple coloring which became a more ruby color toward the edges. Tannic and young but possessing great fruit, this wine should be decanted for a few hours or given more time to age. It has solid tannins and ample acidity but a long finish. I don't mind my right bankers having this level of fruit as long as the acid and tannin are in balance. All of these are certainly present here. At this point it's a bit monolithic but since it's still very tight, I think it could be great in the future. ***
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checking back after 18 mos. some improvement, mainly in texture. there is still plenty of fruit, but also still plenty of oak...a bit more than i'd prefer. there's also a hint of heat on the finish, even served at cellar temp. has good depth and some right bank character (in the most modern sense). Not sure how much upside there may be, but it's certainly tasty on the most basic level.
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Merlots on a Saturday Afternoon: Inky purple in color. The nose has dusty dark cherries with just a hint of funk. A soft velvety texture. Sweet black fruit on the palate in the boysenberry vein. Lots of tannins. From the ripeness and the tannins, I guessed 03. I really liked this wine and it got better all afternoon. Interesting to see how the 03's are ageing. Perhaps a bit rapidly, but perhaps not. Still confusing. Worth opening a bottle and enjoying right now.
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Decanted 20 min, drunk over an hour. Delicious! Beautiful aromas of barnyard and dirt in typical French fashion, but ripe 2003 fruits abound. Won't get better with more age I expect.
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This seems to be getting even better. Outstanding.
Decanted about 90 minutes. Very dark red, with a little hint of bricking. Dark fruit and black cherry with a little toasted oak on the nose. Mouthcoating feel with more dark fruit and dusty tannins. Good acidity. Long finish starting out with the fruit and ending on mineral and spicy black pepper notes.
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From a 3L bottle. Double decanted 2 hours before dinner and then decanted 1L at a time at the restaurant. Deep red color. Dark/ almost black cherry and plum aromatics with a good bit of dark chocolate and coffee. Lush and creamy on the palate with some nice grip and spice on the backend. Surprisingly very enjoyable for a wine this young from a larger format.
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Jamie M forced my to open this as he has been pounding his 03's. This was singing right out of the gate. Kinda new world on the nose but very much a BDX wine. No need for a decant. just pop and pour. This has lined up to be the QPR of the vintage for me. I'll be looking for more
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The color of this wine is still a young, grapish purple. The nose reminds me of red cherries and dried cherries with a hint of sweet blueberry. The taste has a ripe, concentrated fruit that fills the mouth with silk like flavors of black cherry tart, cherry pie and cassis. There is still some tannin to be resolved and a bit of acid but by and large the wine is becoming balanced. The finish is long on sweet, ripe, silky cherry jam. Delicious!
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Colour showing some development, as does the nose (dark fruit). Modern style, but typical Bdx. Medium length. Crunchy tannins promise further development, but if you like'm young, start drinking.
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I dont think this wine is really open right now. Smoke and earth on the nose, quickly taken over by some tartness, acid and tannin. Ive been drinking too many new world wines lately apparently. I think this will get better but now is not the time.
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Wow this is good. Popped and poured. Dark ruby in the glass with a slight bit of bricking. Berry fruit on the nose and earthy. On the palate, there are hardly any signs of tannin in this bottle - silky tannins if any. Dark fruit, maybe a little bit of vanilla. Medium length finish showing a little more of the tannins, but still very well resolved.
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Based on other notes, decided to check; on opening nice big bouquet - slighly floral, lots of plum; not a lot of acid but acceptable. Thick mouthfeel but a tannic finish. A bit smokey, solid body of fruit. Nice enough, but personally I'm not sure where it's going. 86 points
Second day, better balance, acid showed better and tannins smoothed out. 88 today.
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Vol rood met een licht waterig randje. Ik ruik scherpe, ruwe tonen van salmiak en wijnkistjes. Later wordt dit allemaal wat vriendelijker en ruik ik tabak, leer, hopjesvla, chocolade, gebrande suiker en getoast hout. Ook in de mond weer impressies van chocolade en mokka. Alcoholhitte en licht wat pruim. Wat je noemt een winterwijn: hier krijg je het nou echt warm van. Maar: waar is het fruit? Waar zijn de zuren? Verstopt achter de houten planken? Er zijn twijfels over waar dit nou precies heen zal gaan. 15,5/20
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This tastes a lot better then 8 months ago...this wine is just like a rollercoaster thrill ride,In the beginning it is very delicat and feminin and then out of the blue it transforms into a masculin powerhouse wine...glad I have this in my cellar...www.everyoneweb.com/chateaujochen
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Bouquet of blackberries on the cork. Has a distinct smokey plum to berry and oaky aroma. Still has a slightly lingering tannic finish, but goes very well with the roast duck leg my husband prepared for me! Definitely a wine that accompanies a hearty meal of prime rib or cheese. Should age well and will do better with cellaring.
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Popped and poured. Tasted over two nights. Dark ruby in the glass.
Night one: mild tannins evident immediately leaving a dusty aftertaste. Nose of shoe leather and dark fruit including plum and strong oak. On the palate more dark fruit. Medium length finish.
Night two: dusty tannins still present, but not as strong. On the nose now a strong scent of cherry vanilla combined with some dark fruits also. On the palate mostly dark fruit but a kind of pleasant vibrant taste. Medium length finish.
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More than expectation, this wine opens up very nice and beautifully, layers, delicious and long, deep finished. Every sip is really great impact. Full-dimensions...some mistake ?? Too good for this price !! 93-95/100
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A little murky. Plum color with a slight muddiness. Barnyard and subdued dark red fruit. A tad hollow. Decent structure and tannin. Hopefully this is just is a funky state and will come around in time. Not bad, but a little disappointing. Will wait a year or two to try another.
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Dark purple with a dark ruby rim and linear nose of ripe dark fruit with an edge of smoke and light oak...which with that came a light nuance of vanilla...the packaged aroma stayed firm and true to the course thru the evening. Very nice entry and fruit grip at mid palate that on opening an decanting was ready for business right away...a very solid package and a good tannic framework that enhanced rather than detracted...but towards the end this did seem to tighten up with more oak coming thru... For the money...a great value.
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Opened and decanted about 30 minutes to an hour before serving. Purple color in the glass. Nose of cocoa, cedar,espresso, potpourri and dark fruits. Flavors of black cherries., berries and white pepper. Medium to high acidity, firm tannins. medium to full body. I'd recommend an extended decant or continue to hold obviously.
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Looking for the perfect QPR? Please do consider Fombrauge 2003.. Perfect wine that is drinking just fine now (after 1 hour of aereation). I am amazed by the delicate notes of earth, vanilla, chocolate and coffee that came out of the glass. This is a bodied, powerfull and sedcutive wine. Excellent work mr Magrez..
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this is a stunning st emilion that is way too young. seriously, this needs about five more years. huge rich fruit and tannins, the right amount of toasted oak, long finish. this is a superior wine.
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Decanted 2 hours. Nose: still tight at first - opened up in glass to reveal EARTH, cedar, flowers, cocoa. Good plum red/purple color - good viscosity. Palate: Good body & semi-long finish. Quite dry, earthy, musty, smoky on solid red fruit with some spices and soft oak. Delicious bdx. Going to buy more. Good QPR, especially with bdx prices going crazy.
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This bottle may have been in an awkward phase. Plenty of ripe fruit, but the tannis became somewhat coarse with a little air, and the oak is definitely out of whack for my palate.
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($38) I picked this wine up last weekend thinking it was the 2005. Doh. Nice nose though. Slightly bottle sweet with chocolate dark fruit and herbs on the nose. Medium to full bodied. Concentrated and rather lush for Bordeaux. Black cherry and berry fruit. Good.
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bordeaux tasting (Binny's Highland Park): nose: a good amount of cab franc must have been used in this as the nose is a bit vegetal with roots, cedar, mixed berry tones, herbs and bits of cherry
taste: nice feel with herbs, vegetal tones, cedar, and berry notes
overall: an excellent wine and is one that I like to drink. Good weight and feel with a nice silky finish
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Quick splash decant. Dark, without much if any lightening around the rim. Agree completely with earlier notes describing this as very much like an outstanding U.S. merlot more than a St. Emilion. Loads of rich espresso, a solid core of dark fruit and ample woodspice on the nose and palate. None of that is particularly unusual in a St. Emilion, but the boldness of the flavors struck me as very new world. Not that there's anything wrong with that, as I found this comparable in quality to pricier merlots from great producers like Shafer. Hard to do much better for $30 in Bordeaux or Napa, for that matter.
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Rock solid Bordeaux and a great value at this price. Obv my notes are more enthusiastic than others, but what's not to like? Great fruit and complexity, decent balance. Delivers the Americanized/Parker style without completely forgoing its Frenchness.
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Mid level Bordeaux's( Richmond Wine Society 2/15/07) Spice, smoke and black fruits in the nose. Rich concentrated black fruits in the mouth, with a good dose of oak and a long tannic finish. Should only get better.
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I have to get more of this. Dark ruby in the glass. Decanted and drank after about an hour. Tannins still evident. Dark berry, a little bit of spice, and a little bit of licorice. Medium length finish. Very smooth.
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More open than last year's bottle. Still, with lots of oak and roasted fruit, it lacks the characteristics of real Bordeaux, and may as well be Napa merlot, with its tasty midplalate of chocolate and dark berries. But at $25, I think of it as quality bargain Napa, and what's wrong with that?
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decanted for 2 1/2-2 hours. has a very nice light ruby color to it. almost like a dark pinot noir
nose: real good classic bordaux nose with some black currant, blueberry, a bit of cigar, and earth notes. Definitely smells young, but is a really nice boquet right now.
taste: really getting the blueberry and black currant on the mouth. Tannins are still very much alive. also getting a slight bit of cedar and cigar on the mouth. Leaves a nice pleasant finish
overall: really nice wine. This is drinking well right now, but you can also tell that it's pretty young, so it'd be great to see where this one goes by 2012. The taste is true to the nose, which is something that I really enjoy. The tannins dissapate pretty fast, which is also very nice. this is a really good effort right here and is well worth seeking out, especially for short term aging
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This wine is front loaded. It opens with a huge nose, like entering a walk-in produce cooler. On the palette the lusciosness continues with ripe black cherries, musty end-of-season blackberries, and a smudge of old belt leather that lets you know you're not in California, Toto. But it all ends as quickly as it began, The finish is short and sweet, a peck on the cheek. This is the big swing and crack of the bat that lifts you up from your seat and drops as a two-base gapper. Satisfying, but for a moment there you thought it might go the distance. Not quite.
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Decanted for an hour or so. First impression was its distinctively rich, earthy, and intense nose. Dominant flavors of plum and black cherry but very well balanced tannic structure and earthiness. This wine was enjoyable on its own but would be a knockout with hearty food. Compared with most other merlot-based wines I’ve had, this wine is more concentrated and multidimensional. If I had a case, I’d drink one or two a year and enjoy its evolution.
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Excellent QPR. Deep opaque purple color with vibrant nose of dark fruits. Very primary, but still a delicious drink today. Assume this will shut down for a while and come back even stronger.
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Beautiful nice rich dark plum coloring on this wine. First day: decanted for 2 hours before drinking. Strong nose on the first day. Taste was loaded full of tannin really leaving my mouth dry, even after drinking the first glass. 2nd day of decanting: Not so much nose on this today, can barely smell anything from it, even the taste was muted today. Would probably have been better had I drank it within 3-4 hours after opening it. Overall, I liked it and will have to purchase a few more bottles.
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Deep purple color and plum flavors to match coupled with a wonderful balance of tannins and acidity, and a hint of oak; nothing too over powering, and a very nice long rich finish. Plus it should get a bit better over the next 5 years. I will go and put a bit more of this one down for the future.
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Dark purple, decanted, 45 minutes prior to drinking, to aromas of berry and smoke. The smoke blew off fairly quickly. Terrific balance in the mouth, none of the tannins, acid, alcohol or glycerol are missing or overpowering, leaving a fresh sparkle of flavors in the mouth - mostly cassis and more exotic fruits (fig?) and spices. This wine will likely continue to evolve, but it is drinking quite well now.
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evolving very nicely. gorgeous nose, sweet, black fruits and bitter minerals. i believe its now past the awkward tight phase and its true colors are beginning to blossom. although drinking well now, needs more time. i will sit on my last few bottles for a while.
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Note after 2 days in decanter. I really enjoyed this on the first day. 2 days later it has changed a bit, most likely for the better. Not quite as fruit forward as on day 1, but a lot of backbone of chocolate, meat espresso, and earth. Still young, but I would expect this has a bright future ahead of it.
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Drank over the course of 2 days. This is a big wine with dark color, good nose, and full body. Lots of plum, dark chocolate and meat on the palate with nicely integrated tannins and a med-long finish. (Slightly better the second day). A great QPR from the right bank.
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Fantastic stuff -- powerful nose, forward flavors and complex palate. Really enjoyable, and showing none of the tightness noted by others. Will be seeking more...
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Dark red garnet color. Nose is very muted and does not give much of anything. On the palate, there is very good stuffing, and this certainly reminds me of classic garagiste St. Emilion wine with loads of plum and tobacco, but the oak may be a little more heavy at this stage than I prefer. Hence my "very good" rating rather than "outstanding". Feels a little like a good CA Merlot, although the rusticity and dryness give it away as Bordeaux, IMO. At the price I paid on futures, this is a superb QPR.
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Did not decant. Young, needed about an hour of air to really drink well. Plums, black cherries and cassis along with a slight bit of smokiness. A medium-bodied wine with ripe fruit and nice tannins that should improve a little with some additional time in the bottle.
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A well-produced wine with clear fruit, warm plums coming through nd nicely-used wood. A bit young to be drinking this as the flavours are still pretty primary at his stage. Some time should help theis settle into a very pleasant wine. For now a low 90's wine...
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Tasted right after opening. Deep dark purple opaque color. Smoke masking the fruit on the nose. Bold fruit, very subtle enveloping the palate with bold tannins on the finish. I then decanted for 5 hours. Smoke and fruit balanced out on the nose. More elegance on the palate with alot of dark fruit and a hint of chocolate with a smoother finish and much more subtle tannin.
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This one is a little bit puzzling. Huge smoke on the nose which just isnt allowing much fruit through. Medium bodied, not very dense/heavy but dark cherries are the dominant fruit. Very tannic and mouth drying right now. Wonder if/when it will come around?
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Bought today as a 375ml and popped for dinner. Always heard good things about the label and wanted to try. Red purple black in the glass; some cedar, cinammon, citrus peel and tennis shoes on the nose; tight, dark fruit on the palate with a dry finish. Never really unwound but this could be a very interesting wine with some age. Needs a least a year in bottle.
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This is a very nice wine, drinking well already but with some upside. Dark in colour though with some garnet on the rim. Lovely nose, full of cherry and blackcurrant fruit but also lots of Bordeaux funk - meat, horse, herbs and licourice. Really like the complexity on the nose. Palate is medium to full bodied, ripe but with lots of tannins and lots of ripe currant and cherry acidity. If anything the end of the bottle was better than the beginning which bodes well for future development. This is my second 2003 Bordeaux and both have been excellent.
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A trip to Bordeaux's Right Bank (Very long); 10/22/2006-10/30/2006 (Bordeaux, France): A cmpletely different wine than the la Croix de Beacaillou. This is defintiely in the modern camp. Very ripe fruit, very concentrated, thick with less aromatic complexity and more immediate palate gratification despite the obvious tannin. I like it, but reinforces my reputation as an "anti terroirist".
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I'd echo ac gunter. Would prefer more tannic backbone, but nice burnt sugar on the back palate, and well balanced fruit for short to midterm (4 years?) cellar defending.
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my second bottle i've tried. inky black-purple opaque. heavy on the oak and smoke. at first i could have mistaken it for a very good shiraz. initially disjointed, flavors began to integrate well on day two, however early signs of oxidation began to show up as well. i'm now thinking this: grapes too ripe, alcohol too high and not enough tannin and acidity to carry it for the long haul. still, this is a powerful wine that has the ability to impress. doesn't seem quite ready to drink yet however i'm just not sure how great it will be in a few years. hmm...
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ok, the first bottle had to be a bad one as this was a real winner. typical 03 with tannis but covered up by the massive fruit. This is going to be amaizing but I doubt it is going to last that long!
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after 8 hours of aeration this puppy exploded with bouquet of violets, sumptuous ripe plums, subtle toasted oak and elegant minerals. tastes like a knockout st julien. long finish, some complexity, soft tannins, artistic balance, not too hot. drinking remarkably well so young. all this and 14.5% alcohol.
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Part of a 2003 blind bordeaux tasting last night. I, sorry to say, mistook this for a St Julien. Big wine, loads of dark fruit, leather, chocolate, mint, not earthy and a long finish. The crowd favorite over LaGrange, Lynch Bages. This wine will gain in complexity for sure but the alchohol level concerns me over the long, long haul. Will try again in 5 years, should last 10-15 easy.
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Blind Tasting (Farpointe Cellar): Deep ruby/purple. A sweet nose of plums, smoke, figs, and licorice. This is big one. Lots of dense fruit on the palate, as well as high alcohol. The finish is long and the tannins firm. A very good drink.
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smooth as silk, practically no tannin. full body, very velvety. soft cherries and nice oak on the finish. not over the top. after reading jvalanti's review, I can agree with a somewhat 'brown sugar' quality to it. nice and subtle wine.
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($30) Not likely to be mistaken for a new world wine, but this still has excellent ripeness for Bordeaux. Characteristic aromas of old wood, slight menthol, plummy black fruit. Concetrated with slightly cottony tannins. Retasted in a few months.
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Open for business for the first 1.5 hours, then a tannic wall emerged on the finish. Ripe without being over the top, no heat. Has the 'brown sugar' quality I found in the 2003 Puygueraud... I am sure brown sugar is not right, but that is how it comes across to me.... Anyway, very nice, and I will see what the 2nd half does on night two.
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Day 1 very tight and tannic. Day 2 after putting the cork back it was surprisingly good. Still had a big finish. It has a lot of balance and a smooth middle.
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no points given. a little, make that a lot disapointing. Thin, watery, green and acidic. What happened here? The 2001 blows this away in a landslide. I hope it was a bad bottle but even after 5+ hours in the decanter it was as bad as ever. Keeping my fingers crossed
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($30) Favorite Producers at Taverna: Blind Red 5 - Bordeaux nose of cedar and pencil lead. A bit lean smelling. Rich soft palate. Good. I thought this was left bank. Nice value.
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3/28/2024 - pren wrote: 88 Points
没有印象
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12/28/2023 - Purple Tooth wrote: 93 Points
The 2003 Fombrauge is probably the best Fombrauge ever produced in my eyes. Opened for christmas eve pot luck as a pulse check on the other 3 or 4 remaining bottle and it wowed as usual. Cradling both sides of the world, drawing a line across from Napa to Bordeaux, right across the water. Very lush, yet extremely healthy and mature. Beautiful evolved color and shine, the finish was pretty drawn out and kept going and going. This is grand cru quality in a modest wine. Bring your oak sunglasses with you, you will need to have some love for old wood. DRINK!
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10/8/2023 - nkirsch Likes this wine: 88 Points
Cork was dried but wine wasn't damaged. Feels past it prime. A little too dry but ok
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5/31/2023 - nkirsch Likes this wine: 88 Points
not bad but past its prime. Decent flavor and nose and relatively smooth
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12/29/2022 - nkirsch Likes this wine: 91 Points
Opened for a couple of hours and it got better with more air. enjoyable and probably not going to get better with more time.
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3/14/2022 - acheng wrote: 90 Points
Forgot I even have this bottle. Tasting quite new world but the peppery notes takes it back to old world. Drinking well now and no need to wait.
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2/18/2022 - AlphaMikeFoxtrot wrote: 92 Points
This is really good right now. Probably at peak.
Overripe strawberries, red plums, red cherry, tobacco, sandlewood, old leather, cracked black pepper and a hint of funk. Full bodied, mellow tannins. Hedonistic little old world gem. Blind, I would call it a Super Tuscan.
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1/29/2022 - dannyg Likes this wine: 90 Points
A hot vintage and feel the warmth in the wine. Slightly more extracted and tannic, dries in the mouth. Plenty of black jammy fruits to carry with low acidity. Drink up. Its time.
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12/21/2021 - Livonietisr Likes this wine: 91 Points
Deep garnet color. Medium intensity aromas of plums, prunes,dried blackberry, pencil shaving, tobacco. Wine is dry, rich, balanced, with medium acidity, medium resolved tannins, intense taste of cherry, prunes and tobacco. Long finish.
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7/13/2021 - nkirsch Likes this wine: 92 Points
really delicious. Opened for about an hour before drinking. first sip was fruity, smooth, just a hint of tannins on the finish. nice feel in the mouth, good aroma. very happy with this bottle
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11/22/2020 - wagging_tail wrote: 91 Points
Loves it
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10/24/2019 - CarpeDiem! Likes this wine: 92 Points
Well matured right bank in an excellent shape, considering the extremely hot summer that year. Fombrauge delivers quality in a reliable manner, but this vintage sticks out with a remarkable balance and finesse, melting sweet matured fruit, tobacco, caramel, toffee and liquorice, with nice roast aromas in the background. Bravo.
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5/14/2019 - Cellarslacker wrote: 91 Points
I don't normally like '03s, nor modern-leaning Bordeaux, but this was hard to argue with. Pretty bright ( limestone & clay, son!) and youthful. Plenty of spicy red fruit without the "brown note" that affects a lot of solar-vintage, modern Bordeaux with age. Okay, on with the glossy wine-porn adjectives: nutmeg, cardamom, tobacco, and tar – some barrel spice that makes me think of Vosne somehow. But darker and denser, of course. Mid-palate fruit profile is red cherry and and plum with some toffee and coffee. Yes, there's some alcohol on the nose, no doubt, and some prune/ dried fig – all expressing the heatwave vintage. I just think it's balanced (for now) by a stony, limestone coolness. Tertiary notes are there, but this is still primary and energetic. Some paté and brie rind notes to indicate evolution. Drink now (with food, and pop & pour might be better than letting this amp up in the decanter) until what, 2028?
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4/14/2019 - roelof.ligtmans@gmail.com Likes this wine: 91 Points
Almost three years since my last note, this wine has not changed much. The fruit is still very much in evidence, fully mature, fragrant & sweet. Nice sweet tannins in the rather ful taste, this is at peak now. And will probably hold a little while yet. Excellent!
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11/12/2018 - Willi Vinotti Likes this wine: 92 Points
This is an absolutely stunning QPR, immensely fragrant, light but long and mouth coating on notes of cloves, tobacco, cassis and blackberries. Superbly integrated tannins and wonderful roundness and elegance to it. Very much surprised also by the freshness, showing no signs of decline whatsoever. Pure pleasure.
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6/16/2018 - mac-eye Likes this wine: 91 Points
Nice, distinctive Bordeaux flavor. Modest yet evident oak, and significant fruit, although the fruit is fading compared to the acid. Likely just past the end of its window. Liked by the group, but not comparable to the 1990 Pavie tasted with it. Then again, it's much less expensive.
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4/27/2018 - PGB Likes this wine: 92 Points
Continuing to evolve nicely - only took an hour to come round. Very distinctive. Nothing from North America is comparable - notice that I didn't say better - just not comparable.
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12/21/2017 - JohnTelford wrote: 88 Points
Nice. Still plenty of dark fruit, leather, cedar, milky cocoa. Very short finish. I find it interesting the 2003 medocs have been very unfairly maligned and under rated. The right bank seems to continue to fall short. While not stewed, as some would suggest, this wine doesn't carry the spine needed to be really good. Now don't go throw it down the drain, it is still enjoyable ---but again a very short finish.
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7/17/2017 - nkirsch Likes this wine: 92 Points
Opened for about two hours but did not decant. First sips were good but a little light on flavor. Then wine opened up and had a very full mouthfeel. Could go another few years with this wine.
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1/4/2017 - chitowncdpguy wrote:
I'm sad that this was my last bottle. Terrific wine. Well-balanced, smooth, and long. Much the same as the last bottle: cigar box, red berry fruit, hints of vanilla, some earth.
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12/4/2016 - LeChapeau wrote: 92 Points
The fruit is toning down just a bit on this, but still plenty there. Secondary and tertiary notes starting to be more evident giving this some additional complexity. Mix of dark and red fruit, nose of cedar, leather and a bit of cocoa, long finish. Good grip, good structure, still some potential for future improvement, but ready to drink now in my opinion.
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11/20/2016 - Caruso Likes this wine: 90 Points
Ruby with slightly orange rim, plum, wet leather, tobacco, cherry, cedar, moderate intensity and medium bodied, still quite tannic. This is something to be watched. I don't believe in positive evolution, but this should hold for 3-5 years in cool cellar.
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8/22/2016 - vintman Likes this wine: 92 Points
One of my go-to value Bordeaux! 2003 Chateau Fombrauge drinking very well.
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4/16/2016 - mpdonnel Likes this wine: 91 Points
Decanted for two hours and then put back about 1/3 bottle for 2nd night. At first taste, ripe plum with some mocha and tobacco notes. Interestingly enough, I thought the oak became more prominent with time which was the opposite of some other notes. However it was fairly well integrated and not harsh. For those that find oak offensive I could see this going the wrong way, but I really liked the hints of cedar that it brought. On second night, I found the oak became a bit more prominent which brought my score down from 92. I'll drink my remaining bottles with a 1-2 hour decant over the next 2 years.
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4/9/2016 - Grinner wrote: 92 Points
PHMG WAG: Value Bordeaux (Chateau Lyon): This bottle, purchased on futures, was nearly perfect for what it was: "Value Bordeaux". After a 2 hour double decant there's crème de cassis, ripe plum, licorice, tobacco, and cedar. Tannins are integrated and the finish is juicy. Now-2021.
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1/9/2016 - PGB Likes this wine: 91 Points
Yes the oak is heavy but everything mellows two hours after opening. No sign of its oak and fruit fading yet but the tannins are not obtrusive. Plenty of room for evolution here and a wonderful wine to track over the next five years.
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11/8/2015 - Purple Tooth wrote: 91 Points
Damn I wish that this wine had less oak! Because otherwise, this is live! After 12 years, so sign of fading...Lots of good vibrant fruit, power and structure..Looong finish that is unfortunately heavily oak dominated. Drink at your leisure...
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10/27/2015 - Heather Smith wrote:
A horror show of clumsy flavours and heady alcohol. I enjoyed this 8 years ago and have watched it fall apart since. A second bottle was equally awful. Not scored (some people obviously like wine that tastes like this) but for me this is borderline undrinkable. I see no hope for this in years to come and the rest will be off to auction.
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10/24/2015 - Indybond Likes this wine: 89 Points
I think PURPLE TOOTH described this wine perfectly. Dense, sweet and New World with some potential to get better in three to five years. Near top of my list of good and affordable Bordeaux (not impossible to find even in Bordeaux). 14.5% ABV.
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10/22/2015 - Uncle John wrote: 91 Points
A very nice Bordeaux that is at its peak. Subtle notes of cherry and spice with fine tannins on the finish. Improved slightly after an hour of air. Very nice for a $30 purchase some 8 years ago.
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8/18/2015 - wDave wrote:
Last bottle. Enjoyed it very much. Everything there, fruit and all, nicely balanced. Tasting the same today, one day later.
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7/10/2015 - roelof.ligtmans@gmail.com Likes this wine: 91 Points
Peaking. Eminently drinkeable, still lots of fruit. Great nose, fruit-packed. Tannins softened and giving some fine-grained structure. Drawn-out finish suggests there is still some room for further development. Yum!
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3/27/2015 - Purple Tooth wrote: 91 Points
From a 375ML
A Californian French wine! Still youthful, very fleshy, sweet, and oak driven. In this bottle, secondary development is yielding cedar and pencil lead, giving it a Bordeaux signature. Good acidity to balance the sweet and keep it interesting. This stubborn wine should get better and better over the next 3 to 5 years.
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2/25/2015 - vintman Likes this wine: 92 Points
Wow! This wine is ready and excellent! Even better than what I remember since the last note I posted in Dec 2006. Such a very nice value Bordeaux. Absolutely delicious and enjoyable. Luckily, I have four more from this vintage to enjoy!
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2/7/2015 - khmark7 wrote: 90 Points
Much more elegant and classic overall, both in the aromatics and in the finish. This is very enjoyable, unfortunately my other bottles tasted very average. Cork variation?
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2/7/2015 - roelof.ligtmans@gmail.com Likes this wine: 90 Points
Very nice bottle. In French, this would be described as "gourmand". It is not an intellectual wine, not extremely refined, not difficult to understand. But it is fruity, mature, fragrant, and makes you want another glass - in other words, the bottle was finished rather quickly. What more do you want?
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12/5/2014 - Purple Tooth wrote: 91 Points
If you shelf that buzzing oak component by placing it out of the mind, the wine has a somewhat exotic and flowery bouquet of ripe fruit and new cedar, evolving into roasted espresso bean that jumps out of the glass. Its thick and voluptuous, with a syrupy and polished appearance. Lots of red raspberry and licorice on the palate with a bright, long, lingering dry finish with ample tannins. This bottle seems to be jusssssst starting to drink. Very nice for the price. Great QPR and somewhat overblown in style...I am very impressed with this value, from this wrongfully disrespected vintage. My only criticism: over-oaked...Drink it now with air, and through the decade...
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11/3/2014 - khmark7 wrote: 85 Points
A little too much new oak, as it smells like treated lumber. Palate is not very interesting. All that up front fruit has faded.
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10/30/2014 - DrinkBordeaux wrote: 90 Points
Needs at least a 2 hour decant to unwind. Red fruit, chocolate, spice, pencil shavings, and a hint of cedar. Firm tannins and medium finish. No significant heat considering the 14.5%. Excellent value from St. Emilion.
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10/26/2014 - Zed57 wrote: 92 Points
Drink it now. It is amazing.. Big complex and yummy.
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9/21/2014 - dougie Likes this wine: 91 Points
Yum!
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9/6/2014 - capacious Likes this wine: 91 Points
Very good right bank- between 04 mouton and this, the table preferred the st Emilion, although I think better is to come for the mouton, and I'm not sure about the Fombrauge. Interesting consequence of pairing.
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8/7/2014 - Dids wrote: 90 Points
Drank over two days and refrigerated for second day.
Oak definately to the fore in this wine but nicely balanced with the fruit, the tannins are nicely integrating, but are a touch dry and a wee bit chewy. Vaniila and plums with milk chocolate, and those cedar notes poke through.
Lovely juicy plummy fruit to the fore, it's clipped by dryish tannins but balanced out with that smooth chocolate note. The finish is moderate but clipped by a spiciness. There is a vibrant acidity that carries the length though.
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7/26/2014 - becassine wrote: 90 Points
Please decant for an hour before drinking, drink at 14 degree, no reason for me to wait this wine any longer. Good over the next 3-5 years.
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6/20/2014 - dkfinancial wrote: 92 Points
Ready to go and delicious. Enjoyed over 2 hours. Toasty dark chocolate and plums on the aroma. With about an hour in decanter, become more plummy, and bits of cedar were poking through. Impeccable balance. A very well made wine, and delicious. Now to 5+ years, easily. But, why wait.
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6/1/2014 - roelof.ligtmans@gmail.com Likes this wine: 90 Points
Fine Bdx, surprisingly fresh in this hot vintage; Totally ready now.
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5/24/2014 - Pour Boy wrote: 92 Points
Close to perfect expression of Right Bank Bordeaux and a great value too. Purchased as a future for $25 and have been patiently cellaring.
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5/23/2014 - capacious Likes this wine: 91 Points
Soft, the fruit comes across nicely muted, without the odd burnt or whatever that comes with some of the 2003s. We love the right bank and this suited our expectations.
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5/17/2014 - dougie Likes this wine: 90 Points
Decanted for an hour. Smoothed out after a couple hours. Beautiful Bordeaux.
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5/13/2014 - johnwine Likes this wine: 91 Points
Ripe and ready Bordeaux!
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4/21/2014 - chitowncdpguy wrote:
Singing now. Tasting notes much the same as the last time - cigar box, vanilla, red berry with wonderful balance. If this had a longer finish it would be absolutely spectacular. But now, in a really great spot.
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4/17/2014 - capacious Likes this wine: 91 Points
One of the best and most "normal" 03's. No sign of the heat, no edge, just a very smooth St Emilion that is fully mature and a delight. Loved it.
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12/18/2013 - Jeff Leve wrote: 87 Points
Medium bodied, oaky, with a licorice, jam and black cherry personality, this is past its best years and requires consumption.
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12/17/2013 - dougie Likes this wine: 90 Points
Decanted. Opened up nicely after an hour.
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11/18/2013 - konadog Likes this wine: 91 Points
kirsch, tobacco, tannins are quite smooth
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9/15/2013 - capacious Likes this wine: 89 Points
Better than the first we opened a few months ago and some at table,preferred this to the 96 ducru. Nicely balanced almost edging on a sweet note- a little light but enough there to handle a big juicy burger and caesar salad. Good value and ready
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8/11/2013 - roelof.ligtmans@gmail.com Likes this wine: 89 Points
Incredibly dark colour, turning brownish at the edges. Sweet nose, somewhat simple. Fresh attack, some grippy tannins in the mid-palate - not at the finish! Sweet & savoury nuances, thick mouthfull. Finishes short. The 2003 heatwave has put its mark on this wine, but altogether a nice bottle to drink or keep a little. Should be great with spicy food.
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7/27/2013 - gontiere Likes this wine: 89 Points
La robe est rouge, sombre, très opaque. Le nez assez alcoleux et légèrement fruité (compotée de fruits rouges assez mûrs), herbe coupée, relativement discret. La bouche est pleine, ronde, assez puissante sans que cela soit désagréable. La compotée de fruits rouges revient en force, suivi de la prune et du pruneau, puis les épices type girofle. Beau vin, en pleine maturité.
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5/18/2013 - Hschmitz wrote: 93 Points
Flot flot flot
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3/17/2013 - wineismylife Likes this wine: 92 Points
WIML92
Tasted non blind. Opened and decanted one hour before serving.
Garnet color in the glass, clear looking throughout. Nose of flowers, currants, berries and plums. Flavors of berries, plums and a dash of currants. Medium acidity, medium tannin, full bodied. Drink or hold. Drinking very nice right now.
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3/5/2013 - TonyTiger Likes this wine:
A nose of coffee and spices allows the wine to dance and sing. A pleasant palate with completely resolved tannins and enough acidity to bite through beef. A good wine at a reasonable price. One of the "sleepers of the vintage" if I'm not mistaken.
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2/4/2013 - khmark7 wrote: 86 Points
You can smell the ripeness, but the palate is well structured, elegant and maybe a bit sharp. Curious if this wine was better in it's youth, as the faded fruit doesn't reveal anything interesting.
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1/26/2013 - spo wrote: 84 Points
Dusty with leather and fruit in the background. A sharpness that keeps it from being anything more than good.
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1/21/2013 - chitowncdpguy wrote:
This has transitioned from youthful exuberance to a mature well-balanced wine.
Cigar box, soft vanilla and red berry fruits on the nose, with plummy flavors, a bit of tar, some slight gravelly minerality. Well balanced. Nice. Medium length finish.
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12/15/2012 - cadel Likes this wine: 89 Points
Mooi versmolten maar eerder wat vlakke smaak momenteel. Nog heel wat potentieel.
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12/14/2012 - Janstan wrote: 88 Points
at restaurant, good with lamb shank, tannins laid down quickly, nice fruit
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11/25/2012 - briquette wrote: 88 Points
ok. about what I expected. tannins a little strong for my taste.
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11/16/2012 - CIAgrad86 wrote: 93 Points
Very good
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7/31/2012 - Heather Smith wrote:
Brash but drinking rather well.
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6/3/2012 - dougie wrote: 90 Points
Decanted for an hour and a half. A bit too prune and extracted at the beginning. Mellowed and filled out after two hours of drinking. Would like to wait several years, but it may quickly fade away after that.
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4/26/2012 - lagrein wrote: 90 Points
Still a very dark, chewy red with considerable weight, but gaining considerable elegance.
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4/11/2012 - LeChapeau wrote: 92 Points
This one has really blossomed! Cassis, forest floor, and powdered cocoa mark the elegant nose on this wine while the palate is rich with fruit, nicely integrated tannins, and a long finish. Plenty of power here and, as good as it is now, I think it will get better over the coming years.
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2/11/2012 - LeChapeau wrote: 92 Points
The nose on this is a bit mild, but a nice mix of casis, cedar, and a slight green edge. It really explodes in the mouth though! Rich, full bodied, and wonderful fruit, with a still strong tannic backbone, and a l-o-n-g finish. Held up to a steak dinner beautifully. This one is drinking well now, but will definitely get better over the next 5 to 10 years.
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2/6/2012 - Counselor Chris wrote: 92 Points
Quite delicious. The fruit has mellowed compared to earlier years, and there is more balance of the dark fruits with substantial tobacco leaf, pencil lead and toast. Not traditionalist Bordeaux, but not Napa Valley either, and great value for the dollar.
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11/22/2011 - chitowncdpguy wrote:
Very nice. The nose has cigar box, lead pencil, smoke, and some red berry fruit. On the palate more of the same but with the red berry fruit replaced by plums perhaps and with some salty minerality. Some dusty tannins still. Long pleasant finish with the cigar box flavors becoming dominant.
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11/13/2011 - thebonnydooner wrote: 91 Points
enjoyed this - again rated 91 - similar to prior bottle showed a nice earthy cherry note, this time with a hint of iodine. Fresh and juicy on the palate, just a little earth, nice ripe currant and cherry fruit with a good bite of acidity - still some tannins to resolve.
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10/20/2011 - JMillah wrote: 90 Points
deep ruby, almost purple color. Aromas and flavors of coffee, toast, blackberry, and mocha. Firm tannins with a little heat
on the finish. If I was tasting this blind, I would have guessed Napa. Not as elegant or refined as I was hoping but the wine
has stuffing. Might evolve well with a few more years in bottle.
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9/28/2011 - ksmith wrote: 89 Points
Dark purple, some visible cloudiness. Nose of cedar, pencil lead, tar, blackberries. On the palate, there is dark fruit, bramble, gritty tannins and ends with licorice. I have the feeling this still has a long way to go; maybe it will get better, but there is sufficient fruit as well as tannin to last a while longer.
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9/4/2011 - JMeski wrote: 89 Points
Deep, dark purple, like an arterial blood sample. Strawberry jam and cherry compote on the nose. Bit boozy. Soft graphite and mild leather.
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9/3/2011 - pm94 wrote: 91 Points
Wonderful bouquet; medium weight with a soft finish; overall an enjoyable wine at a good price
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8/4/2011 - dougie wrote: 91 Points
Drank over 4 hours. The last hour was the best. Actually became quite ready at that time. Excellent QPR at $26.
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7/4/2011 - AnonymousZeek wrote: 91 Points
A bit surprised this was so great for an 03 Right Bank. Not overly ripe. Just perfect and very drinkable. Not one to forget in the cellar, but happy to still have the better part of a case. Drink!
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5/1/2011 - robertdtwo wrote: flawed
Corked; I purchased this as an aged offering and have no idea how it was stored before it got to me.
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4/17/2011 - thebonnydooner wrote: 91 Points
Really nice. Dark and ripe, complex yet fresh nose, earthy with nice currant and dark cherry fruit. Dry, with fresh tasting currant and cherry plum fruit, this has great acidity, tannins are not obtrusive and the finish is nicely long. Overall a really nicely drinking St Emillion. No rush to drink, but this is drinking well.
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4/6/2011 - robertdtwo wrote: 86 Points
I bought this last week as an aged bordeaux for immediate consumption; not too happy I was charged $35. Oak still a large presence; this is not as soft as I thought an 8-year old StE might be. Pleasant enough; but I'll bet this was pretty raw when it was released.
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3/19/2011 - chitowncdpguy wrote:
Decanted for a couple of hours, but not sure it changed that much. Seemed much the same from my initial taste.
Oaky nose with a little red berry fruit. Minty on the palate, soft minerality, soft red berry fruit, maybe a little more oak, smooth, long finish.
Outstanding.
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1/4/2011 - ThMeyer wrote: 87 Points
This wine didn't impress as much as it did in the past. Vanilla flavours dominate, the alcohol (14.5) spikes and it's just trying too much, almost port-like. Didn't decant, so that might have had something to do with it, but the previous bottle (opened 2 years ago) showed much better...
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10/22/2010 - ELH wrote: 89 Points
Decanted for an hour and funneled back into the bottle. Plum, chocolate, black cherry in a soft, almost tannin-less brew. Comforting and warm, the wine equivalent of meatloaf. Not a lot of structure or high drama. Just thoroughly enjoyable. Paired well with grilled lamb. In its drinking prime? Great QPR.
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10/21/2010 - John wrote: 88 Points
this wine has yet to disappoint me. was the perfect match for NY strip peppercorn sauce steak. just got another case and a half
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9/5/2010 - Pour Boy wrote: 91 Points
Placed second in a Bordeaux tasting. Still young. Great bouquet. Mouth-watering finish.
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8/29/2010 - Ekoostik wrote: 90 Points
Quite nice tonight and my best experience so far. Seemed fairly open tonight while still quite young. It seems to have the stuffing just maybe not the laser precision those digging deeper are seeking. Might not have the acidity for super long aging but nice wine for the short term and a great value at $20. Not overoaked, nor overripe at this point (but still modern and very a 2003). The window seems to be opening on this one?
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7/4/2010 - vintage61 wrote: 90 Points
Much better than I remembered. Drank fron Susans cellar with dinner at her house. Very dark eggplant color to the rim. Full bordeaux palate of dark fruit, cassis. Excellent balance and structure. Nothing subtle here, clo not know if this will develop secondary and teritary flavor or not, but I assume it has plenty of years ahead.
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5/21/2010 - Loren Sonkin wrote: 89 Points
Ch. Fombrauge Vertical (Kemp's): Flat appearance. The nose is nice but unremarkable. Cherries. On the palate, soft tannins. Black cherries. Seems mature and ready to drink. I would not hold this although there is no immediate hurry. A nice black cherry snap and some heat on the finish.
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5/14/2010 - Ambrose wrote: 90 Points
Pomegranate and a little orange rim coming up.
Nose of white chocolate, black cherry and dates with trace of orange peel, dry earth, very smokey nose with cedarwood followed by plum, strong old leather and cigar, very old world.
Little fruit, harmonious with tannin backbone and little acidity, full, leathery palate and finish. Medium meat-juice finish with hint of cedarwood.
Later showed bouquet of cassis, smoke, fresh cut wood, flowers and red meat. with meat and leather palate and finish.
Excellent QPR 2003. The nose is better than the palate.
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5/13/2010 - WDK wrote: 93 Points
This was so much better than the other bottles I had. Nose of blackberry and graphite, a medium body and perfect balance all around. Rich flavors of blacberry, plum and coffee. Great mix of fruit, acid and tannin. Long, lip smacking finish.
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5/8/2010 - John wrote: 91 Points
another awesome bottle. this is the QPR from the 03 vintage!
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4/24/2010 - jasonmckni Likes this wine: 91 Points
Intense.
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4/14/2010 - ThMeyer wrote: 90 Points
Superb nose of dark fruit, kirsch liquor and a bit of vanilla. Very beautiful and intense. The palate is equally expressive, with some leathery notes and cassis together with dark cherries and blackberries. The finish is a bit drying (wood?) and the level of acidity is fairly low. Still a very good wine, but I liked the nose a bit more than the palate.
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4/12/2010 - WDK wrote: 87 Points
Expressive nose of currant and blackberry. Plavors of plum and currant. Overripe, sweet and flabby on the med finish. Not particularly Bdx-like.
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4/8/2010 - Ambrose wrote: 88 Points
Dark pomegranate.
1st nose displayed a complex bouquet of dates, prune, and an interesting sweet and savoury hint of cooked meat in marmalade, followed by strong floral and sweet berry notes. Muscular and tannic, but with a lot of subtle flavours. Short to medium finish with hints of sweet prune with savoury meat
After 1-hr decanting,
The nose was floral, with strong cedarwood and meat. P & F: Very mild fruit, muscular with some but not enough acidity, medium to full bodied. Medium finish of strong cedarwood and meat
Will decant for longer next time. Very muscular and tannic at the moment, but I can feel the loads of subtle flavours and its potential...It can be a monster after 2 years in cellar. Very individualized, it will be excellent.
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4/5/2010 - jmht wrote: 89 Points
Plum and smoke on the nose; same + truffle on the palate. Mid-palate fruit seemed jammy (03 vintage?), but tannins seemed to balance okay. Better with food than on its own.
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3/29/2010 - johnwine wrote: 91 Points
This wine is drinking beautifully with fleshy, seductive and full bodied fruit.
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3/5/2010 - Cloverstudio wrote: 89 Points
Still evolving. It offered something different on opening, after 1 hr., 2 hrs., and on day 2. A very nice wine with upside ageing potential.
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3/1/2010 - D@vidsWine wrote:
Popped and poured. This had a nice dark purple coloring which became a more ruby color toward the edges. Tannic and young but possessing great fruit, this wine should be decanted for a few hours or given more time to age. It has solid tannins and ample acidity but a long finish. I don't mind my right bankers having this level of fruit as long as the acid and tannin are in balance. All of these are certainly present here. At this point it's a bit monolithic but since it's still very tight, I think it could be great in the future. ***
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2/14/2010 - djreme wrote: 92 Points
Don't rush to drink this quite yet. Very nice, and got better as the night went on. Decant 1/2 hour. Got 3-4 years left or more.
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2/11/2010 - djb wrote: 88 Points
checking back after 18 mos. some improvement, mainly in texture. there is still plenty of fruit, but also still plenty of oak...a bit more than i'd prefer. there's also a hint of heat on the finish, even served at cellar temp. has good depth and some right bank character (in the most modern sense). Not sure how much upside there may be, but it's certainly tasty on the most basic level.
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2/2/2010 - John wrote: 90 Points
of the 12 I've had this was the best yet. the oak has integrated nicely
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1/31/2010 - Loren Sonkin wrote: 91 Points
Merlots on a Saturday Afternoon: Inky purple in color. The nose has dusty dark cherries with just a hint of funk. A soft velvety texture. Sweet black fruit on the palate in the boysenberry vein. Lots of tannins. From the ripeness and the tannins, I guessed 03. I really liked this wine and it got better all afternoon. Interesting to see how the 03's are ageing. Perhaps a bit rapidly, but perhaps not. Still confusing. Worth opening a bottle and enjoying right now.
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1/25/2010 - MLD70 wrote: 90 Points
Decanted 20 min, drunk over an hour. Delicious! Beautiful aromas of barnyard and dirt in typical French fashion, but ripe 2003 fruits abound. Won't get better with more age I expect.
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12/25/2009 - chitowncdpguy wrote:
Rich red fruit, a hint of leather amidst some earthiness. Dusty tannins become apparent on the lengthy finish.
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10/12/2009 - chitowncdpguy wrote:
This seems to be getting even better. Outstanding.
Decanted about 90 minutes. Very dark red, with a little hint of bricking. Dark fruit and black cherry with a little toasted oak on the nose. Mouthcoating feel with more dark fruit and dusty tannins. Good acidity. Long finish starting out with the fruit and ending on mineral and spicy black pepper notes.
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9/4/2009 - MatthewF wrote:
From a 3L bottle. Double decanted 2 hours before dinner and then decanted 1L at a time at the restaurant. Deep red color. Dark/ almost black cherry and plum aromatics with a good bit of dark chocolate and coffee. Lush and creamy on the palate with some nice grip and spice on the backend. Surprisingly very enjoyable for a wine this young from a larger format.
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8/23/2009 - John wrote: 88 Points
Jamie M forced my to open this as he has been pounding his 03's. This was singing right out of the gate. Kinda new world on the nose but very much a BDX wine. No need for a decant. just pop and pour. This has lined up to be the QPR of the vintage for me. I'll be looking for more
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8/22/2009 - tgampp wrote: 91 Points
Nice... Could use another year before opening
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8/11/2009 - johnwine wrote: 91 Points
The color of this wine is still a young, grapish purple. The nose reminds me of red cherries and dried cherries with a hint of sweet blueberry. The taste has a ripe, concentrated fruit that fills the mouth with silk like flavors of black cherry tart, cherry pie and cassis. There is still some tannin to be resolved and a bit of acid but by and large the wine is becoming balanced. The finish is long on sweet, ripe, silky cherry jam. Delicious!
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8/2/2009 - roelof.ligtmans@gmail.com wrote: 88 Points
Colour showing some development, as does the nose (dark fruit). Modern style, but typical Bdx. Medium length. Crunchy tannins promise further development, but if you like'm young, start drinking.
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4/11/2009 - Ekoostik wrote: 88 Points
I dont think this wine is really open right now. Smoke and earth on the nose, quickly taken over by some tartness, acid and tannin. Ive been drinking too many new world wines lately apparently. I think this will get better but now is not the time.
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4/7/2009 - chitowncdpguy wrote:
Wow this is good. Popped and poured. Dark ruby in the glass with a slight bit of bricking. Berry fruit on the nose and earthy. On the palate, there are hardly any signs of tannin in this bottle - silky tannins if any. Dark fruit, maybe a little bit of vanilla. Medium length finish showing a little more of the tannins, but still very well resolved.
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3/4/2009 - bmr67 wrote: 88 Points
Based on other notes, decided to check; on opening nice big bouquet - slighly floral, lots of plum; not a lot of acid but acceptable. Thick mouthfeel but a tannic finish. A bit smokey, solid body of fruit. Nice enough, but personally I'm not sure where it's going. 86 points
Second day, better balance, acid showed better and tannins smoothed out. 88 today.
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2/27/2009 - DavidK wrote: 85 Points
Vol rood met een licht waterig randje. Ik ruik scherpe, ruwe tonen van salmiak en wijnkistjes. Later wordt dit allemaal wat vriendelijker en ruik ik tabak, leer, hopjesvla, chocolade, gebrande suiker en getoast hout. Ook in de mond weer impressies van chocolade en mokka. Alcoholhitte en licht wat pruim. Wat je noemt een winterwijn: hier krijg je het nou echt warm van. Maar: waar is het fruit? Waar zijn de zuren? Verstopt achter de houten planken? Er zijn twijfels over waar dit nou precies heen zal gaan. 15,5/20
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2/21/2009 - chateaujochen wrote: 93 Points
This tastes a lot better then 8 months ago...this wine is just like a rollercoaster thrill ride,In the beginning it is very delicat and feminin and then out of the blue it transforms into a masculin powerhouse wine...glad I have this in my cellar...www.everyoneweb.com/chateaujochen
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2/2/2009 - spaciello wrote: 92 Points
It is very oakey, but I do like it. Definitely can use a few hours to breath.
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12/12/2008 - V2 wrote: 90 Points
Bouquet of blackberries on the cork. Has a distinct smokey plum to berry and oaky aroma. Still has a slightly lingering tannic finish, but goes very well with the roast duck leg my husband prepared for me! Definitely a wine that accompanies a hearty meal of prime rib or cheese. Should age well and will do better with cellaring.
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11/23/2008 - thijsseg wrote: 93 Points
realy great
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10/15/2008 - chitowncdpguy wrote: 90 Points
Popped and poured. Tasted over two nights. Dark ruby in the glass.
Night one: mild tannins evident immediately leaving a dusty aftertaste. Nose of shoe leather and dark fruit including plum and strong oak. On the palate more dark fruit. Medium length finish.
Night two: dusty tannins still present, but not as strong. On the nose now a strong scent of cherry vanilla combined with some dark fruits also. On the palate mostly dark fruit but a kind of pleasant vibrant taste. Medium length finish.
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10/12/2008 - ludwigbpm wrote: 87 Points
Matière sucrée et déséquilibrée. Pas mon style.
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10/2/2008 - Ivin wrote:
Way too much oak.
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9/1/2008 - noppakit s. wrote: 93 Points
More than expectation, this wine opens up very nice and beautifully, layers, delicious and long, deep finished. Every sip is really great impact. Full-dimensions...some mistake ?? Too good for this price !! 93-95/100
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8/30/2008 - vintage61 wrote: 88 Points
A little murky. Plum color with a slight muddiness. Barnyard and subdued dark red fruit. A tad hollow. Decent structure and tannin. Hopefully this is just is a funky state and will come around in time. Not bad, but a little disappointing. Will wait a year or two to try another.
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8/25/2008 - Tejano wrote:
Dark purple with a dark ruby rim and linear nose of ripe dark fruit with an edge of smoke and light oak...which with that came a light nuance of vanilla...the packaged aroma stayed firm and true to the course thru the evening. Very nice entry and fruit grip at mid palate that on opening an decanting was ready for business right away...a very solid package and a good tannic framework that enhanced rather than detracted...but towards the end this did seem to tighten up with more oak coming thru... For the money...a great value.
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8/25/2008 - wineismylife wrote: 90 Points
WIML90,PURPLE90
Tasted August 24, 2008.
Opened and decanted about 30 minutes to an hour before serving. Purple color in the glass. Nose of cocoa, cedar,espresso, potpourri and dark fruits. Flavors of black cherries., berries and white pepper. Medium to high acidity, firm tannins. medium to full body. I'd recommend an extended decant or continue to hold obviously.
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8/20/2008 - tbuysse wrote: 92 Points
Looking for the perfect QPR? Please do consider Fombrauge 2003.. Perfect wine that is drinking just fine now (after 1 hour of aereation). I am amazed by the delicate notes of earth, vanilla, chocolate and coffee that came out of the glass. This is a bodied, powerfull and sedcutive wine. Excellent work mr Magrez..
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8/14/2008 - msny98 wrote: 90 Points
Lovely little Bordeaux. Well worth the $$ paid. Good structure
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8/12/2008 - cormyr wrote: 93 Points
this is a stunning st emilion that is way too young. seriously, this needs about five more years. huge rich fruit and tannins, the right amount of toasted oak, long finish. this is a superior wine.
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7/27/2008 - SparkyL wrote: 89 Points
Decanted 2 hours. Nose: still tight at first - opened up in glass to reveal EARTH, cedar, flowers, cocoa. Good plum red/purple color - good viscosity.
Palate: Good body & semi-long finish. Quite dry, earthy, musty, smoky on solid red fruit with some spices and soft oak. Delicious bdx. Going to buy more. Good QPR, especially with bdx prices going crazy.
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6/11/2008 - djb wrote: 87 Points
This bottle may have been in an awkward phase. Plenty of ripe fruit, but the tannis became somewhat coarse with a little air, and the oak is definitely out of whack for my palate.
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5/26/2008 - WDK wrote: 91 Points
Rich and full with expressive nose, flavors of coffee blabkberry and chocolate.
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5/20/2008 - OneLastSyrah wrote:
($38) I picked this wine up last weekend thinking it was the 2005. Doh. Nice nose though. Slightly bottle sweet with chocolate dark fruit and herbs on the nose. Medium to full bodied. Concentrated and rather lush for Bordeaux. Black cherry and berry fruit. Good.
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5/16/2008 - KeithAkers wrote: 89 Points
bordeaux tasting (Binny's Highland Park): nose: a good amount of cab franc must have been used in this as the nose is a bit vegetal with roots, cedar, mixed berry tones, herbs and bits of cherry
taste: nice feel with herbs, vegetal tones, cedar, and berry notes
overall: an excellent wine and is one that I like to drink. Good weight and feel with a nice silky finish
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5/4/2008 - jmull wrote: 90 Points
Quick splash decant. Dark, without much if any lightening around the rim. Agree completely with earlier notes describing this as very much like an outstanding U.S. merlot more than a St. Emilion. Loads of rich espresso, a solid core of dark fruit and ample woodspice on the nose and palate. None of that is particularly unusual in a St. Emilion, but the boldness of the flavors struck me as very new world. Not that there's anything wrong with that, as I found this comparable in quality to pricier merlots from great producers like Shafer. Hard to do much better for $30 in Bordeaux or Napa, for that matter.
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4/25/2008 - KevinS wrote: 92 Points
Rock solid Bordeaux and a great value at this price. Obv my notes are more enthusiastic than others, but what's not to like? Great fruit and complexity, decent balance. Delivers the Americanized/Parker style without completely forgoing its Frenchness.
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2/16/2008 - wineshaman wrote: 89 Points
Mid level Bordeaux's( Richmond Wine Society 2/15/07) Spice, smoke and black fruits in the nose. Rich concentrated black fruits in the mouth, with a good dose of oak and a long tannic finish. Should only get better.
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12/31/2007 - KeithAkers wrote: 91 Points
ending the year in style (chicago, ward's apartment): nose: a lot of cedar along with earth, roots, spice, and a bit of black currant. quintessential bordeaux nose
taste: real great grip and structure. nice amounts of cranberry, cedar box, tobbacco, and spice notes
overall: I'm a fan. this has grown a bit since the last time I had it and it really excels on the flavor profile and finish.
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12/27/2007 - Heather Smith wrote: 85 Points
Youthful. Ripe fruit and big tannin are in balance with acidity, but probably overoaked.
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12/7/2007 - Harry Cantrell wrote: 91 Points
garnet. Deep nose that opened and opened. Taste had a medium Merlot with a touch thin mid palate. But everything else is very good. Great QPR.
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11/23/2007 - chitowncdpguy wrote: 90 Points
I have to get more of this. Dark ruby in the glass. Decanted and drank after about an hour. Tannins still evident. Dark berry, a little bit of spice, and a little bit of licorice. Medium length finish. Very smooth.
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11/16/2007 - Harry Cantrell wrote: 90 Points
smoky nose from charred oak. Opens and opens in the glass. Fruits and spices in the mouth. Oak phobes will hate this, I like it.
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10/13/2007 - danibus wrote: 89 Points
More open than last year's bottle. Still, with lots of oak and roasted fruit, it lacks the characteristics of real Bordeaux, and may as well be Napa merlot, with its tasty midplalate of chocolate and dark berries. But at $25, I think of it as quality bargain Napa, and what's wrong with that?
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10/13/2007 - Faryan wrote: 85 Points
Too oaky for my taste
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10/12/2007 - cormyr wrote: 91 Points
consistent and gorgeous. hope you bought a case.
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9/30/2007 - MetFan wrote: 91 Points
Excellent QPR.
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8/26/2007 - chitowncdpguy wrote:
Drinking well now, but still showing a lot of tannic punch. Please wait....
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8/10/2007 - KeithAkers wrote: 91 Points
decanted for 2 1/2-2 hours. has a very nice light ruby color to it. almost like a dark pinot noir
nose: real good classic bordaux nose with some black currant, blueberry, a bit of cigar, and earth notes. Definitely smells young, but is a really nice boquet right now.
taste: really getting the blueberry and black currant on the mouth. Tannins are still very much alive. also getting a slight bit of cedar and cigar on the mouth. Leaves a nice pleasant finish
overall: really nice wine. This is drinking well right now, but you can also tell that it's pretty young, so it'd be great to see where this one goes by 2012. The taste is true to the nose, which is something that I really enjoy. The tannins dissapate pretty fast, which is also very nice. this is a really good effort right here and is well worth seeking out, especially for short term aging
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7/12/2007 - goldstein wrote: 92 Points
i rather like this. a little more licorice than i prefer, but for a cheap bordeaux, it done me good. bg
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7/4/2007 - BigGer wrote: 92 Points
This wine is front loaded. It opens with a huge nose, like entering a walk-in produce cooler. On the palette the lusciosness continues with ripe black cherries, musty end-of-season blackberries, and a smudge of old belt leather that lets you know you're not in California, Toto. But it all ends as quickly as it began, The finish is short and sweet, a peck on the cheek. This is the big swing and crack of the bat that lifts you up from your seat and drops as a two-base gapper. Satisfying, but for a moment there you thought it might go the distance. Not quite.
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7/3/2007 - pepper wrote: 91 Points
Decanted for an hour or so. First impression was its distinctively rich, earthy, and intense nose. Dominant flavors of plum and black cherry but very well balanced tannic structure and earthiness. This wine was enjoyable on its own but would be a knockout with hearty food. Compared with most other merlot-based wines I’ve had, this wine is more concentrated and multidimensional. If I had a case, I’d drink one or two a year and enjoy its evolution.
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6/14/2007 - vintage61 wrote: 90 Points
Excellent QPR. Deep opaque purple color with vibrant nose of dark fruits. Very primary, but still a delicious drink today. Assume this will shut down for a while and come back even stronger.
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5/18/2007 - Trblmkr wrote:
Beautiful nice rich dark plum coloring on this wine. First day: decanted for 2 hours before drinking. Strong nose on the first day. Taste was loaded full of tannin really leaving my mouth dry, even after drinking the first glass. 2nd day of decanting: Not so much nose on this today, can barely smell anything from it, even the taste was muted today. Would probably have been better had I drank it within 3-4 hours after opening it. Overall, I liked it and will have to purchase a few more bottles.
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5/4/2007 - lkatz wrote: 88 Points
not sure that I enjoy this wine...maybe needs more time
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4/27/2007 - FPNova wrote: 91 Points
Deep purple color and plum flavors to match coupled with a wonderful balance of tannins and acidity, and a hint of oak; nothing too over powering, and a very nice long rich finish. Plus it should get a bit better over the next 5 years. I will go and put a bit more of this one down for the future.
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4/21/2007 - Diane (LI) wrote:
Chocolaty, tannic, and great with a Porterhouse.
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4/17/2007 - Cahill wrote: 91 Points
Dark purple, decanted, 45 minutes prior to drinking, to aromas of berry and smoke. The smoke blew off fairly quickly. Terrific balance in the mouth, none of the tannins, acid, alcohol or glycerol are missing or overpowering, leaving a fresh sparkle of flavors in the mouth - mostly cassis and more exotic fruits (fig?) and spices. This wine will likely continue to evolve, but it is drinking quite well now.
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4/14/2007 - cormyr wrote: 92 Points
evolving very nicely. gorgeous nose, sweet, black fruits and bitter minerals. i believe its now past the awkward tight phase and its true colors are beginning to blossom. although drinking well now, needs more time. i will sit on my last few bottles for a while.
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4/1/2007 - ancientvines wrote: 94 Points
Still love this stuff. A great deal. Good fruit.
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4/1/2007 - cookie7 wrote: 90 Points
Note after 2 days in decanter. I really enjoyed this on the first day. 2 days later it has changed a bit, most likely for the better. Not quite as fruit forward as on day 1, but a lot of backbone of chocolate, meat espresso, and earth. Still young, but I would expect this has a bright future ahead of it.
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3/12/2007 - WDK wrote: 90 Points
Drank over the course of 2 days. This is a big wine with dark color, good nose, and full body. Lots of plum, dark chocolate and meat on the palate with nicely integrated tannins and a med-long finish. (Slightly better the second day). A great QPR from the right bank.
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1/14/2007 - KevinS wrote: 92 Points
Fantastic stuff -- powerful nose, forward flavors and complex palate. Really enjoyable, and showing none of the tightness noted by others. Will be seeking more...
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1/13/2007 - steffenpelz wrote: 89 Points
Dark red garnet color. Nose is very muted and does not give much of anything. On the palate, there is very good stuffing, and this certainly reminds me of classic garagiste St. Emilion wine with loads of plum and tobacco, but the oak may be a little more heavy at this stage than I prefer. Hence my "very good" rating rather than "outstanding". Feels a little like a good CA Merlot, although the rusticity and dryness give it away as Bordeaux, IMO. At the price I paid on futures, this is a superb QPR.
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1/10/2007 - SMG wrote: 90 Points
Did not decant. Young, needed about an hour of air to really drink well. Plums, black cherries and cassis along with a slight bit of smokiness. A medium-bodied wine with ripe fruit and nice tannins that should improve a little with some additional time in the bottle.
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12/10/2006 - Pacherant wrote: 92 Points
A well-produced wine with clear fruit, warm plums coming through nd nicely-used wood. A bit young to be drinking this as the flavours are still pretty primary at his stage. Some time should help theis settle into a very pleasant wine. For now a low 90's wine...
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12/4/2006 - vintman wrote: 90 Points
Tasted right after opening. Deep dark purple opaque color. Smoke masking the fruit on the nose. Bold fruit, very subtle enveloping the palate with bold tannins on the finish. I then decanted for 5 hours. Smoke and fruit balanced out on the nose. More elegance on the palate with alot of dark fruit and a hint of chocolate with a smoother finish and much more subtle tannin.
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12/3/2006 - Pacherant wrote: 89 Points
still a bit primary. Good fruit and decent structure, but an extra year would be interesting. I doubt it will ever be sublime.
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11/26/2006 - Ekoostik wrote: 88 Points
This one is a little bit puzzling. Huge smoke on the nose which just isnt allowing much fruit through. Medium bodied, not very dense/heavy but dark cherries are the dominant fruit. Very tannic and mouth drying right now. Wonder if/when it will come around?
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11/10/2006 - tanglenet wrote:
Bought today as a 375ml and popped for dinner. Always heard good things about the label and wanted to try. Red purple black in the glass; some cedar, cinammon, citrus peel and tennis shoes on the nose; tight, dark fruit on the palate with a dry finish. Never really unwound but this could be a very interesting wine with some age. Needs a least a year in bottle.
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11/4/2006 - thebonnydooner wrote: 90 Points
This is a very nice wine, drinking well already but with some upside. Dark in colour though with some garnet on the rim. Lovely nose, full of cherry and blackcurrant fruit but also lots of Bordeaux funk - meat, horse, herbs and licourice. Really like the complexity on the nose. Palate is medium to full bodied, ripe but with lots of tannins and lots of ripe currant and cherry acidity. If anything the end of the bottle was better than the beginning which bodes well for future development. This is my second 2003 Bordeaux and both have been excellent.
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11/2/2006 - Myownscale wrote: 78 Points
Nose:
coke
Palate:
tanning, coke, vanilla, wood, hard to get fruit, rough, might be something there with age, got better as it sat
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10/23/2006 - hcampana wrote: 88 Points
A trip to Bordeaux's Right Bank (Very long); 10/22/2006-10/30/2006 (Bordeaux, France): A cmpletely different wine than the la Croix de Beacaillou. This is defintiely in the modern camp. Very ripe fruit, very concentrated, thick with less aromatic complexity and more immediate palate gratification despite the obvious tannin. I like it, but reinforces my reputation as an "anti terroirist".
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10/15/2006 - Maverick wrote: 88 Points
Fruit and Smoke, (too much fruit for me) soft and tannic. Good not great.
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10/8/2006 - danibus wrote: 89 Points
I'd echo ac gunter. Would prefer more tannic backbone, but nice burnt sugar on the back palate, and well balanced fruit for short to midterm (4 years?) cellar defending.
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9/17/2006 - cormyr wrote: 91 Points
my second bottle i've tried. inky black-purple opaque. heavy on the oak and smoke. at first i could have mistaken it for a very good shiraz. initially disjointed, flavors began to integrate well on day two, however early signs of oxidation began to show up as well. i'm now thinking this: grapes too ripe, alcohol too high and not enough tannin and acidity to carry it for the long haul. still, this is a powerful wine that has the ability to impress. doesn't seem quite ready to drink yet however i'm just not sure how great it will be in a few years. hmm...
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7/16/2006 - John wrote: 88 Points
ok, the first bottle had to be a bad one as this was a real winner. typical 03 with tannis but covered up by the massive fruit. This is going to be amaizing but I doubt it is going to last that long!
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7/15/2006 - cormyr wrote: 93 Points
after 8 hours of aeration this puppy exploded with bouquet of violets, sumptuous ripe plums, subtle toasted oak and elegant minerals. tastes like a knockout st julien. long finish, some complexity, soft tannins, artistic balance, not too hot. drinking remarkably well so young. all this and 14.5% alcohol.
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7/1/2006 - AzorianMatador wrote: 92 Points
Part of a 2003 blind bordeaux tasting last night. I, sorry to say, mistook this for a St Julien. Big wine, loads of dark fruit, leather, chocolate, mint, not earthy and a long finish. The crowd favorite over LaGrange, Lynch Bages. This wine will gain in complexity for sure but the alchohol level concerns me over the long, long haul. Will try again in 5 years, should last 10-15 easy.
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5/28/2006 - AzorianMatador wrote: 92 Points
Excellent wine, much better on day two. Long finish, big, dark, bordeaux fruit. Great QPR--will buy more.
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4/22/2006 - TashNYC wrote: 90 Points
@ Zachy's Weekend Tasting: Showing nicely now. Lots of chocolate and some dark fruit, w/ fine & sikly tannins. Delicious!
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4/22/2006 - mmurry wrote: 90 Points
Blind Tasting (Farpointe Cellar): Deep ruby/purple. A sweet nose of plums, smoke, figs, and licorice. This is big one. Lots of dense fruit on the palate, as well as high alcohol. The finish is long and the tannins firm. A very good drink.
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4/11/2006 - East Dallas Wino wrote: 92 Points
smooth as silk, practically no tannin. full body, very velvety. soft cherries and nice oak on the finish. not over the top. after reading jvalanti's review, I can agree with a somewhat 'brown sugar' quality to it. nice and subtle wine.
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4/1/2006 - OneLastSyrah wrote:
($30) Not likely to be mistaken for a new world wine, but this still has excellent ripeness for Bordeaux. Characteristic aromas of old wood, slight menthol, plummy black fruit. Concetrated with slightly cottony tannins. Retasted in a few months.
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3/30/2006 - jvalanti wrote: 91 Points
Open for business for the first 1.5 hours, then a tannic wall emerged on the finish. Ripe without being over the top, no heat. Has the 'brown sugar' quality I found in the 2003 Puygueraud... I am sure brown sugar is not right, but that is how it comes across to me.... Anyway, very nice, and I will see what the 2nd half does on night two.
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3/27/2006 - MTC wrote: 92 Points
Day 1 very tight and tannic. Day 2 after putting the cork back it was surprisingly good. Still had a big finish. It has a lot of balance and a smooth middle.
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3/18/2006 - John wrote: flawed
no points given. a little, make that a lot disapointing. Thin, watery, green and acidic. What happened here? The 2001 blows this away in a landslide. I hope it was a bad bottle but even after 5+ hours in the decanter it was as bad as ever. Keeping my fingers crossed
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3/6/2006 - OneLastSyrah wrote:
($30) Favorite Producers at Taverna: Blind Red 5 - Bordeaux nose of cedar and pencil lead. A bit lean smelling. Rich soft palate. Good. I thought this was left bank. Nice value.
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