Bordeaux first-growth lunch: Wow this was so pale in colour and fresh on the palate that many thought this was post-2010. Despite the youthful appearance, thought it had plenty of weight and development so guessed a warmer vintage like '09 because of the obvious alcohol. Some straw and pineapple notes with a nice salinity. A better experience today than my previous one with this wine.
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White and champagne theme: So much oak that I thought this was new-world, less green than the Ygrec but the yellow fruits were so exotic that I didn't enjoy this. More acid than the Ygrec but had a grapefruit note was quite distracting.
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Blind. Immediately reminds me of Bordeaux blanc, oaked and rich Sauvignon Blanc. Bingo. Super hot fruit, 03 or 05 non-Haut Brion blanc? When compared to a few bottles of HB Blanc this is notably less rich, but a very good wine, especially with the seafood tonight. 92-93
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It's a light wheat color, not much change from the early years, if I recall. The nose is like a light, earthy sauvignon blanc. Not much fruit there, but it does exist. The palate is definitely mature. Wet stone, some earth, citrus, melon. In my opinion, she's approaching the end of her journey. A mild yet tart finish.
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Slight oxidation; not the best of my eight bottles. (I did refrigerate it for months, which I do not do as a rule, so I wonder about the effect on the bottle.) There are no great wines, only great bottles. This one was a little less than okay.
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Excellent white Bordeaux, 100% Sauvignon Blanc. Much better than the last few bottles from the same source. The vanillin oak is readily discerned and serves to round out the tart fruit. Nicely fragrant too. Seems almost young.
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Arguably Wine of the Night, at least for the dry whites, in a tasting of non-Chardonnay white wines of the world. A bit more flavor, more texture and richness than the others, but not by much. It’s no longer showing its oak and seems to be fading a bit but still very nice.
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White gold color. Nose is a terribly disappointing oxidized vanilla. However the palate surprises with perfect balance. In the mouth there is the usual vanilla, flowers, mineral and tropical fruits but delivered with a lightness that moves the whole mix up a notch. Outstanding. This was more than brilliant pairing with gas grilled Atlantic lobster tails.
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Delightful mature Pav Blanc, it’s medium daisy yellow, fresh but not sophomoric. Quite subdued aroma, it doesn’t smell like much, faintly pleasant. Surprisingly full and rich on the palate, good acidity, liquified white peach. No doubt the full on oak treatment here lends roundness to the texture and flavor. Enjoyable. But perhaps the terroir of the Médoc does not bless the white wines as much as Pessac.
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very nice not as oxidized as my last taste in 2014 but very mature and fortunately my last bottle ripe fruit is gone and we are left with a more toasted nut and dried fruit feeling and less of the sharp astringent citrus feel the younger version would give. I think it is past its prime but still interesting to drink but strangely a great counterpoint to food. I had planned on this as aperitif but it tasted better with a lamb curry - each enhancing the other
if I still had some remaining, I would consume now and explore with complex spices
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This was slightly oxidized. Drinkable, and not terrible with appetizers. One gets used to it, but the slightly sharp, slightly woody flavor overwhelmed this wine's usual characteristic attributes. But it was nowhere near Pavillon Blanc at its best. I wouldn't think it would be too old, but maybe.
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Drack så inga noter. Från magnum. Vilket vin. Måste köpa mer vit Bordeaux från bra producenter och bra år. Fortfarande ung, kan bero på magnumflaska men jag sätter mina pengar på fortsatt utveckling. 93+
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Pale yellow-gold color. Somewhat greenish on the nose, which I believe is a trademark of Sauvignon Blanc. Fleshy and creamy on the palate. Flavours of honey, flowers with some bitterness of herbs. Lively fresh with medium acidity. Medium body. Long pleasant aftertaste.
So amazingly fresh and young for its 12 years of age.
Quite rare monovarietal wine of Sauvignon Blanc by iconic Chateau Margaux in Bordeaux.
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My first encounter with this wine. Pleasantly surprised by the richness compared to the usual bone dry Pessac whites. Slightly oxidative notes, but rather sherry-like than post maturity. Loads of citrus (grapefruit!) on the nose, with additional hints of melon, honey and pineapple. A bit overoaked, not too disturbing though. Long, citrus finish. Drink within the next 5-7 years.
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This bottle is proof how well oak marries with Sauvignon Blanc. Round and tinged with vanilla, it's far from the usual austere and shy white Pessac its neighbors to the south usually are. As delicious as it is, the oak eventually becomes a bit tiring, though.
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Had a ton of these that were over the hill, happily this was not. However, it also wasn’t particularly impressive. It was “interesting” and appreciated a different flavor profile for pairings, but that’s about the most I can say for this wine. I greatly enjoy Pavillon Blanc when it’s on, but for whatever reason, ’05 has been a let down in recent years, consistently.
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Light yellow hazy golden; fresh nose, hint of butter, but overshadowed by sherry-type notes; fresh attack, sherry present (slight oxidation) but not overwhelming; long aftertaste; has probably seen better days, but still fresh which mitigates the oxidation
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HDH Bordeaux Auction; 10/30/2015-10/31/2015 (Chicago, IL): Compared to the Laville I had earlier, this has a lot more grassiness, suggesting a higher proportion of sauvignon blanc? The oak here leaves a lot more astringency, but fortunately the freshness and green from the sauvignon blanc does save it a bit. I feel that the acidity's a bit lacking here, but there's really good concentration. A bit softer on the minerality than I'd prefer, though.
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With a nose of fresh squeezed citrus, honeysuckle, vanilla and grapefruit in the nose, the wine is fresh, lively and packed with sweet lemons that offer bracing acidity with sweetness.
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Pop and pour over a few hours. Grapefruit, melon, flowers and some varietal cat pee on the nose. Dry palate with restrained fruit and a touch of astringency. Perhaps a little saline/Manzanilla character. Light in body. Subtly structured with pleasing minerality on the fairly long finish. Sniffing the empty glass reveals sweet white flowers and a touch of oak.
Elegant, clearly well-made, but underwhelming, especially at this price point. I was hoping for more concentration and punch. Maybe I should stick to the Graves. Will keep, but further improvement seems doubtful.
Note that this is 100% sauv. blanc, not a semillon-sauv as stated above. Not sure how to report this to the webmasters.
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Medium yellow. Expressive nose of white fruit, butter, oak, almonds and flowers. Medium bodied palate with good mid mouth presence and balance. Long, aromatic finish. A very nice wine, if served blind, I could easily tricked into not only guessing the wrong grape (the soft, full bodied nature points to Chard) but also the wrong place (the buttery nose and the mid mouth feel could point to a Calif Chard like Monte Bello white).
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Opened a glass via Coravin. Beautiful sappy golden colour, with ripe greengage on the nose and hint of hazelnut. Slightly understated at this point, and open in the glass it began to expand to give more citrus and firmness. Good for many years yet.
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A waxy quality, with pineapple, ginger and honey notes predominant. Long finish. Best at around 55-60 degrees. Expensive when I bought it and nearly double the price now, I wish it were not priced so dearly, but it is excellent white Bordeaux.
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Outstanding bottle. Pale golden straw color. Better as it warmed. Paired with a meal of simple pan-seared ribeye, asparagus, and sauteed mushrooms. Good to the last drop.
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A bit more gold in color than prior bottles. This was oxidized (sherry-like nuttiness) and had an oily palate at the back end and lacked any typical fruit. I feel if I were blind tasting I might call it a sherry so it is clearly flawed but if your in the mood for such a thing it is still quite drinkable but nowhere near a the white bordeaux I was hoping for. I am in great doubt about my last bottle but I did purchase a half case on release and the first 4 were excellent.
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Once again I mistakenly served this too cold. When will I ever learn that dry white Bordeaux, more than any other white wine, is best at, or very near, room temperature? This wine is delicious. Shy, tender yet full of peach and apricot flavor. It's gentle yet complex, but you have to search it because it is not coming out to greet you.
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Pale yellow/straw robe. Creamy biscuit and waxy nose. Long finish which veered around pineapple, green apple, creamy biscuit, oak spice, vanilla. Delicate and lacy. Delicious and went well with our scallops. Still seems a bit tight/young will save my second bottle for a few more years...
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The color remains pale and the aromatics of coriander and white flowers with a touch of tropical fruit (guava? mango?) are present. The acid balances the fruit on the palate. None of the oak spice (vanilla etc) is noted today and I miss that some. Still excellent for me but not the outstanding shocker that my first bottle held for me. I agree with some others regarding price/value but tonight I was proud to serve this as a starter and it got the evening off to a great start.
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Very subtle, very gentle, very beautiful. Shy and lovely. Melon and white flower. Not the intensity of the white Graves to the south but M. Pontallier fashions something just as compelling from his lighter soil.
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2009 Bordeaux ( and Margaux Blanc, Alpha Omega Late Harvest) (My Home): This is ok but hardly worth the money IMO. It did get better with a few hours of air though. Green gold in color. The nose has lots of vanilla, wax, minerals and some lemongrass. On the palate, Lou noted some nuttiness which I did not get. Oily texture which I like. Still a good amount of oak which is outlasting the fruit here it would appear. If this was $20, I would be singing its praises, but I think it cost closer to $80.
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Dallas Offline - Great Hosts (Nice Italian Place - Name Undisclosed): Popped and poured. Nice nose of white flowers, mineral, herbs, citrus, and honeydew melon. On the palate, tart citrus, melon, herbs, vanilla, mineral. Finishes a little bitter but with great acidity. I would be holding this at least 5 years if I had more. I think it needs the time, but it was a great experience and something I would seek out again.
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La Commanderie de Bordeaux à Vancouver - 35th Anniversary Spring Gala (Four Seasons Hotel): Warm and waxy on the nose with citrus and tropical fruit notes with hints of oak. Flavours of citrus, stones and melon with just a touch of minerality. In the mouth it’s medium bodied with nice acidity and good length. I really like this. If I was to nitpick it would be that this could use a tad more energy on the palate. It’s not flat by any means, but it could use some liveliness. This is drinking very well right now and should continue to do so for 5+ years. Excellent.
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Even in the dumb phase in which this wine is currently, it is an outstanding sauvignon blanc, but a little watery atm; I would recommend another year or so sideways before opening another.
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I can only agree with the other reviewers. What a stunning white wine. Citrus, vanilla, melon, intense minerality and some candle wax. The taste is simply delicous.
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This is an outstanding white wine that I've always loved to drink (except when corked, like the last bottle, but oh well). Christmas Day dinner: roast chicken, wild rice, veggies: perfect!
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Served with Nantucket scallops, an excellent pairing. A pale straw color in the glass, there are notes of citrus, some light vanilla, melon. This is a wonderfully complex wine. Lots of wonderful layers of fruit and flora without being overpowering at all. In fact, it's quite delicate.
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Not at all the same as my first bottle. Popped and poured, with the oak-y vanilla and a sauterne-like nose (...is it oxidized?) I found it still had a nice flavor that had fruit but was hard to describe. Srved with salmon and caviar canapes (by Maria) and still a very nice to drink . But its so different from the first I do not know how to rate it. I will just have to taste my other bottles t break the tie!
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Rounded out considerably since last year, this is a superb food wine capable of pairing with many diverse flavors. Tonight paired it with diver scallop, foie gras, and mushrooms -- everyone was going gaga over the pairing, the wine is a real crowd-pleaser. To my palate, this could use a little more time to integrate the oak, but it's certainly delicious today.
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This was the favorite at my Bordeaux dinner party (except for me, I thought the 2002 Pavie was the best). no formal notes, but mineral and beautiful depth and complexity. Almost full bodied. I love this wine and wish I had a case.
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Lovely aromatics: sandlewood, vanilla, coriander, faint tropical note of mango Palate Well balanced acidity and fruit. I don't get the creaminess of other Cellartrackers but this follws through with a lengthy pleasing finish. Very temp dependent. Sweet spot is about 50 degrees Rockin' White! 5+14+17+9=95
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I am not well versed with white bordeaux, so not many comparisons. The nose was delicate with notes of rose petals, light citrus, honeydew. The wine itself was wonderful. We had it with a caviar and lump crab appetizer at Joel Rubechon in Vegas. A great, great pairing. The same floral tones were very evident in the wine. Other very slightly sweeter flavors evolved as the wine opened up. Hints of vanilla, creme brullee. To me, this drank like a cross between sauvignon blanc and white burgundy - it has more depth and structure and a fuller mouth feel. Bottom line, a great great pour.
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Yes: VERY floral, and lovey. The waxy quality seems so specific to Pavillon Blanc. As the bottle, resting in ice, warmed throughout dinner, I was increasingly reminded of yellow cake with buttercream frosting: it's that rich, though not at all a dessert wine. Pricey stuff, but a wonderful treat that I wouldn't know where to seek elsewhere.
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Wine Education Service Bordeaux Second Wines Tasting (LSE, London): Very floral. Honeyed apple and cream notes. Bit of toast. Fairly full and creamy in the mouth, very rich and mouthfilling. Wonderful honeyed finish. Well balanced, great food wine. You wouldn't guess this is 100% Sauvignon Blanc. Very moreish, but very pricey.
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At first, this bottle seemed muted and even a little dull. But the warmer it got, the better it showed. Not the power or weight of a top white Graves, it is a reflection of the soil of Margaux. The texture is perhaps the best part, as thick as whole milk. Gradually, the waxy sauvignon blanc character revealed itself. Not overtly minerally or acidic. Deft touch of new oak which adds a bit of vanilla and structure. This seems completely ready to me and I doubt it will improve.
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Nose -nutty, light oak smell. stone fruits, and a touch of sweet smoke. an intriguing smell. It reminds me slightly of pine resin (sakiz) mouth - mid bodied, clean & lemon-lime flavor with hints of pineapple. Goes down much better chilled than room temp. Good minerality, and a nice tart and juicy finish
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Third bottle in two months, there is perfect acidity with the nectarine,lemon,pear, and honey apple mingled in this delicious ,rich and mouth filling soft gold jewel. Just had a case of the 2006 futures arrive and look forward to comparing.
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The crisp freshness is a testimony to the perfect acidity of the nectarine,lemon,pear, and honey apple that are mingled in this delicious ,rich and mouth filling soft gold jewel.
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This wine is about power, whereas the 2004 was a finesse wine. Over time, it's possible this will be the greater wine, but for now I much prefer the 2004 -- which I have had many times with consistent notes. I will not open another bottle for at least a year.
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This paired wonderfully with homemade Manhattan clam chowder -- heavy on the clams & garlic. The color of this wine is very, very light -- almost clear, with only a pale hint of subdued yellow. The nose is fresh, crisp, and slightly acid. On the palate, the wine is clean, with lemon, lime, pears, a hint of oak oil, vanilla, and a very lively and vibrant finish. We consumed this with our candlelight dinner -- prepared by our 9-year and 7-year olds -- and it was (like many great wines) -- gone in an instant. I really, really liked this wine. Lively, alive, citrus, and no bitterness -- none at all. Not heavy. Not cloying. Not over-oaked. Smooth, light on its feet, and wonderfully unique. A rare treat. I noticed it was even better after the food was finished. It really started to sing with complexity.
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Commanderie de Bordeaux (Rittenhouse Hotel (Lacroix)): When I stuck my nose in the glass, all I could mutter was WOW. A heavenly bouquet of white tropical fruits, flower, and oak. A rather full-bodied style, with a lush and rich texture, stunning concentration, and a crisp, focused finish.
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This is stunningly good sauv blanc; extremely floral but not sweet, a little toasty, but clean, rich and fascinating. Thick like light cream and luscious; i.e., not at all austere. Completely ready now. For perfection, could have a bit more acidity.
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This nuanced nectarine-nosed Sauvignon Blanc has perfect acidity and drinks deliciously right now. Wanted to try one of the six I purchased as futures. Golden and gorgeous this is a smooth, rich honeysuckle honey!
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I admit it - I have a sentimental attachment to all things Chateau Margaux after visiting the property and dining there with Mme. Mentzelopoulous in 2005. So probably the label influenced me. But there's no denying this is mighty fine Sauvignon Blanc (100%). Pale of course but some light yellow in the hue. Extroadinary bouquet for such a baby; first white and pink grapefruit peel, then a whiff of clean cool ocean air. Despite its delicate texture and weight, there is plenty of flavor, subtle but unmistakable. Flat out delicious and even lush in Sauv Blanc terms, I find it completely irresistible, like the shy but pretty girl who stands by the wall but once someone asks her to dance she becomes the one every boy wants to meet - and kiss.
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Too early for this one. High acidity-expect it will be another beauty as it develops in a few years. I love the delicate flavors that come out in this wine. BTW the 01 is a home run right now.
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2005 Bordeaux en Primeur; 3/26/2006-3/28/2006 (Bordeaux France): En Primeur tasting. Very rich and forward with excellent concentration, showing grapefruit zest and honeycomb.. More power than elegance, I would think this best to drink young, 2010-2015.
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2/2/2024 - melvinyeowq wrote: 93 Points
Bordeaux first-growth lunch: Wow this was so pale in colour and fresh on the palate that many thought this was post-2010. Despite the youthful appearance, thought it had plenty of weight and development so guessed a warmer vintage like '09 because of the obvious alcohol. Some straw and pineapple notes with a nice salinity. A better experience today than my previous one with this wine.
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9/2/2022 - melvinyeowq wrote: 90 Points
White and champagne theme: So much oak that I thought this was new-world, less green than the Ygrec but the yellow fruits were so exotic that I didn't enjoy this. More acid than the Ygrec but had a grapefruit note was quite distracting.
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10/2/2021 - hprphf wrote: 93 Points
Blind. Immediately reminds me of Bordeaux blanc, oaked and rich Sauvignon Blanc. Bingo. Super hot fruit, 03 or 05 non-Haut Brion blanc? When compared to a few bottles of HB Blanc this is notably less rich, but a very good wine, especially with the seafood tonight. 92-93
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8/26/2021 - Burgnick wrote: 87 Points
Slight oxidation. Butterscotch, herbs, and baked apple. Very overpriced.
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4/8/2021 - DonWinspear Likes this wine: 90 Points
It's a light wheat color, not much change from the early years, if I recall. The nose is like a light, earthy sauvignon blanc. Not much fruit there, but it does exist. The palate is definitely mature. Wet stone, some earth, citrus, melon. In my opinion, she's approaching the end of her journey. A mild yet tart finish.
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8/7/2020 - prism wrote: flawed
Slight oxidation; not the best of my eight bottles. (I did refrigerate it for months, which I do not do as a rule, so I wonder about the effect on the bottle.) There are no great wines, only great bottles. This one was a little less than okay.
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1/14/2020 - sdr Likes this wine: 92 Points
Excellent white Bordeaux, 100% Sauvignon Blanc. Much better than the last few bottles from the same source. The vanillin oak is readily discerned and serves to round out the tart fruit. Nicely fragrant too. Seems almost young.
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9/14/2019 - sdr Likes this wine: 92 Points
Arguably Wine of the Night, at least for the dry whites, in a tasting of non-Chardonnay white wines of the world. A bit more flavor, more texture and richness than the others, but not by much. It’s no longer showing its oak and seems to be fading a bit but still very nice.
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8/3/2019 - theRealPepe Likes this wine: 94 Points
White gold color. Nose is a terribly disappointing oxidized vanilla. However the palate surprises with perfect balance. In the mouth there is the usual vanilla, flowers, mineral and tropical fruits but delivered with a lightness that moves the whole mix up a notch. Outstanding.
This was more than brilliant pairing with gas grilled Atlantic lobster tails.
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6/29/2019 - sdr Likes this wine: 92 Points
Delightful mature Pav Blanc, it’s medium daisy yellow, fresh but not sophomoric. Quite subdued aroma, it doesn’t smell like much, faintly pleasant. Surprisingly full and rich on the palate, good acidity, liquified white peach. No doubt the full on oak treatment here lends roundness to the texture and flavor. Enjoyable. But perhaps the terroir of the Médoc does not bless the white wines as much as Pessac.
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12/3/2018 - VoteferPedro Likes this wine:
very nice
not as oxidized as my last taste in 2014 but very mature and fortunately my last bottle
ripe fruit is gone and we are left with a more toasted nut and dried fruit feeling and less of the sharp astringent citrus feel the younger version would give. I think it is past its prime but still interesting to drink but strangely a great counterpoint to food. I had planned on this as aperitif but it tasted better with a lamb curry - each enhancing the other
if I still had some remaining, I would consume now and explore with complex spices
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3/5/2018 - prism wrote:
This was slightly oxidized. Drinkable, and not terrible with appetizers. One gets used to it, but the slightly sharp, slightly woody flavor overwhelmed this wine's usual characteristic attributes. But it was nowhere near Pavillon Blanc at its best. I wouldn't think it would be too old, but maybe.
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1/22/2018 - Trydebull Likes this wine: 93 Points
Drack så inga noter. Från magnum. Vilket vin. Måste köpa mer vit Bordeaux från bra producenter och bra år. Fortfarande ung, kan bero på magnumflaska men jag sätter mina pengar på fortsatt utveckling. 93+
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12/10/2017 - StasMedvedev.lv Likes this wine: 91 Points
Pale yellow-gold color.
Somewhat greenish on the nose, which I believe is a trademark of Sauvignon Blanc. Fleshy and creamy on the palate. Flavours of honey, flowers with some bitterness of herbs. Lively fresh with medium acidity.
Medium body. Long pleasant aftertaste.
So amazingly fresh and young for its 12 years of age.
Quite rare monovarietal wine of Sauvignon Blanc by iconic Chateau Margaux in Bordeaux.
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11/1/2017 - svdheijden wrote: 92 Points
My first encounter with this wine. Pleasantly surprised by the richness compared to the usual bone dry Pessac whites. Slightly oxidative notes, but rather sherry-like than post maturity. Loads of citrus (grapefruit!) on the nose, with additional hints of melon, honey and pineapple. A bit overoaked, not too disturbing though. Long, citrus finish. Drink within the next 5-7 years.
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7/8/2017 - sdr Likes this wine: 94 Points
This bottle is proof how well oak marries with Sauvignon Blanc. Round and tinged with vanilla, it's far from the usual austere and shy white Pessac its neighbors to the south usually are. As delicious as it is, the oak eventually becomes a bit tiring, though.
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5/4/2017 - Alex G. wrote:
Had a ton of these that were over the hill, happily this was not. However, it also wasn’t particularly impressive. It was “interesting” and appreciated a different flavor profile for pairings, but that’s about the most I can say for this wine. I greatly enjoy Pavillon Blanc when it’s on, but for whatever reason, ’05 has been a let down in recent years, consistently.
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11/19/2016 - Miceri Likes this wine: 91 Points
Light yellow hazy golden; fresh nose, hint of butter, but overshadowed by sherry-type notes; fresh attack, sherry present (slight oxidation) but not overwhelming; long aftertaste; has probably seen better days, but still fresh which mitigates the oxidation
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10/31/2015 - acyso wrote: 88 Points
HDH Bordeaux Auction; 10/30/2015-10/31/2015 (Chicago, IL): Compared to the Laville I had earlier, this has a lot more grassiness, suggesting a higher proportion of sauvignon blanc? The oak here leaves a lot more astringency, but fortunately the freshness and green from the sauvignon blanc does save it a bit. I feel that the acidity's a bit lacking here, but there's really good concentration. A bit softer on the minerality than I'd prefer, though.
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6/28/2015 - Jeff Leve wrote: 92 Points
With a nose of fresh squeezed citrus, honeysuckle, vanilla and grapefruit in the nose, the wine is fresh, lively and packed with sweet lemons that offer bracing acidity with sweetness.
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5/5/2015 - Poussin wrote: 91 Points
Pop and pour over a few hours. Grapefruit, melon, flowers and some varietal cat pee on the nose. Dry palate with restrained fruit and a touch of astringency. Perhaps a little saline/Manzanilla character. Light in body. Subtly structured with pleasing minerality on the fairly long finish. Sniffing the empty glass reveals sweet white flowers and a touch of oak.
Elegant, clearly well-made, but underwhelming, especially at this price point. I was hoping for more concentration and punch. Maybe I should stick to the Graves. Will keep, but further improvement seems doubtful.
Note that this is 100% sauv. blanc, not a semillon-sauv as stated above. Not sure how to report this to the webmasters.
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4/11/2015 - Collector1855 wrote: 94 Points
Medium yellow. Expressive nose of white fruit, butter, oak, almonds and flowers. Medium bodied palate with good mid mouth presence and balance. Long, aromatic finish. A very nice wine, if served blind, I could easily tricked into not only guessing the wrong grape (the soft, full bodied nature points to Chard) but also the wrong place (the buttery nose and the mid mouth feel could point to a Calif Chard like Monte Bello white).
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12/17/2014 - Papies wrote: flawed
Unfortunately it was oxidised.
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8/18/2014 - Simmo1 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Opened a glass via Coravin. Beautiful sappy golden colour, with ripe greengage on the nose and hint of hazelnut. Slightly understated at this point, and open in the glass it began to expand to give more citrus and firmness. Good for many years yet.
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6/9/2014 - prism wrote: 93 Points
A waxy quality, with pineapple, ginger and honey notes predominant. Long finish. Best at around 55-60 degrees. Expensive when I bought it and nearly double the price now, I wish it were not priced so dearly, but it is excellent white Bordeaux.
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1/25/2014 - rjonwine@gmail.com wrote: 93 Points
Light golden yellow color; lime, lime cream, almond nose; rich, creamy textured, youthful, lime cream, almond, mineral palate with chalky tannins; should go 20+ years; medium-plus finish
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1/24/2014 - prism wrote: 94 Points
Outstanding bottle. Pale golden straw color. Better as it warmed. Paired with a meal of simple pan-seared ribeye, asparagus, and sauteed mushrooms. Good to the last drop.
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1/18/2014 - VoteferPedro wrote: flawed
A bit more gold in color than prior bottles. This was oxidized (sherry-like nuttiness) and had an oily palate at the back end and lacked any typical fruit. I feel if I were blind tasting I might call it a sherry so it is clearly flawed but if your in the mood for such a thing it is still quite drinkable but nowhere near a the white bordeaux I was hoping for. I am in great doubt about my last bottle but I did purchase a half case on release and the first 4 were excellent.
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8/31/2013 - sdr Likes this wine: 92 Points
Once again I mistakenly served this too cold. When will I ever learn that dry white Bordeaux, more than any other white wine, is best at, or very near, room temperature? This wine is delicious. Shy, tender yet full of peach and apricot flavor. It's gentle yet complex, but you have to search it because it is not coming out to greet you.
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5/11/2013 - Lord of the Bottles Likes this wine: 93 Points
Pale yellow/straw robe. Creamy biscuit and waxy nose. Long finish which veered around pineapple, green apple, creamy biscuit, oak spice, vanilla. Delicate and lacy. Delicious and went well with our scallops. Still seems a bit tight/young will save my second bottle for a few more years...
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12/29/2012 - VoteferPedro wrote: 92 Points
The color remains pale and the aromatics of coriander and white flowers with a touch of tropical fruit (guava? mango?) are present. The acid balances the fruit on the palate. None of the oak spice (vanilla etc) is noted today and I miss that some. Still excellent for me but not the outstanding shocker that my first bottle held for me. I agree with some others regarding price/value but tonight I was proud to serve this as a starter and it got the evening off to a great start.
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7/28/2012 - sdr Likes this wine: 92 Points
Very subtle, very gentle, very beautiful. Shy and lovely. Melon and white flower. Not the intensity of the white Graves to the south but M. Pontallier fashions something just as compelling from his lighter soil.
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5/27/2012 - izzybb wrote: 93 Points
Crisp and tasty. Better as it warmed up. Lovely wine, but overpriced.
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5/23/2012 - Loren Sonkin wrote: 90 Points
2009 Bordeaux ( and Margaux Blanc, Alpha Omega Late Harvest) (My Home): This is ok but hardly worth the money IMO. It did get better with a few hours of air though. Green gold in color. The nose has lots of vanilla, wax, minerals and some lemongrass. On the palate, Lou noted some nuttiness which I did not get. Oily texture which I like. Still a good amount of oak which is outlasting the fruit here it would appear. If this was $20, I would be singing its praises, but I think it cost closer to $80.
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3/15/2012 - GalvezGuy wrote: 92 Points
Dallas Offline - Great Hosts (Nice Italian Place - Name Undisclosed): Popped and poured. Nice nose of white flowers, mineral, herbs, citrus, and honeydew melon. On the palate, tart citrus, melon, herbs, vanilla, mineral. Finishes a little bitter but with great acidity. I would be holding this at least 5 years if I had more. I think it needs the time, but it was a great experience and something I would seek out again.
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3/10/2012 - godx wrote: 92 Points
La Commanderie de Bordeaux à Vancouver - 35th Anniversary Spring Gala (Four Seasons Hotel): Warm and waxy on the nose with citrus and tropical fruit notes with hints of oak. Flavours of citrus, stones and melon with just a touch of minerality. In the mouth it’s medium bodied with nice acidity and good length. I really like this. If I was to nitpick it would be that this could use a tad more energy on the palate. It’s not flat by any means, but it could use some liveliness. This is drinking very well right now and should continue to do so for 5+ years. Excellent.
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12/24/2011 - Ltim BE wrote: 93 Points
Lovely intense taste of citrus, minerals, wet stone and great dry finish. A perfect companion to the oysters.
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11/3/2011 - prism wrote: 91 Points
Even in the dumb phase in which this wine is currently, it is an outstanding sauvignon blanc, but a little watery atm; I would recommend another year or so sideways before opening another.
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8/11/2011 - Amerique wrote: 93 Points
Very clean and dry straw-flavored fruit with slight vanillin oak, excellent structure, short finish
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7/30/2011 - Ltim BE wrote: 95 Points
I can only agree with the other reviewers. What a stunning white wine. Citrus, vanilla, melon, intense minerality and some candle wax. The taste is simply delicous.
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7/9/2011 - sdr Likes this wine: 91 Points
Not spectacular, but rich in sauv blanc terms and unusually viscous and thick. Could use a bit more acidity but the high alcohol is well hidden.
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12/25/2010 - prism wrote: 95 Points
This is an outstanding white wine that I've always loved to drink (except when corked, like the last bottle, but oh well). Christmas Day dinner: roast chicken, wild rice, veggies: perfect!
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12/13/2010 - DonWinspear wrote: 93 Points
Served with Nantucket scallops, an excellent pairing. A pale straw color in the glass, there are notes of citrus, some light vanilla, melon. This is a wonderfully complex wine. Lots of wonderful layers of fruit and flora without being overpowering at all. In fact, it's quite delicate.
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11/13/2010 - prism wrote: flawed
CORKED! I hate that...
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5/2/2010 - VoteferPedro wrote:
Not at all the same as my first bottle. Popped and poured, with the oak-y vanilla and a sauterne-like nose (...is it oxidized?) I found it still had a nice flavor that had fruit but was hard to describe. Srved with salmon and caviar canapes (by Maria) and still a very nice to drink . But its so different from the first I do not know how to rate it. I will just have to taste my other bottles t break the tie!
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4/14/2010 - Alex G. wrote:
Rounded out considerably since last year, this is a superb food wine capable of pairing with many diverse flavors. Tonight paired it with diver scallop, foie gras, and mushrooms -- everyone was going gaga over the pairing, the wine is a real crowd-pleaser. To my palate, this could use a little more time to integrate the oak, but it's certainly delicious today.
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2/25/2010 - pian0_player wrote: 95 Points
This was the favorite at my Bordeaux dinner party (except for me, I thought the 2002 Pavie was the best). no formal notes, but mineral and beautiful depth and complexity. Almost full bodied. I love this wine and wish I had a case.
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2/1/2010 - VoteferPedro wrote: 95 Points
Lovely aromatics: sandlewood, vanilla, coriander, faint tropical note of mango
Palate Well balanced acidity and fruit. I don't get the creaminess of other Cellartrackers but this follws through with a lengthy pleasing finish.
Very temp dependent. Sweet spot is about 50 degrees
Rockin' White! 5+14+17+9=95
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12/20/2009 - DonWinspear wrote: 94 Points
I am not well versed with white bordeaux, so not many comparisons. The nose was delicate with notes of rose petals, light citrus, honeydew. The wine itself was wonderful. We had it with a caviar and lump crab appetizer at Joel Rubechon in Vegas. A great, great pairing. The same floral tones were very evident in the wine. Other very slightly sweeter flavors evolved as the wine opened up. Hints of vanilla, creme brullee. To me, this drank like a cross between sauvignon blanc and white burgundy - it has more depth and structure and a fuller mouth feel. Bottom line, a great great pour.
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12/7/2009 - prism wrote: 94 Points
Yes: VERY floral, and lovey. The waxy quality seems so specific to Pavillon Blanc. As the bottle, resting in ice, warmed throughout dinner, I was increasingly reminded of yellow cake with buttercream frosting: it's that rich, though not at all a dessert wine. Pricey stuff, but a wonderful treat that I wouldn't know where to seek elsewhere.
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12/3/2009 - moods wrote: 94 Points
Wine Education Service Bordeaux Second Wines Tasting (LSE, London): Very floral. Honeyed apple and cream notes. Bit of toast. Fairly full and creamy in the mouth, very rich and mouthfilling. Wonderful honeyed finish. Well balanced, great food wine. You wouldn't guess this is 100% Sauvignon Blanc. Very moreish, but very pricey.
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10/24/2009 - sdr wrote: 91 Points
At first, this bottle seemed muted and even a little dull. But the warmer it got, the better it showed. Not the power or weight of a top white Graves, it is a reflection of the soil of Margaux. The texture is perhaps the best part, as thick as whole milk. Gradually, the waxy sauvignon blanc character revealed itself. Not overtly minerally or acidic. Deft touch of new oak which adds a bit of vanilla and structure. This seems completely ready to me and I doubt it will improve.
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9/19/2009 - soyhead wrote: 91 Points
Nose -nutty, light oak smell. stone fruits, and a touch of sweet smoke. an intriguing smell. It reminds me slightly of pine resin (sakiz)
mouth - mid bodied, clean & lemon-lime flavor with hints of pineapple. Goes down much better chilled than room temp. Good minerality, and a nice tart and juicy finish
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7/4/2009 - Miceri wrote: 94 Points
A bit neutral to begin with, but after approx half an hour it is coming around. Very nice.
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5/21/2009 - gsquireh wrote: 95 Points
Third bottle in two months, there is perfect acidity with the nectarine,lemon,pear, and honey apple mingled in this delicious ,rich and mouth filling soft gold jewel. Just had a case of the 2006 futures arrive and look forward to comparing.
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5/12/2009 - gsquireh wrote: 95 Points
The crisp freshness is a testimony to the perfect acidity of the nectarine,lemon,pear, and honey apple that are mingled in this delicious ,rich and mouth filling soft gold jewel.
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4/28/2009 - Alex G. wrote:
This wine is about power, whereas the 2004 was a finesse wine. Over time, it's possible this will be the greater wine, but for now I much prefer the 2004 -- which I have had many times with consistent notes. I will not open another bottle for at least a year.
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12/19/2008 - A&C wrote: 96 Points
This paired wonderfully with homemade Manhattan clam chowder -- heavy on the clams & garlic. The color of this wine is very, very light -- almost clear, with only a pale hint of subdued yellow. The nose is fresh, crisp, and slightly acid. On the palate, the wine is clean, with lemon, lime, pears, a hint of oak oil, vanilla, and a very lively and vibrant finish. We consumed this with our candlelight dinner -- prepared by our 9-year and 7-year olds -- and it was (like many great wines) -- gone in an instant. I really, really liked this wine. Lively, alive, citrus, and no bitterness -- none at all. Not heavy. Not cloying. Not over-oaked. Smooth, light on its feet, and wonderfully unique. A rare treat. I noticed it was even better after the food was finished. It really started to sing with complexity.
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12/14/2008 - tbabes wrote: 95 Points
Commanderie de Bordeaux (Rittenhouse Hotel (Lacroix)): When I stuck my nose in the glass, all I could mutter was WOW. A heavenly bouquet of white tropical fruits, flower, and oak. A rather full-bodied style, with a lush and rich texture, stunning concentration, and a crisp, focused finish.
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11/22/2008 - sdr Likes this wine: 93 Points
This is stunningly good sauv blanc; extremely floral but not sweet, a little toasty, but clean, rich and fascinating. Thick like light cream and luscious; i.e., not at all austere. Completely ready now. For perfection, could have a bit more acidity.
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8/4/2008 - gsquireh wrote: 95 Points
This nuanced nectarine-nosed Sauvignon Blanc has perfect acidity and drinks deliciously right now. Wanted to try one of the six I purchased as futures. Golden and gorgeous this is a smooth, rich honeysuckle honey!
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7/12/2008 - sdr wrote: 93 Points
I admit it - I have a sentimental attachment to all things Chateau Margaux after visiting the property and dining there with Mme. Mentzelopoulous in 2005. So probably the label influenced me. But there's no denying this is mighty fine Sauvignon Blanc (100%). Pale of course but some light yellow in the hue. Extroadinary bouquet for such a baby; first white and pink grapefruit peel, then a whiff of clean cool ocean air. Despite its delicate texture and weight, there is plenty of flavor, subtle but unmistakable. Flat out delicious and even lush in Sauv Blanc terms, I find it completely irresistible, like the shy but pretty girl who stands by the wall but once someone asks her to dance she becomes the one every boy wants to meet - and kiss.
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6/15/2008 - jri wrote:
Too early for this one. High acidity-expect it will be another beauty as it develops in a few years. I love the delicate flavors that come out in this wine. BTW the 01 is a home run right now.
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2/14/2008 - Serge Birbrair wrote:
Not bad but hardly justifies it's $125 retail price tag. Yes, the wine is rich, but not $125 a bottle rich.
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3/28/2006 - Burgundy Al wrote:
2005 Bordeaux en Primeur; 3/26/2006-3/28/2006 (Bordeaux France): En Primeur tasting. Very rich and forward with excellent concentration, showing grapefruit zest and honeycomb.. More power than elegance, I would think this best to drink young, 2010-2015.
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