Not a great year for the wine, but to be fair the vintage as a whole was below par in 2007 for both the left and right bank. Essentially this is a decent "glugger". I would advise not to be put off Bernadotte with this tasting as in many years it is one the best value second wines.
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Further to my note of May 18, '19: Second bottle bought at the same time. Decanted with much more sediment this time, more like what I expect after 10+ years in bottle, so...some bottle variation. Dark purple; highly fragrant with mature black fruit, blackcurrant; flavor to match, 10-15sec persistence, very good mouthfeel. Delicious! This was markedly better than the first bottle 4 wks ago--perhaps because we drank it about 600 km closer to Haut-Medoc. My evaluation: I've stopped giving scores on a "100-point scale" as I've become less convinced that they can be meaningful to others. I use a 4-category scale (perhaps with +/-)--not including flawed--which runs outstanding/notable/drinkable/poor. I considered this outstanding- when considering quality, age, and price.
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Bought 2b for 7.9e each in the local store of a French national supermarket chain--surprised to find it, looked like good value despite weak vintage, Hugh Johnson veto, and my recent experience with brett taint in older wines from supermarkets (+ one CT post that mentioned brett with this wine). Decanted with light sediment for its age. Dark purple with hint of amber edge; good red fruit nose with hint of brett that receded; good flavor and mouthfeel. Not quite delicious. Would buy 2-3 more if I had room. My evaluation: I've stopped giving scores on a "100-point scale" as I've become less convinced that they can be meaningful to others. I use a 4-category scale (perhaps with +/-)--not including flawed--which runs outstanding/notable/drinkable/poor. I considered this notable+ when considering quality, age, and price.
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At a merchant tasting. Medium-light garnet with brick hue. Noticeably bretty palate with some earth and spices. Very light and tame on the palate. Elegant and aromatic for sure but would prefer some more stuffing.
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Dark purple; ripe grape, chocolate, herbaceous nose (Merlot and Cab Franc in the blend?); mid-body, mid-viscosity; a little hot; life left; fruity finish. w/beef
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4/21/2022 - rosuoter wrote:
Good fruity nose, savoury yet thin and angular on the palate, short dry finish.
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10/30/2021 - djhammond Likes this wine: 87 Points
Not a great year for the wine, but to be fair the vintage as a whole was below par in 2007 for both the left and right bank. Essentially this is a decent "glugger". I would advise not to be put off Bernadotte with this tasting as in many years it is one the best value second wines.
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4/17/2020 - johneagle Does not like this wine:
Mediocre
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6/16/2019 - Oenecnist wrote:
Further to my note of May 18, '19: Second bottle bought at the same time. Decanted with much more sediment this time, more like what I expect after 10+ years in bottle, so...some bottle variation. Dark purple; highly fragrant with mature black fruit, blackcurrant; flavor to match, 10-15sec persistence, very good mouthfeel. Delicious! This was markedly better than the first bottle 4 wks ago--perhaps because we drank it about 600 km closer to Haut-Medoc. My evaluation: I've stopped giving scores on a "100-point scale" as I've become less convinced that they can be meaningful to others. I use a 4-category scale (perhaps with +/-)--not including flawed--which runs outstanding/notable/drinkable/poor. I considered this outstanding- when considering quality, age, and price.
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5/18/2019 - Oenecnist wrote:
Bought 2b for 7.9e each in the local store of a French national supermarket chain--surprised to find it, looked like good value despite weak vintage, Hugh Johnson veto, and my recent experience with brett taint in older wines from supermarkets (+ one CT post that mentioned brett with this wine). Decanted with light sediment for its age. Dark purple with hint of amber edge; good red fruit nose with hint of brett that receded; good flavor and mouthfeel. Not quite delicious. Would buy 2-3 more if I had room. My evaluation: I've stopped giving scores on a "100-point scale" as I've become less convinced that they can be meaningful to others. I use a 4-category scale (perhaps with +/-)--not including flawed--which runs outstanding/notable/drinkable/poor. I considered this notable+ when considering quality, age, and price.
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6/25/2016 - deschamp52 Likes this wine: 86 Points
Pretty boring. Nice fruit, drinks well but not really worth the price compared to other reds.
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6/22/2016 - johneagle Likes this wine: 87 Points
Adequate everyday claret. Soft, pleasant, unassuming. Drink up
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7/25/2015 - Collector1855 wrote: 88 Points
At a merchant tasting. Medium-light garnet with brick hue. Noticeably bretty palate with some earth and spices. Very light and tame on the palate. Elegant and aromatic for sure but would prefer some more stuffing.
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7/13/2014 - sdwineguru Likes this wine: 89 Points
Evolving; mid-garnet; cherries, berries, red fruit nose; light earthiness, ripe grapes; mid-body; balanced; good fruit, flavor and finish. w/beef
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2/7/2014 - riversedge wrote: 84 Points
Earthy. Forest. Tannic. I think a little thin on the mouthfeel. Smells great but tastes thin.
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12/26/2013 - riversedge wrote: 87 Points
Ruby color. Dry dark cherries. Lots of tannin left. Good but could use a few more years to mellow
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12/23/2013 - sdwineguru Likes this wine: 88 Points
Dark garnet; berry (59 percent Cabernet), mint, plum, mineral nose; mid-body; grapey; semi-tight tannins; long chewy finish. w/pasta
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9/12/2013 - sdwineguru Likes this wine: 88 Points
Dark purple; ripe grape, chocolate, herbaceous nose (Merlot and Cab Franc in the blend?); mid-body, mid-viscosity; a little hot; life left; fruity finish. w/beef
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12/25/2012 - toontune wrote: 85 Points
Just ok by day 2.
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11/11/2012 - RBOND wrote: 90 Points
Drank as a second bottle. Way too deep into the night to open a second bottle. Good never the less
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6/24/2012 - RBOND wrote: 90 Points
Drank with Mario and Myra
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4/23/2012 - JJA Likes this wine: 93 Points
Bigger nose and bolder than the 2004 Bernadotte
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3/30/2011 - Gob wrote: 86 Points
Simple straight forward, notes of sour cherry... Ok Lunch Claret
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