Bordeaux wines in the Flickinger Fine Wines inventory http://www.flickingerwines.com/wineregions/bordeaux.asp WA 86 (4/2003): The 2000 possesses a deep ruby color and soft berry fruit intermixed with tobacco leaf, herbes de Provence, and licorice. It is medium-bodied, elegant, and Margaux-like. Drink it over the next 5-6 years.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauDAgassac.aspMB **** (9/1998): A spectacular jeroboam said to be the best ever made. A glorious mouthfull but fully mature. **** But peaking.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLAngelus.aspMB *** (11/1986): At peak in the mid-1970s.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLAngelus.aspWS 93 (8/2009): Intense aromas of coffee bean, chocolate and currant bush follow through to a full body, with soft and velvety tannins and a long and rich finish. The toasted oak still dominates the palate a bit, but it's rich and concentrated. Give it time still.¿'88/'98 Bordeaux retrospective (2008). Best after 2010. 6,665 cases made. IWC 92 (6/2001): Deep ruby-red. Very complex aromas of plum, redcurrant, iron, mocha, cedar, milk chocolate and woodsmoke. Silky-sweet and voluptuous; very suave texture given shape by harmonious, ripe acids. Flavors are deep and complex. The thoroughly ripe tannins hit the palate quite late, allowing the strong fruit, mineral, chocolate and spice flavors to build. Today this shows more obvious balance and finesse than the massive young 2000.WA 90 (4/2008): This is another estate where the second wine has become better than the grand vin was 30 or 40 years ago. Administrator Thomas Duroux is especially proud of the 2005 Alter Ego de Palmer, which boasts abundant amounts of sweet berry fruit intermixed with notions of chocolate, charcoal, and black fruits. Soft tannins and a heady, opulent finish offer immediate appeal. Enjoy it over the next decade.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauAngelus.aspWS 94 (3/2006): Beautiful aromas of ripe blackberry and raspberry aromas follow through to a full-bodied palate, with silky tannins and a long, long finish. Layered and delicious. Gorgeous. Best after 2010. 6,500 cases made.WA 93 (4/2006): Kudos to proprietor Hubert Bouard, who has been making brilliant wines at this estate since the mid- to late-1980s. A blend of 58% Cabernet Franc and 42% Merlot, the beautiful 2003 (14% alcohol; 6,500 cases produced) is somewhat tightly knit, but it reveals a perfumed nose of rose petals, blackberries, menthol, and cedar. This broad, sweet 2003's supple attack is followed by a tannic mid-section. The wine does not appear to be as dense or structured as the 2004. Given the high percentage of Cabernet Franc, it is likely to put on considerable weight in the bottle. This beauty is slightly different not only because of the torrid vintage conditions, but also because it incorporates the highest percentage of Cabernet Franc ever utilized at Angelus. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2023.IWC 92 (6/2006): Deep ruby-red. Very ripe yet fresh on the nose: cherry, raspberry, graphite, chocolate, minerals. Lush, velvety and sweet, with unusual vivacity for a 2003 from the right bank thanks to the 50% cabernet franc component. Really coats the mouth with flavors of black raspberry, currant and chocolate. Not yet hugely complex, but the wine's freshness, ripe tannins and superb persistence suggest that aging will bring greater nuance. Has the stuffing to buffer its chewy tannins. This was bottled in September of 2005.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauAngelus.aspMB ***(*) 11/2001): (Note the name change from Mouton-Baronne-Philippe). First tasted in June 1992: fruit 'still green'; yet surprisingly sweet, soft, rich and rounded. Seven years later, still a rich ruby; sweet, singed nose; agreeable weight (12.5% alcohol) and flavour. Still tannic. Most recently: now medium-deep, a soft, lovely colour with mature rim; an immediacy of bouquet, ripe, rich, leaping out of the glass; crisp, refreshing fruit, still sweet though finishing dry.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauDArmailhac.aspWA 93 (1/1998): The 1985 has been fully mature for a number of years, and should be consumed between now and 2004. The deep ruby color reveals some amber/orange at the edge. The wine has always possessed a knock-out set of aromatics, consisting of nearly overripe black cherries and raspberries intermingled with high quality pain grille notes. Supple, with a layered, richly fruity textured imbued with plenty of glycerin and heady alcohol, this sumptuous, luxuriously-styled, fully mature L'Arrosee should be drunk up. Anticipated maturity: now-2004.WS 85 (2/1988): Intense cedar, chestnut and caramel aromas don't match up on the palate whe ts better.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLArrosee.aspWA 87 (2/1997): A deep ruby color and reluctant aromatics suggest a wine in a dormant state. On the palate, the wine offers little charm, but it does possess dense, medium-bodied, concentrated, but closed and tannic flavors. The wine should evolve well, although the tough tannin apparent after bottling could prove troublesome in 7-8 years. Give the 1994 L'Arrosee 2-4 more years of cellaring; it should last for 15 years.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLArrosee.aspWA 90 (2/1998): With a medium dark ruby color, and a complex, kirsch, pain grille, smoky, deliciously complex and fruity nose, this fragrant wine offers a wealth of raspberry, currant, and cherry-like fruit. It is not a blockbuster, but rather, an elegant, multi-dimensional, round, velvety-textured wine with a lushness and sweetness of fruit that makes it irresistible. This is one of the more seductive wines of the vintage. Anticipated maturity: Now-2012.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLArrosee.aspWA 90 (6/2007): This lighter-styled, but complex, finely tuned effort reveals notes of cedar, dried herbs, spice, smoke, sweet cherry and currant fruit, and subtle new oak. With medium body as well as broad, savory, silky, lush flavors, it will drink well for 12-14 years. This is an impressive vineyard that is on an upsurge in quality.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLArrosee.aspWA 90 (6/2007): This lighter-styled, but complex, finely tuned effort reveals notes of cedar, dried herbs, spice, smoke, sweet cherry and currant fruit, and subtle new oak. With medium body as well as broad, savory, silky, lush flavors, it will drink well for 12-14 years. This is an impressive vineyard that is on an upsurge in quality.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLArrosee.aspIWC 95+ (8/2002): aturated deep ruby, much darker and brighter than the other vintages tasted. Sappy, fresh aromas of boysenberry, cassis, minerals, bitter chocolate and espresso, with complicating notes of underbrush and earth. Extremely pure and penetrating, with fruit of steel and a powerful mineral underpinning. Finishes with strong, firm tannins and great persistence. Essence of Ausone, without the funkiness shown by so many past vintages of this wine. Offers exciting potential. Drink 2008 to 2030.WA 94 (4/2001): A dense opaque purple color offers up restrained, but pure aromas of liquid minerals, blackberries, black raspberries, and flowers. Medium to full-bodied, with high tannin but a long, super-pure, symmetrical mouth-feel, this dazzling, extremely complex Ausone requires 6-10 years of cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2050.WS 94 (1/2001): Plenty of mineral and berry character with hints of smoke. Full-bodied, with big, chewy tannins and a long, long finish. Massive Ausone. One of the best in years. Best after 2008. 2,000 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauAusone.aspWA 100 (4/2003): Proprietor Alain Vauthier has produced a prodigious wine that captures the essence of Ausone's terroir. A saturated black/purple color is followed by sensational aromas of ink, cherries, blackberries, blueberries, and that wet stones/liquid minerality characteristic. The wine has phenomenal presence on the palate as well as astonishing richness and purity. Despite its extract, power, and richness, it is remarkably light, with a surreal delicacy. It is a tour de force in winemaking and a compelling expression of this magical terroir. It should prove to be legendary, but sadly, anyone over the age of 50 will probably not live to see it come close to maturity. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2075.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauAusone.aspWA 95 (4/2005): In many respects, the 2002 may be even more impressive than the 2003. A far more challenging vintage to get everything right, and especially in St.-Emilion, where many disappointments have been produced, this is one of the wines of the vintage and (along with Pavie) among the finest wines from the Right Bank. It possesses a deep purple color as well as a gorgeous nose of creme de cassis, blackberries, wet stones, and wonderfully perfumed floral notes. When the wine hits the palate, it exhibits impressive purity, medium to full body, a multi-layered texture, and extraordinary precision and intensity with a finish just short of 50 seconds. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2035.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauAusone.aspWS 95 (3/2007): Pretty aromas of crushed blackberry, with hints of ash and light earth. Full-bodied, with ultrafine tannins and a long, caressing finish. Goes on and on. Such class. Sleek and racy. Best after 2012. 1,500 cases made.WA 94 (6/2007): One of the vintage’s most compelling wines (what’s new about that?), Alain Vauthier’s beloved 2004 Ausone has closed down considerably since I tasted it out of barrel, but it remains among the most concentrated wines of the vintage. Furthermore, along with Petrus, it will probably be the longest-lived. A dense purple color is accompanied by a celestial perfume of blue and black fruits, wet stones, flowers, and incense. On the palate, the wine exhibits exceptional power and concentration, but this historic terroir has also provided a surreal lightness to the wine’s impression. Beautiful flavors, sensational depth, and abundant structure suggest this 2004 will not be close to full maturity for 8-10 years. It should last for four decades.IWC 93+ (6/2007): Good deep ruby. Currant, minerals and nutty oak on the nose. Lush, sweet and pliant on the attack, then more closed in the middle palate, with a chewy, rather serious texture and impressive density for the year. The black fruit flavors are complicated by minerals, dark chocolate and mocha. Finishes with a rather powerful tannic spine that will require a good decade of patience. I can envision the 2006 evolving in a similar direction.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauAusone.aspWS 92 (8/2000): Beautiful wine. Very dark ruby-red. Wonderful blackberry, mineral and violet aromas. Full-bodied, with round and velvety tannins and a long, beautifully fruity finish.--1990 Bordeaux retrospective. Best after 2005.WA 86 (2/1993): The 1990 offers medium dark ruby color, as well as an open knit, fragrant, spicy, sweet nose. In the mouth, the wine is decidedly less structured and tannic when compared to the 1989, but more soft, elegant and, at least for now, more flattering. A clone of Batailley's 1962? Anticipated maturity: 1995-2010.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauBatailley.aspWA 87 (11/1997): The 1995 is somewhat of a sleeper, exhibiting a dense color, and rich, jammy black fruits intermingled with scents of herb, licorice, and toast. Thick chewy flavors reveal fine extraction and glycerin. This is a soft, low acid, opulent wine for drinking during the first 7-8 years after its release.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauBellefontBelcier.aspWA 94+ (4/2008): Bellevue has only been making terrific wine since 2000, which probably explains why they were not upgraded to a grand cru classe in St.-Emilion’s most recent reclassification. This small (15.5 acres), south-facing hillside vineyard has such outstanding neighbors as Angelus and both Beausejours. Additionally, it boasted Nicolas Thienpont and Stephane Derenoncourt as managers, who represent uncompromising viticulture and winemaking at its best. The winemaking team is likely to change as the estate was recently sold to Angelus. The 2005, a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, is a wine for true connoisseurs. It possesses a dense purple color to the rim along with a huge perfume of camphor, charcoal, graphite, blackberries, cassis, raspberries, and a liqueur of rocks-like component. Super-concentrated with chewy richness as well as enormous tannins, it, along with Ausone and Clos de Sarpe, may be St.-Emilion’s most backward wine. More of a long distance runner, it will provide little near-term pleasure. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2040.IWC 91+ (6/2008): Bright ruby-red. Sweet cherry dominates the nose. Suave, sweet and spherical; a slightly high-toned fruit bomb, with flavors of cherry, blackberry, currant, crushed rocks and blackberry. An intriguing floral quality gives this very ripe wine a light touch and excellent back-end lift. Very easy to taste today, but this superconcentrated wine is likely to close down in the bottle. WS 91 (3/2008): Powerful aromas of coffee, licorice and blackberry follow through to a full body, with soft, velvety tannins, a long, flavorful finish and a mineral, chocolate and aniseed aftertaste. Has a balanced, caressing texture. Best after 2012. 1,875 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauBellevue.aspWA 89 (4/2001): The finest Berliquet I have tasted to date, this dark ruby/purple-colored offering exhibits dense, saturated, flavorful black cherry notes intermixed with licorice, spice box, tobacco, and earth. Full-bodied, ripe, and concentrated, with moderate tannin and a closed but impressively built personality, this wine needs several years to resolve all of its tannin. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2016.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauBerliquet.aspWA 89 (4/2001): The finest Berliquet I have tasted to date, this dark ruby/purple-colored offering exhibits dense, saturated, flavorful black cherry notes intermixed with licorice, spice box, tobacco, and earth. Full-bodied, ripe, and concentrated, with moderate tannin and a closed but impressively built personality, this wine needs several years to resolve all of its tannin. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2016.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauBerliquet.aspWA 89 (4/2001): The finest Berliquet I have tasted to date, this dark ruby/purple-colored offering exhibits dense, saturated, flavorful black cherry notes intermixed with licorice, spice box, tobacco, and earth. Full-bodied, ripe, and concentrated, with moderate tannin and a closed but impressively built personality, this wine needs several years to resolve all of its tannin. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2016.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauBerliquet.aspMB **** (5/1993): I liked it in cask and have liked it consistently since then. It developed misleadlingly early, its style suiting the vintage.WA 86 (1/1998): One of my favorite Beychevelles, this wine has constantly shown well in tastings of the 1966s. Quite mature, with an expansive, complex, ripe, fruity, spicy, cedary bouquet, and supple, soft, velvety flavors, this Beychevelle has consistently exhibited good concentration, as well as the tough, tannic firmness of the 1966 vintage. Although fully mature for over a decade, it displays no signs of decline. Anticipated maturity: Now.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauBeychevelle.aspMB **** (5/1993): I liked it in cask and have liked it consistently since then. It developed misleadlingly early, its style suiting the vintage.WA 86 (1/1998): One of my favorite Beychevelles, this wine has constantly shown well in tastings of the 1966s. Quite mature, with an expansive, complex, ripe, fruity, spicy, cedary bouquet, and supple, soft, velvety flavors, this Beychevelle has consistently exhibited good concentration, as well as the tough, tannic firmness of the 1966 vintage. Although fully mature for over a decade, it displays no signs of decline. Anticipated maturity: Now.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauBeychevelle.aspWA 83 (1/1998): The 1981 is significantly lighter than either the 1982 or 1983. Forward, quite fruity, with a straightforward, oaky, fruity bouquet, medium bodied, with a healthy color, this is a supple, soft, charming wine that already provides pleasant drinking. Anticipated maturity: Now. Last tasted, 1/88.WS 81 (10/1994): A little past its prime, but there's some rich, herbal, berry character. Soft and delicate on the finish.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauBeychevelle.aspWA 91 (6/2009): Fully mature, the 1990 Bon Pasteur offers up aromas of mocha, caramel, spice box, ripe plums, and hints of figs as well as black cherries. Soft, creamy, expansive, sexy, and fleshy, it should hold at this plateau for another 5-10 years. Release price: ($300.00/case)WS 90 (8/2000): Still closed, but definitely outstanding. Ruby-red color. Lots of plum and tobacco character in this medium-bodied, silky wine with similar character to the aftertaste.--1990 Bordeaux retrospective. Drink now. 3,500 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLeBonPasteur.aspWA 89 (2/1997): Long-time readers are aware of my admiration for the husband and wife oenologist team of Dany and Michel Rolland. Michel is more visible in the international scene as he has performed magic at numerous estates in Italy, Spain, Argentina, California, and, of course, France. Rolland's success has not come without a price, as he now must endure an unprecedented level of criticism from a whining group of underachievers that appears to have one complaint - Rolland produces better wine than they do. A tell-tale Merlot/Pomerol nose of mocha, chocolate, tobacco, and sweet black-cherry/plummy fruit is followed by a medium-bodied wine with moderate tannin, excellent purity, outstanding richness, and a sweet finish. This wine requires 2-3 years of cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2000-2012.WS 85 (6/1997): A restrained, rather delicate Bon-Pasteur with attractive cherry and wet earth character and a fruity, fine palate. Medium body and tannins. Drink now or hold. 3,000 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLeBonPasteur.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauBouscaut.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauBouscaut.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauBrane-Cantenac.aspWA 92 (2/1998): As I have said many times since I first tasted this wine, the 1995 Calon-Segur is one of the great sleepers of the vintage (I bought the wine as a future for a mere $250 a case). The wine has closed down completely since bottling, but it is a sensational effort that may ultimately merit an even higher score. The wine is opaque purple-colored. With coaxing, the tight aromatics reveal some weedy cassis intertwined with truffles, chocolate, and beef blood-like aromas. On the palate, there is an element of sur-maturite (1995 was an extremely late harvest at Calon-Segur), fabulous density and purity, and a boatload of tannin. This deep, broodingly backward, classic Bordeaux will require a decade of cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2035.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauCalon-Segur.aspWA 94 (4/2006): Bottled in July, 2005, the saturated ruby/purple-colored 2003 exhibits a tightly-knit, but promising nose of mulberries, blackberries, cherries, and hints of new oak and truffles. This 60% Cabernet Sauvignon / 40% Merlot blend possesses a gorgeous texture as well as an expansive, exotic softness, and 13% alcohol (according to the proprietor, Madame Denise Gasqueton). Generous and rich, this high class, full-bodied wine will undoubtedly be more approachable than its closest spiritual sibling, the 1982. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2030.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauCalon-Segur.aspWA 90 (4/2003): This is the Roc de Cambes' finest effort since the 1990. Notes of black cherry jam (kirsch) soar from the glass of this expansive, full-bodied, fleshy sexpot. Deep and chewy, with plenty of chocolate, cocoa, blackberry, and cherry fruit displayed in a flamboyant style, it is a knockout, sensual wine to drink now and over the next 10-12 years. It is also a sleeper of the vintage.IWC 89 (6/2003): Good bright red-ruby. Superripe aromas of roasted red fruits, espresso and woodsmoke; this reminded me of a Bonneau Chateauneuf du Pape. Fat and liqueur-like in the mouth, with roasted red fruit and chocolate flavors managing to retain good freshness. Intensely flavored wine, finishing with somewhat aggressive tannins and a strong element of sweet oak.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/RocdesCambes.aspWA 90 (4/2003): This is the Roc de Cambes' finest effort since the 1990. Notes of black cherry jam (kirsch) soar from the glass of this expansive, full-bodied, fleshy sexpot. Deep and chewy, with plenty of chocolate, cocoa, blackberry, and cherry fruit displayed in a flamboyant style, it is a knockout, sensual wine to drink now and over the next 10-12 years. It is also a sleeper of the vintage.IWC 89 (6/2003): Good bright red-ruby. Superripe aromas of roasted red fruits, espresso and woodsmoke; this reminded me of a Bonneau Chateauneuf du Pape. Fat and liqueur-like in the mouth, with roasted red fruit and chocolate flavors managing to retain good freshness. Intensely flavored wine, finishing with somewhat aggressive tannins and a strong element of sweet oak.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/RocdesCambes.aspWA 86 (1/1998): One of Canon's top efforts, this rich, intense, deeply concentrated wine is still in top-notch shape, with a big, full-intensity bouquet of ripe fruit and melted toffee. On the palate, the wine is in complete harmony, soft, rich, velvety, full bodied, and fleshy. Retasted from a half bottle in 1987, the fruit appeared to be fading. Anticipated maturity: Now.WS 84 (4/1995): Perhaps this was even better a few years ago. Still has ripe fruit, cedar and pepper aromas and flavors throughout. Slightly dry finish. Drinkable now.--Canon vertical.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauCanon.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauCanonLaGaffeliere.aspWA 86 (12/1995): I have only had this wine once in the last ten years. Tasted at the Chateau, it revealed surprisingly delicious, ripe cherry fruit, a textbook Graves nose (tobacco, minerals, herbs), fine sweetness, and a lush, medium-bodied, seductive style. Although the wine has been drinkable most of its life, it exhibits no signs of decline. The color is just beginning to lighten at the edge. The 1982 Carbonnieux should continue to drink well for another decade . Tasted once since bottling.WS 83 (8/1992): Elegant and fine, with herbal, licorice and cherry aromas and flavors. The tannins are light and easy. Drink now.--1982 Bordeaux horizontal.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauCarbonnieux.aspWA 86 (12/1995): I have only had this wine once in the last ten years. Tasted at the Chateau, it revealed surprisingly delicious, ripe cherry fruit, a textbook Graves nose (tobacco, minerals, herbs), fine sweetness, and a lush, medium-bodied, seductive style. Although the wine has been drinkable most of its life, it exhibits no signs of decline. The color is just beginning to lighten at the edge. The 1982 Carbonnieux should continue to drink well for another decade . Tasted once since bottling.WS 83 (8/1992): Elegant and fine, with herbal, licorice and cherry aromas and flavors. The tannins are light and easy. Drink now.--1982 Bordeaux horizontal.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauCarbonnieux.aspWS 90 (1/1998): A concentrated red. Best ever for La Cardonne and a superb value. Amazing for this château. Intense aromas of blackberries, mint and game. Full-bodied, with chunky tannins and fruit. Long finish. Best after 2001.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLaCardonne.aspWS 87 (1/1999): A firm '96, with a lean structure but some pretty berry and fresh earth aromas and flavors. Medium finish. Best after 2003. 42,000 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLaCardonne.aspWA 90 (6/1997): This wine is beginning to reveal ruby/orange at its edge. The nose of distinctive weedy, black currant, tobacco-singed, smoky, oaky, and herb scents is followed by a structured, medium to full-bodied wine without the fat and flesh it exhibited a few years ago. Nevertheless, it possesses considerable vitality, muscle, and richness. This 1986 is behaving more like a Medoc than a Pomerol, and requires a few more years of cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2000-2015.WS 93 (9/1999): The plum and coffee aromas and flavors merge nicely with the toast and vanilla overtones from good oak barrels. Harmonious and elegant now, it can develop only more nuances with age.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauCertandeMay.aspWA 91 (2/1997): The 1990 Certan de May is a more conventional wine, with loads of jammy, sweet, cedary, and herbaceous cassis scents intermixed with a roasted herb, toasty wood character. Rich and full-bodied, as well as low in acidity and soft, the wine is already revealing some amber at the edge, and a precocious, flattering personality. Drink it now and over the next 15 years.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauCertandeMay.aspWA 88 (4/2002): This is a dense ruby/purple-colored, serious, surprisingly meaty, smoky effort. The wine displays copious quantities of cassis fruit. This impressive Lalande de Pomerol should drink well for 8-10 years. A consistent overachiever.WS 80-84 (12/2000): Attractive floral, berry and mineral aromas. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins, but falls short and hollow on the finish.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauDeChambrun.aspWS 85-88 (6/2003): Lots of blackberry and mineral aromas in this wine. Medium-bodied, with silky tannins and a medium finish. Slight herbal finish. But good quality. Good work here.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateaudeChantegrive.aspWA 86 (12/1995): The 1982 Chasse-Spleen has never been as impressive as the glorious series of wines made under the late Bernadette Villars between 1985 and 1990. Nevertheless, the 1982 continues to behave well, exhibiting plenty of ripe, spicy, curranty fruit in its moderately intense nose, medium body, sweet, expansive fruit, and an easy-going finish. It is fully mature, so why wait? It should continue to drink well for another 4-6+ years.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauChasseSpleen.aspWS 90 (11/1989): Like a young Port, a powerful and concentrated wine for long-term aging. Very deep ruby color, with rich, spicy vanilla aromas, full body and lots of fruit flavors; tannic but well integrated, with a long finish. Try in 1995.MB *** (4/1998): Yet again top of its class. Well made. Rich, chewy 'chocolate with a tannic coat'.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauChasseSpleen.aspWA 86 (2/1993): Chasse-Spleen made a good, elegant 1988. Displaying a generous, intense, smoky, blackcurrant bouquet, and chewy, medium-bodied flavors, it has a surprisingly long, spicy, soft finish. Anticipated maturity: Now-2001.WS 82 (11/1998): An '88 cru bourgeois on the decline. Pretty leaf, berry and earth aromas and flavors, but the palate is slightly dry, with austere tannins and medium fruit concentration.--1988 Bordeaux horizontal. Drink now.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauChasseSpleen.aspWA 86 (2/1993): Chasse-Spleen made a good, elegant 1988. Displaying a generous, intense, smoky, blackcurrant bouquet, and chewy, medium-bodied flavors, it has a surprisingly long, spicy, soft finish. Anticipated maturity: Now-2001.WS 82 (11/1998): An '88 cru bourgeois on the decline. Pretty leaf, berry and earth aromas and flavors, but the palate is slightly dry, with austere tannins and medium fruit concentration.--1988 Bordeaux horizontal. Drink now.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauChasseSpleen.aspMB ***** (4/2002): For me this is the star wine of the vintage, from a fragrant cask sample and effortless trajectory through the 1980s. 'Lovely flavour and texture', perfect balance, seemingly effortless development. Ten notes, tasted in Munich, Luzern, and at Wolf's vertical in Austria, a jerboam; yet again in Memphis; memorably dining at the Krone in Assmannshausen on the Rhine in the company of two brilliant and eccentric winemakers, August Kesseler (from the Rheingau) and Jim Clendenen (of Au Bon Climat in California). Every note virtually identical: sweer, fragrant, elegant, stylish, lovely. Most recently, my top wine at a Cheval Blanc dinner for the Russian National Orchestra.WS 89 (2/1991): A rather meaty and rich wine with an abundance of developed fruit flavors. Deep ruby center with a garnet edge, and light stewed tomato, tobacco and orange peel aromas; full-bodied, with velvety tomato and tobacco flavors and a lovely, silky finish.--Cheval-Blanc vertical.WA 84 (1/1998): Somewhat of a disappointment, the 1971, while very good, has in the last several years, begun to brown badly. Nevertheless, the wine still has plenty of sweet fruit, a burnt, roasted character to its bouquet, and medium body. The 1971 is a pleasant, lowbrow Cheval Blanc that should be drunk over the next 2-3 years. Anticipated maturity: Now.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauCheval-Blanc.aspWA 82 (8/1993): At one time elegant, lightweight, and pleasant, the 1979 Cheval Blanc continues to develop in an unexciting fashion. The color is light ruby with a watery edge. The nose offers minty, mineral, earthy, herbaceous aromas backed by some berry and coffee-scented fruit. Light and lacking substance, with a short, angular finish, this wine was more enjoyable several years ago. Drink it up. Last tasted, 5/93.WS 77 (3/1999): The group disagreed on this light, mature wine; I found it lean and dry, with light raisin and dusty notes. Drink up.--Cheval-Blanc vertical.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauCheval-Blanc.aspWA 98 (2/1997): In contrast to the 1989, the 1990 is increasingly sumptuous with each additional tasting. The wine possesses all the hallmarks of a hot, ripe year - low acidity, super-ripe, nearly over-ripe fruit, an opulent, oily texture, great sweetness of fruit, and a long, voluptuously-textured finish. In the most recent tasting, I almost mistook it for Le Pin given its showboat-like nose of coconut, toasty new oak, and gobs of smoky, blackcurranty, and cherry fruit. The wine is full-bodied, rich, and concentrated, with layers of extract, and well-concealed tannin. I am increasingly convinced that this is the most profound Cheval Blanc since the legendary 1982. Because of its fleshy, low-acid character, the wine can be drunk, but it is still youthful, with a deeper purple color than the more mature-looking 1989. It should offer exotic opulence for at least another 15-20 years. A compelling Cheval Blanc!http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauCheval-Blanc.aspWA 98 (2/1997): In contrast to the 1989, the 1990 is increasingly sumptuous with each additional tasting. The wine possesses all the hallmarks of a hot, ripe year - low acidity, super-ripe, nearly over-ripe fruit, an opulent, oily texture, great sweetness of fruit, and a long, voluptuously-textured finish. In the most recent tasting, I almost mistook it for Le Pin given its showboat-like nose of coconut, toasty new oak, and gobs of smoky, blackcurranty, and cherry fruit. The wine is full-bodied, rich, and concentrated, with layers of extract, and well-concealed tannin. I am increasingly convinced that this is the most profound Cheval Blanc since the legendary 1982. Because of its fleshy, low-acid character, the wine can be drunk, but it is still youthful, with a deeper purple color than the more mature-looking 1989. It should offer exotic opulence for at least another 15-20 years. A compelling Cheval Blanc!IWC 97 (8/2002): Deep healthy red-ruby. Knockout nose combines nearly candied cherry and raspberry fruit, grilled nuts, coffee, tobacco, game, earth and mint. Great silky sweetness in the mouth, thanks to fabulously pure, ripe cabernet franc. Finishes with extraordinary sweetness and great persistence, with the ripe tannins currently buried under a wave of fruit. A fabulous vintage for this chateau. Drink now through 2025. WS 93 (6/2001): Dark ruby red. Superripe aromas of raisins, dried plums and intense truffle. Full-bodied, chewy and layered, with lovely ripe fruit. Such beauty. Serious Cheval.--Bordeaux retrospective. Drink now. 12,000 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauCheval-Blanc.aspWS 98 (1/2001): Subtle, complex and refined, with aromas of cherry, licorice, mineral, berry and other sweet, ripe fruit. Full-bodied and compacted, with masses of fine, silky tannins. Long, long finish. Best after 2010. 8,330 cases made.WA 93 (4/2001): This blend of 55% Cabernet Franc and 45% Merlot exhibits a dark ruby/purple color as well as classic aromas of menthol, plums, mulberries, and assorted black fruits. The oak, texture, acidity, and tannin are all beautifully integrated. While full-bodied, elegant, concentrated, and impeccably balanced, it requires several years of cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2020. Kudos to administrator Pierre Lurton for the efforts he has put forth over recent years.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauCheval-Blanc.aspWS 91 (12/2009): Licorice, blackberry, grilled meat and lightly toasted oak. Turns to flowers. Full-bodied, with very silky tannins, pretty fruit and a delicate finish. Fabulous nose, but more reserved on the finish.¿'88/'98 Bordeaux blind retrospective (2008). Drink now.WA 87 (4/2001): This dark ruby-colored Domaine de Chevalier reveals aggressive spicy new oak in the nose, along with notions of tobacco, smoke, and black cherries. While medium-bodied and stylish, it lacks the necessary depth to qualify as one of the stars of the vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2002-2015.IWC 86-89 (6/2000): Medium red-ruby. Plum syrup, cassis, tobacco, mocha and a faint whiff of cardboard on the nose. Initially fat and supple in the middle, with notes of tar and tobacco, but grew a bit drier in the glass. Finishes with slightly green, dry-edged tannins. This was difficult to assess a year ago and is still hard to figure.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DomainedeChevalier.aspWS 86 (11/1998): Slightly rustic, but with a good concentration of ripe fruit. Brick-red color, with a ruby center. Medium- to full-bodied, with ripe berry and tobacco aromas, rather coarse yet velvety tannins and a slightly funky aftertaste.--1982 Bordeaux horizontal. Drink now.IWC 83 (8/2002): Moderately saturated medium red. Aromatic nose of leather, coffee grounds and current leaf, with a distinct green component. Then firm but a bit hollow, with a sour quality and a green edge on the end. Avoids hardness but gives little pleasure.WA 69 (6/2000): Medium ruby with amber at the edge, this wine offers up vegetal, green aromas intertwined with scents of minerals, toasty new oak, and washed-out red currant fruit. Thin, sharp, attenuated, and drying out, Domaine de Chevalier's 1982 is a failure for the vintage.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DomainedeChevalier.aspWS 84 (1/1996): A very delicate style for this estate. Elegant, fresh and lively, offering plum and black cherry notes, fine tannins and crisp finish. Better in 1997.WA 76 (2/1997): A disturbing pattern appears to be emerging with recent offerings from this chateau. After bottling, the wines are fruitless, ferociously tannic, and completely out of balance. Even the white Domaine de Chevalier seems to be missing the great intensity of flavor and ripeness that one expects from this renowned estate in Pessac-Leognan. This is a frightfully lean, austere, ferociously tannic wine that is nearly devoid of fruit and charm. There is some spice and new oak in the nose, but there is very little flavor and flesh to what is, in essence, a wine of all structure - acidity, alcohol, and wood tannin. Given the number of marvelous Domaine de Chevaliers I have tasted as well as purchased over the years, I hope my tasting notes for the 1993-95 prove to be terribly inaccurate.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DomainedeChevalier.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauCissac.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauCissac.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauCissac.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauCissac.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauCissac.aspWA 91 (4/2003): This looks to be the strongest effort to date from the Dauriac-Rolland team. Deep, opaque purple-colored, with a tight but promising nose of truffles, licorice, underbrush, incense, and black fruits, this big, huge, dense, full-bodied Pomerol shows no compromising for readers looking for something immediately drinkable. As the French would say, a true vin de garde. This backstrapping, muscular wine is loaded, but patience is most definitely a virtue. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2022+.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLaClemence.aspWA 91 (4/2003): This looks to be the strongest effort to date from the Dauriac-Rolland team. Deep, opaque purple-colored, with a tight but promising nose of truffles, licorice, underbrush, incense, and black fruits, this big, huge, dense, full-bodied Pomerol shows no compromising for readers looking for something immediately drinkable. As the French would say, a true vin de garde. This backstrapping, muscular wine is loaded, but patience is most definitely a virtue. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2022+.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLaClemence.aspWA 91 (4/2003): This looks to be the strongest effort to date from the Dauriac-Rolland team. Deep, opaque purple-colored, with a tight but promising nose of truffles, licorice, underbrush, incense, and black fruits, this big, huge, dense, full-bodied Pomerol shows no compromising for readers looking for something immediately drinkable. As the French would say, a true vin de garde. This backstrapping, muscular wine is loaded, but patience is most definitely a virtue. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2022+.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLaClemence.aspWA 91 (4/2001): A superb effort, the 1998 may be the finest Clerc-Milon I have tasted. A blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot, this is a blockbuster, over-sized offering for this estate. Full-bodied and super-extracted, with power to burn, this rich, concentrated wine demands 7-8 years of cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2025.WS 88 (1/2001): Silky, well-crafted, with berry, currant and licorice character. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins but a slightly hollow midpalate. Not as good as I remember from barrel. Best after 2005.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauClercMilon.aspWS 91 (3/2004): Sleek and racy, with a beautiful structure of very fine tannins and ripe fruit. There are minerals, currants and berries throughout, yet it?s subtle and caressing. Lovely wine. I like this as much as the 2000. Best after 2007.IWC 90 (6/2004): Ruby-red. Ripe aromas of licorice, bitter chocolate, roasted herbs, tar and exotic spices. Supple, round and pliant, with redcurrant, licorice and herbal flavors. Finishes with surprisingly sweet tannins nicely buffered by the wine's fat. A very good showing for this wine. WA 88 (6/2004): Tasted on three separate occasions, this 2001 did not perform nearly as well from bottle as it did from cask. A blend of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Franc, it exhibits aromas reminiscent of a Starbuck espresso, melted licorice, black currants, cherries, cedar, a notion of dried herbs, and elevated oak. With attractive texture and firm tannin in the finish, it requires 2-3 years of cellaring, and should drink well for 14-15. While it is an excellent, medium-bodied Pauillac, it is nowhere near as impressive as I anticipated from cask.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauClercMilon.aspWA 90 (6/2007): This outstanding effort displays loads of cassis fruit interwoven with notions of espresso roast, white chocolate, and menthol. It possesses a terrific front end, good mid-section, and moderately high tannin in the finish. Approximately 15,000 cases were produced. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2025.WS 90 (3/2007): Raspberry and blackberry aromas follow through to a medium- to full-bodied palate, with velvety tannins and a caressing finish. Best after 2010. 8,500 cases made.IWC 89 (6/2007): Dark red. Cool, slightly medicinal nose hints at licorice, dark chocolate and currant leaf. Richer and more velvety than the Armailhac but less expressive and evolving slowly. This has very good acidity but also a lovely subtle sweetness for the year and surprisingly suave, broad tannins.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauClercMilon.aspMB ***** (12/1988): Six notes. A superb Climens, creamy, rich, lovely.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauClimens.aspMB ***** (10/2001): Ambroisal. In the class of '29 and '49. Grapes with perfect pourriture noble were harvested in four tries between 8 October and 3 November. Rendement 12hl'ha, long - six weeks - fermentation en barrique, approximately 33,000 bottles of the 1er vin, alcohol 13.9%, residual sugar 99.5g/l. I often think of Climens in the same context as Ch Cheval Blanc:each has a long, consistent, invariably good reputation, wines with style, finesse and of the highest quality, amply demonstrated by this wine. I have nine notes spread mainly through the 1980's, 'every one a winner' as the fairground barker would say! A lovely, lively, waxy yellow shot with gold; nose and palate in perfect harmony. Although a fairly assertive, still an ideal weight. As it evolved, the colour seemed to become even more beautiful, its palate even more extended. Sheer perfection in 1988. Next in 1995, with terrine de foie gras in the country kitchen of the somewhat eccentric owner of one of the finest cellars in France, a pure yellow gold; faultless, seamless bouquet, 'cream of fruit'; drying out a little yet rich, elegant, creamy texture. Most recently: now a rich gold with green rim and orange and lime highlights; as soon as poured, an amazingly rich, almost too rich, buttery bouquet, lanolin, fudge (soft caramel), great depth; very sweet, full-body and glorious flavour, richness and depth. Last tasted at the Chateau, Oct 2001. Will continue to enchant for another quarter century.WA 94 (1/1998): I have had some of the fabled mature vintages of Climens (the 1947 and 1949 come to mind immediately), but the 1971 remains my favorite mature vintage of this wine. It is a classic Climens, powerful yet restrained, rich and opulent, yet also delicate. This wine has superb balance, a long, lively, crisp finish, and moderate sweetness kept light and delightful by excellent acidity. It is one of the finest Barsacs I have ever tasted. The honeyed pineapple character, so much a personality trait of this wine, is abundantly displayed. Anticipated maturity: Now-2001. Last tasted, 12/97.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauClimens.aspWA 97 (4/2008): No tasting note given.WS 95 (3/2008): Toffee, dried lemon rind and tropical fruit on the nose. Full-bodied and very sweet, with a dense palate of candied fruit and a long, sweet finish. Very concentrated. The botrytis spice creeps up on the finish. Best after 2013. 2,300 cases made.IWC 94+ (8/2008): Good full golden-yellow. Musky, very fresh aromas of crystallized citrus peel, minerals and toasted bread. The palate offers incredible sappy concentration and a saline aspect, not to mention a penetrating quality rare for this fruit-driven year. In fact, this begins almost light, then builds inexorably toward the back, finishing with a tactile impression of extract and an extraordinary sweetness that almost reminded me of the Suduiraut that I tasted just before it. Should go on for decades.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauClimens.aspWS 88 (12/2003): Loads of raspberry and cherry character on the nose. Full-bodied, with round, caressing tannins and a lovely flavorful aftertaste. Second wine of Talbot. Best after 2005. 28,000 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ConnetableTalbot.aspWA 94 (1/1998): One of the truly glorious 1985 Pomerols, and a worthy candidate for the "wine of the vintage," La Conseillante's 1985 has been fully mature since the late eighties. The flamboyant aromatics consist of smoke, roasted herbs, and jammy black raspberry fruit intermingled with kirsch and pain grille. In the mouth, an abundant concoction of berry, chocolate, coffee, and mocha emerges. This has always been a seductive, silky-textured, medium-bodied wine. Anticipated maturity: Now-2005.MB ***(*) (6/1992): This must be one of my favourite Pomerols, yet the '85 only tasted once. At seven years of age, impressively deep; rich, classic nose; sweet, crisp, marvellous fruit.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauConseillante.aspWA 86 (8/1993): The 1988 suffers in comparison to the 1989, but it is a light, charming, supple, medium-bodied wine for drinking over the next 5-7 years. Tasty, yes, but where is the grip and depth?http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauConseillante.aspWA 89 (2/1998): A hedonistic effort from Corbin-Michotte, the 1995 reveals a deep ruby color, a jammy plum, cherry, and spice box-scented nose, and medium-bodied, lush, low acid, juicy, opulently-textured, fruity flavors. This is an exuberantly fruity, tasty St.-Emilion that should be reasonably priced. On a pure scale of pleasure, it merits even higher marks. Anticipated maturity: Now-2007.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauCorbin-Michotte.aspWS 89 (1/1999): Delivers plenty of spicy currant and berry character. Full-bodied, with well-integrated, silky tannins and a spicy, fruity aftertaste. Clever winemaking. Best second label of the vintage. From Château Cos d'Estournel. Best after 2002.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/LesPagodesdesCos.aspMB ***** (2/1998): From the start a splendid wine, the start being February after the vintage, so it was probably de Luze jumping the gun again. Ten consistently good notes through the 1970s and 1980s, hitting a high (5-star) spot in 1990. Since then just a couple of notes. A bottle recorked in 1988, bought at one of Christie's auctions in 1996 and served at my Bordeaux Club dinner in 1998. I see that I gave it a lot of air, drawing the cork at 4pm, decanting at 6pm and pouring at 8:20pm. It was really worth it for the bouquet was wonderfully fragrant, cedary, tea like; sweet, delicious, easy and charming yet with a sustaining core. Last tasted a fortnight later at my 'Reserve Tasting of Premier Bordeaux Wine' in Palm Beach. It was extremely good: mellow for a '66, lovely fruit, delicious. Claret at its best.WA 85 (1/1998): A very good 1966, yet not top flight, the Cos d'Estournel is medium to dark ruby, with some browning. It has very good concentration in the somewhat lean, austere character of the vintage, and plenty of tannin in the finish. Although it does not yet seem to be mature, I would drink it over the near term before the fruit begins to fade. Anticipated maturity: Now.WS 74 (5/1990): No tasting note given.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauCosdEstournel.aspWA 98 (4/2006): The prodigious, fantastic 2003 Cos d’Estournel is a candidate for “wine of the vintage.” A blend of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon (unusually high for this chateau), 30% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc, 17,500 cases were produced from low yields. An inky/blue/purple color is accompanied by a compelling perfume of black fruits, subtle smoke, pain grille, incense, and flowers. With extraordinary richness, full body, and remarkable freshness, elegance, and persistence, this is one of the finest wines ever made by this estate. The good news is that it will be drinkable at a young age yet evolve for three decades or more. Kudos to winemaker Jean-Guillaume Prats and owner Michel Reybier.WS 97 (3/2006): Gorgeous aromas of blackberry, spice and mineral. Full-bodied, with ultrafine tannins and a long, long finish. This is first-growth quality. Best after 2012. 15,000 cases made.IWC 94 (6/2006): Red-ruby. Knockout nose combines currant, espresso, earth and exotic spices. Wonderfully round and sweet, with outstanding volume and density. A spherical, seamless wine that saturates the entire palate. The huge but lush tannins coat the teeth. This is accessible now but has the sheer material for long aging.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauCosdEstournel.aspWA 98 (4/2008): While I am not convinced the 2005 Cos d’Estournel will eclipse the compelling 2003 Cos, it is unquestionably another superb classic from proprietor Michel Reybier and his brilliant winemaker, Jean-Guillaume Prats. Made from an unusually high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon (78%) and the balance mostly Merlot with a tiny dollop of Cabernet Franc, this superb effort requires plenty of time in the bottle. It boasts an inky/purple color as well as a glorious perfume of licorice, Asian spices, creme de cassis, blackberries, and toasty oak. This full-bodied St.-Estephe is exceptionally powerful, pure, and dense with a layered mid-palate that builds like a skyscraper. While there are massive tannins, they are remarkably velvety and well-integrated in this big, backstrapping effort that should enjoy an unusually long life. Forget it for 8-10 years, and drink it between 2017-2040.WS 98 (3/2008): Black in color, with aromas of orange peel, new leather, currant, berry and Christmas pudding. Full-bodied, with layers of velvety tannins and a long, long finish of fruit and spices. The cashmere texture is all there. 2003 plus 2000 equals 2005. Best after 2015. 25,000 cases made.IWC 96 (6/2008): Good ruby-red. Knockout nose combines currant, plum, minerals, licorice and graphite. Wonderfully sweet, rich and deep, but with near-perfect balancing acidity to frame the wine's lush fruit. This superb 2005 has it all. Finishes with noble, sweet tannins and palate-saturating persistence. On my most recent visit, Prats told me he considered 2005 to be superior to the 2003, and that the '05 may be "our best wine ever."http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauCosdEstournel.aspWS 94 (3/2004): Wonderful spice and currant aromas to this young wine. Full-bodied, with super well?integrated, refined tannins. Long caressing finish. This is very, very silky. Just like from barrel. Cos is on top of it now. Best after 2008. 17,705 cases made.WA 93 (6/2004): A beautiful effort, the 2001 Cos d’Estournel (65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Merlot) exhibits a poised, noble bouquet of black currants, cedar, spice box, and licorice. A hint of truffles emerges as it sits in the glass. Medium-bodied with sweet fruit (mostly black) and nicely integrated wood, it builds incrementally in the mouth, ending with a 50-second finish. Drink this stylish, restrained yet substantial claret over the next 15+ years.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauCosdEstournel.aspWA 52 (4/1978): Poor winemaking and perhaps overcropping as well have accounted for a very mediocre, thin, green, nasty wine that shows the ugliest side of Bordeaux.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauCosLabory.aspWA 52 (4/1978): Poor winemaking and perhaps overcropping as well have accounted for a very mediocre, thin, green, nasty wine that shows the ugliest side of Bordeaux.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauCosLabory.aspWA 87 (4/2008): The Reiffers family also produces the brilliant Clos Saint-Martin and fine Grandes Murailles. Their least impressive offering tends to be the Cote de Baleau, a straightforward, richly fruity St.-Emilion displaying good ripeness, but neither the complexity nor nobleness of their other wines. The soft 2005 reveals herb-tinged black cherry fruit intermixed with notions of earth and spice. It is a good, fairly priced cuvee to drink over the next 10-15 years.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauCotedeBaleau.aspWS 90 (3/2008): Dark in color, exhibiting beautiful aromas of blackberry, coffee and milk chocolate. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a light toasty oak and citrus fruit aftertaste. Balanced and pretty. Best after 2013. 10,830 cases made.WA 87 (8/2008): There are 11,000 cases of the 2005 Courteillac, which was made under the consulting administration of Michel Rolland. A deep ruby color is followed by sweet black cherry and blackberry fruit, and hints of charcoal and spice. The wine exhibits medium body, sweet tannin, and lovely fruit. It is ideal for drinking over the next 5-6 years.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DomdeCourteillac.aspWA 89 (4/1999): La Couspaude's 1996 has turned out well. This wine, made from 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc (3,000 cases), is given 100% new oak malolactic fermentation. Following malolactic fermentation, 25% of the new oak is replaced with additional new oak barrels, thus that portion of the cuvee is entitled to the so-called "200% new oak elevage." This is a richly fruity, sexy, medium-bodied, surprisingly soft and fragrant wine. Its open-knit aromatics consisting of pain grille, cherry liqueur, smoke, and black currants are followed buy a luscious, soft, lightly tannic wine. It is destined to be drunk during its first 10-12 years of life.WS 85 (1/1999): Enticing aromas of crushed berries, blackberries and toasted oak. Medium-bodied, with pretty fruit flavors and silky tannins. Intense toasted coconut finish is a bit too woody. Lacks some midpalate fruit. Drink now through 2003.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLaCouspaude.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauCoustet.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauCoustet.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauCoutelinMerville.aspMB ** (12/1986): Many notes between 1974 and 1978. Pleasant enough but I noted 'the more I see the 1970s the less I like them'. Did the owner lose heart before he sold the chateau? More recently, still on the pale side with scented bouquet and lovely flavour. 'Delightful now'.WA 72 (1/1998): Rather undistinguished, the 1970 Coutet seems diluted, with a bizarre, tarry, vegetal aroma, and little depth.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauCoutet.aspMB ** (12/1986): Many notes between 1974 and 1978. Pleasant enough but I noted 'the more I see the 1970s the less I like them'. Did the owner lose heart before he sold the chateau? More recently, still on the pale side with scented bouquet and lovely flavour. 'Delightful now'.WA 72 (1/1998): Rather undistinguished, the 1970 Coutet seems diluted, with a bizarre, tarry, vegetal aroma, and little depth.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauCoutet.aspMB ** (12/1986): Many notes between 1974 and 1978. Pleasant enough but I noted 'the more I see the 1970s the less I like them'. Did the owner lose heart before he sold the chateau? More recently, still on the pale side with scented bouquet and lovely flavour. 'Delightful now'.WA 72 (1/1998): Rather undistinguished, the 1970 Coutet seems diluted, with a bizarre, tarry, vegetal aroma, and little depth.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauCoutet.aspMB **** (1/2002): First tasted in 1996 at a Bar Guest night dinner hosted by my daughter in the Inner Temple: good but with more to come. In 1998: aq typical Coutet minty cress-like nose, crisp, showing well. Then with chicken liver parfait: light gold, very good bouquet, a melange of botrytis Semillon and refreshing Sauvignon. Nice weight, very good flavour, crisp dry finish. Most recently, perfect with foie gras: lovely, floral nose, sweet, equally flowery flavour and good acidity. WS 91 (4/1995): Extraordinary complexity and finesse are the hallmarks of this earth-scented, butter-laced, honeyed, lemon-flavored gem. The finish seems to never end thanks to all that great acidity. Better after 1998.IWC 90 (8/1998): Fairly pale yellow. Vibrant aromas of pineapple, grapefruit, licorice, and fresh herbs, plus a petrolly riesling-like pungency. Moderately thick, racy and stylish, with flavors similar to the aromas. Very youthful and given clarity by sound acidity. The petrol note carries through to the long, bright aftertaste. Very '88, and very Barsac.WA 89 (11/1994): The lighter-bodied, drier 1988 is less weighty than the 1989, with attractive, spicy, vanillin, citrus scents, medium body, and an earthy note that kept my score from going higher.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauCoutet.aspWA 90 (4/1995): This was one of the few wines where the 1989 was the superior offering. The richest, sweetest, and fattest of the 1988, 1989 and 1990 vintages, it offers a pure nose of pineapples, full body, and excellent concentration.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauCoutet.aspIWC 91 (8/1999): Healthy pale color. Ethereal, highly complex nose combines floral and herbal scents with notes of pineapple, marzipan, mint and spicy oak. Moderately viscous, sweet and shapely; concentrated and fresh. Like the '97, this is silky and suave. The very long, ripe finish hints at honey and caramel. MB **[*] (4/1997): palish, bright; youthful gooseberry and pineapple, pourriture and patisserie! Sweet, good length and aftertaste but not wholly convincing. Early days. Should be fine.WA 87-88 (4/1999): A cool, light-bodied wine with a greenish hue to its light gold color, this ripe, medium-bodied Barsac reveals pain grille notes along with fresh, citrusy tropical fruit, medium body, some sweetness, and a clean, pure finish. It is a good all-purpose Barsac to drink as an aperitif, with food, or after dinner with dessert. Anticipated maturity: 2001-2018.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauCoutet.aspIWC 92 (8/2000): Complex, classy aromas of nectarine, apricot, smoke and roasted grain. Very rich and concentrated; full and sweet for Barsac but carrying no excess weight. Lovely pliant texture. Finishes very long, spicy and fresh. A very elegant wine with an impressively long, spicy aftertaste. WA 90 (4/2000): A classic example of elegance allied to richness and intensity, Coutet's 1997 exhibits an expressive, floral, citrusy, honeyed nose, with notes of orange, Chinese black tea, pineapple, and spicy oak. It is all finesse, with honey, medium to full body, gorgeous delineation, and refreshing underlying acidity. It should drink well young. Anticipated maturity: 2002-2020.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauCoutet.aspWA 91-93 (4/2000): (no note given)IWC 92 (8/2001): Pale yellow. Subtle aromas of peach, pineapple, orange peel and honey. Very rich, concentrated and fleshy; bright acidity gives the fruit salad flavors lovely inner-mouth lift and perfume. Quite suave but also powerful. Finishes rich, sweetly oaky and long. I underrated this wine a year ago from barrel.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauCoutet.aspIWC 90+ (8/2002): Highly aromatic but youthfully subdued aromas of peach blossom, fresh pineapple, minerals and spicy oak; offers lovely lift and purity. Smooth, thick and spicy, with lively acidity giving it a light touch. Fruit salad flavors complicated by notes of spice, vanilla and grilled nuts. Finishes suave and long. A very elegantly styled wine with the structure to evolve slowly.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauCoutet.aspWA 87 (4/2003): Somewhat one-dimensional and simple, as are many 2000s, but with loads of fruit and moderate sweetness, this offering should be drunk over the next decade.IWC 85-88 (12/2001): A clean 2000, with honey and spice character. Medium to light body. Medium-sweet finish.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauCoutet.aspWA 95 (11/1994): The 1989 Cuvee Madame is deep, bright gold in color. This blockbuster sweet wine offers up aromas of coffee, custard, pain grille, honeyed tropical fruits, and a note coconut. Unctuously-textured, and oozing glycerin, extract, and richness, this full-bodied, yet extraordinarily well-delineated wine offers the rare combination of power and complexity. It is an amazingly thick Cuvee Madame that suffers only in comparison with its surrounding siblings. Anticipated maturity: Now-2030.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauCoutet.aspWA 95 (4/2003): Even more impressive from bottle than barrel, the 2000 Croix de Labrie is sumptuous. A sensational effort, there are only 9,000 bottles of the big, blockbuster 2000. It boasts superb purity along with the essence of cassis and black cherry liqueur-like fruit intermixed with graphite, chocolate, espresso, and new oak notes. Sweet, layered, and luxuriously rich, with a wealth of fruit and glycerin, this stunningly full-bodied St.-Emilion should be drinkable young, yet age nicely for 15+ years. Great stuff! Anticipated maturity: 2006-2020.WS 90 (3/2003): Blackberry and vanilla character, with hints of mineral. Medium- to full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long finish. Very fine. Best after 2006.IWC 89-91 (6/2002): Bright medium ruby. Exotic aromas of cherry, coffee and roasted oak; strong element of torrefaction. Lush, dense and minerally; fat and full. Seems more energetically extracted than the 2000 but has the density and sweetness of fruit to support it. Finishes with very ripe tannins and strong fruit. A sexy wine in the making.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauCroixdeLabrie.aspWA 95 (4/2003): Even more impressive from bottle than barrel, the 2000 Croix de Labrie is sumptuous. A sensational effort, there are only 9,000 bottles of the big, blockbuster 2000. It boasts superb purity along with the essence of cassis and black cherry liqueur-like fruit intermixed with graphite, chocolate, espresso, and new oak notes. Sweet, layered, and luxuriously rich, with a wealth of fruit and glycerin, this stunningly full-bodied St.-Emilion should be drinkable young, yet age nicely for 15+ years. Great stuff! Anticipated maturity: 2006-2020.WS 90 (3/2003): Blackberry and vanilla character, with hints of mineral. Medium- to full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long finish. Very fine. Best after 2006.IWC 89-91 (6/2002): Bright medium ruby. Exotic aromas of cherry, coffee and roasted oak; strong element of torrefaction. Lush, dense and minerally; fat and full. Seems more energetically extracted than the 2000 but has the density and sweetness of fruit to support it. Finishes with very ripe tannins and strong fruit. A sexy wine in the making.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauCroixdeLabrie.aspWA 95 (4/2003): Even more impressive from bottle than barrel, the 2000 Croix de Labrie is sumptuous. A sensational effort, there are only 9,000 bottles of the big, blockbuster 2000. It boasts superb purity along with the essence of cassis and black cherry liqueur-like fruit intermixed with graphite, chocolate, espresso, and new oak notes. Sweet, layered, and luxuriously rich, with a wealth of fruit and glycerin, this stunningly full-bodied St.-Emilion should be drinkable young, yet age nicely for 15+ years. Great stuff! Anticipated maturity: 2006-2020.WS 90 (3/2003): Blackberry and vanilla character, with hints of mineral. Medium- to full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long finish. Very fine. Best after 2006.IWC 89-91 (6/2002): Bright medium ruby. Exotic aromas of cherry, coffee and roasted oak; strong element of torrefaction. Lush, dense and minerally; fat and full. Seems more energetically extracted than the 2000 but has the density and sweetness of fruit to support it. Finishes with very ripe tannins and strong fruit. A sexy wine in the making.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauCroixdeLabrie.aspWA 89 (6/2007): One of the sexiest garagiste wines of St.-Emilion, the 2004 Croix de Labrie is lighter than usual without the flamboyant exoticism it normally possesses. Nevertheless, there is still plenty to like. Its dark ruby/plum color is accompanied by scents of mocha, scorched earth, jammy cherries, and licorice. Medium-bodied with good sweetness and purity as well as dry tannin in the finish, it should drink well for 7-8 years.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauCroixdeLabrie.aspWA 89 (6/2007): One of the sexiest garagiste wines of St.-Emilion, the 2004 Croix de Labrie is lighter than usual without the flamboyant exoticism it normally possesses. Nevertheless, there is still plenty to like. Its dark ruby/plum color is accompanied by scents of mocha, scorched earth, jammy cherries, and licorice. Medium-bodied with good sweetness and purity as well as dry tannin in the finish, it should drink well for 7-8 years.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauCroixdeLabrie.aspWA 89 (6/2007): One of the sexiest garagiste wines of St.-Emilion, the 2004 Croix de Labrie is lighter than usual without the flamboyant exoticism it normally possesses. Nevertheless, there is still plenty to like. Its dark ruby/plum color is accompanied by scents of mocha, scorched earth, jammy cherries, and licorice. Medium-bodied with good sweetness and purity as well as dry tannin in the finish, it should drink well for 7-8 years.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauCroixdeLabrie.aspWA 90 (8/2008): It’s amazing how good this wine has become since the property was sold by the Jean-Pierre Moueix firm to Jean Halley. The outstanding, sexy, full-bodied 2005 is a 5,000-case blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. With beautiful purity, symmetry, and power as well as elegance, it is a fresh, full, soft Fronsac with sensational concentration and depth. It can be drunk now or cellared for 10-15 years.WS 87 (12/2008): Aromas and flavors of cherry and milk chocolate. Soft and easygoing, with a medium-to-full body and clean fruit. Best after 2008. 5,000 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateaudelaDauphine.aspWS 100 (9/2004): Liquid honey in appearance. Incredibly ripe with dried apricot, orange and mace. Full-bodied, thick and powerful with amazing richness and spiciness. It goes on and on and on. This concentration is phenomenal. Yet it?s lively and spicy. Huge finish. Best after 2012. 140 cases made.WA 98 (6/2004): There is only a tiny amount of the light gold/green-colored 2001 Doisy-Daene l’Extravagant (primarily Sauvignon Blanc). As the name suggests, it is extravagantly rich as well as very full-bodied with extraordinary purity and intensity. The finish lasts for over a minute. There are loads of botrytis in addition to caramelized tropical fruits, zesty acidity, and striking clarity of expression. Anticipated maturity: now-2035.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauDoisyDaene.aspWA 95-98 (4/2004): It is against my better judgment to taste the sweet wines of Barsac and Sauternes at such an early age, as I find they typically require at least 12 months to reveal the definition/delineation so essential in these creamy, creme brulee, and honeysuckle-flavored offerings. Nevertheless, because this vintage is so highly regarded, I tasted through most of the top estates. The 2003s appear to be somewhat in the style of the 1990s, with high levels of residual sugar (higher than 2001 for the most part) as well as botrytis, low acidity, and fat, full-bodied personalities. This region’s harvest began extremely early (early September), and was completely finished within three weeks. It does not appear that the nobleness and racy richness of the 2001 vintage will be found in the 2003s, but readers who like the big, flamboyant, over the top style of the 1990s will enjoy the 2003s even more than I did.WS 93 (12/2006): Doesn't give much on the nose, with subtle lemon, honey, tangerine and apricot. Full-bodied and very sweet, with a long finish. Thick and compacted, with loads of mango and sweet candied fruit. Best after 2010. 150 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauDoisyDaene.aspIWC 90 (8/2001): Pale color. Tangy, vibrant aromas of peach, flowers and licorice. Intense, well-defined flavors of ripe citrus fruits and spicy, vanillin oak. Juicy and refreshing. Finishes with strong vanilla and spice character and excellent persistence.WA 87-89 (4/2000): Tasted several times, the last in Tokyo at the Michael Broadbent seminar in April 2004. A slightly deeper colour than the German Auslese tasted before. Lemon with lime tints. The palate had apricots and a touch of whipped cream. Very fresh though lacks the richness it displayed a few years ago. The palate has good acidity, medium-sweet with moderate levels of botrytis. Still quite primal but not complex. "A pretty teenager" were the exact words I wrote.WS 85-89 (12/1999): Plenty of fresh fruit, with lemon and cream character. Medium-bodied, medium sweet, with a fresh finish.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauDoisyVedrines.aspWA 87 (1/1998): A very flavorful wine now in full maturity, the 1966 Ducru-Beaucaillou defines such wine adjectives as elegant, graceful, and well-bred. Medium dark ruby with an amber edge, the bouquet is spicy, cedary, and subtly herbaceous. Velvety, round, medium-bodied flavors exhibit good concentration. Drink it over the next 5 years. Anticipated maturity: Now. Last tasted, 11/87.WS 86 (10/1992): Shows good intensity in a fully mature wine. Ripeness comes through in the sweet dried fruit and brown sugar flavors, but it has a firm backbone of tannin. Drink now to 1994.--Ducru-Beaucaillou vertical.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauDucru-Beaucaillou.aspMB ** (5/1992): Seven notes. A pretty good '67, luminous, dry, crisp, flavoury.WA 74 (1/1998): For Ducru, the 1967 is a rather coarse, bland, obviously chaptalized wine, without the graceful fruit and spicy exuberance normally found in wines from this estate. Drink up. Anticipated maturity: Now-probably in serious decline.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauDucru-Beaucaillou.aspWA 94 (4/2003): Floral notes intermixed with raspberries, black currants, minerals, and a hint of new oak emerge from the dense purple-colored 2000 Ducru-Beaucaillou. The wine is sweet, dense, and medium to full-bodied, with undeniable elegance and finesse as well as a finish that lasts for 45+ seconds. A wine of remarkable symmetry, balance, elegance, and minerality, it is the Lafite-Rothschild of St.-Julien,. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2030+.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauDucru-Beaucaillou.aspWS 92 (3/2004): Loads of crushed berries on the nose, with hints of flowers and minerals. Very aromatic. Full-bodied, with fine tannins and a long, cappuccino and berry aftertaste. Really refined. Best after 2009.IWC 91 (6/2004): Moderately saturated ruby-red. Aromas of redcurrant, cedar and tobacco. At once juicy and soft, with currant and tobacco flavors. Offers a silky texture and lovely volume but not quite the structure or grip of the 2002. But this is lush, captivating claret.WA 89 (6/2004): Somewhat light-bodied for a Ducru, with a 1999-like personality, this blend of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc is a forward, medium-bodied, pretty effort revealing notes of cranberries, black cherries, cassis, and earth. Full of finesse, but lacking concentration as well as depth, it should be consumed over the next 10-12 years.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauDucru-Beaucaillou.aspWS 97 (3/2006): Intense aromas of blackberry, currant and cherry. Full-bodied, with masses of big, velvety tannins and a finish that lasts for minutes. A blockbuster. A classic big, juicy claret. Best after 2012. 17,500 cases made.WA 96 (4/2006): One of the most compelling Ducru Beaucaillou’s made in the last quarter century is the 2003 (which is also the first vintage to be packaged in an impressive heavy glass bottle with a special long cork). A blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot, it is a powerful, tannic, blockbuster effort revealing a liqueur of mineral-like component intermixed with creme de cassis, raspberry, and flower characteristics, and an atypically high 13.5% alcohol. Having firmed up considerably since bottling, it exhibits tremendous definition, weight, and concentration. It is a wine for patient connoisseurs. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2025+. A brilliant tour de force!IWC 92 (6/2006): Ruby-red. Sexy nose offers superripe currant, raspberry, graphite and coconut. Lush, very rich and fine-grained, with an almost confectionery sweetness and thickness for this St. Julien. Atypically powerful on the back end, but not hard. Bruno Borie took over direction of this property with the 2003 and immediately switched to a heavier bottle with a longer neck that could accommodate a 55-millimeter cork. A terrific showing-but I'd still give this wine another four or five years of aging.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauDucru-Beaucaillou.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauDuhartMilonRothschild.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauDuhartMilonRothschild.aspMB * (5/1992): Fruity but raw and acidic.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauDuhartMilonRothschild.aspWA 94 (4/2008): The finest Duhart-Milon ever made? This structured, tannic, dense ruby/purple-tinged Pauillac offers up hints of cassis, licorice, chocolate, and earth. Medium to full-bodied with good purity, strong tannins, and undeniable elegance, it reveals a character not dissimilar from its renowned sibling, Lafite-Rothschild. A blend of 71% Cabernet Sauvignon and 29% Merlot, it is unquestionably outstanding, but to my taste, slightly less opulent than the estate’s ethereal 2003. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030.WS 93 (3/2008): Dark in color, almost black, with beautiful aromas of spices, blackberry and milk chocolate. Full-bodied and very silky, yet tannic, with a wonderful texture. This is long and caressing. Gorgeous. Best after 2015. 20,000 cases made.IWC 91+ (6/2008): Medium ruby. Superripe aromas and flavors of blueberry, blackberry, bitter chocolate, licorice, menthol and Asian spices. Big, chocolatey and rich; much broader and more backward than the Carruades I tasted next to it but without that wine's perfume and light touch. Finishes chewy and youthfully medicinal, with a classic dryness and substantial tannins that call for seven or eight years of cellaring.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauDuhartMilonRothschild.aspWA 95 (1/1998): In a vintage that has turned out fewer superb wines than originally predicted, L'Eglise-Clinet may turn out to be one of the two longest-lived wines of Pomerol (the other being L'Evangile). This wine is far more concentrated than some of the appellation's super stars (Trotanoy and Petrus for example), and has retained a dense, opaque ruby/purple color, as well as an unevolved but promising nose of kirsch, black raspberries, minerals, and truffles. Rich and medium to full-bodied, with magnificent purity and a nicely layered feel on the palate, this youthful, intensely rich L'Eglise-Clinet is evolving at a glacial pace. Anticipated maturity: 2001-2020.WS 94 (4/1999): Fabulous aromas of exotic fruits, chocolate, tobacco and earth. Full-bodied, with very velvety tannins and a long, rich fruit aftertaste. Could still use time to mellow, but it's a gorgeous glass of Pomerol.--L'Eglise Clinet vertical. Best from 2000 through 2008.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLEgliseClinet.aspWA 90 (2/1997): L'Eglise-Clinet is one of the best-situated vineyards in Pomerol, and proprietor/winemaker, Denis Durantou, is one of the most meticulous producers in Bordeaux. The vineyard is composed of tracts of very old vines (one planted in 1930). The wine, which is made from extremely small yields of two tons per acre, is normally a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, all of it aged in 60% new oak casks. The 1994 exhibits a saturated dark ruby/purple color, as well as a tight but promising nose of ripe cherries, mulberries, and currants, along with a vague notion of black truffles. Medium to full-bodied, with pure fruit, a layered impression, and stubborn tannin in the muscular finish, this wine is not as charming as the more forward 1993. A larger-scaled, richer wine, the 1994 requires 5-6 years of cellaring. An impressive 1994. Anticipated maturity: 2002-2022.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLEgliseClinet.aspWS 96 (10/2001):Truly gorgeous. Rich and thick yet refined and precise. Crushed raspberry and berry character rises from the glass. Full-bodied, with loads of fruit, fine tannins and an extremely long finish. Best after 2010. 1,085 cases made.IWC94+ (6/2001):Saturated dark ruby. Slightly reduced aromas of sappy berries, minerals and orange peel. Extremely dense in the mouth, with compellingly sweet, powerful flavors of raspberry, minerals and espresso. A rare combination of great breadth and verve. Still a bit withdrawn today from the bottling. But this extract-rich wine should be spectacular in seven or eight years and be very long-lived.WA 94 (4/2001):This wine has been so impressive over the last decade that it can now be said to rival Petrus. This effort should turn out to be one of the longest-lived Pomerols of the vintage. It is backward, and has closed down since bottling, but make no mistake about it ... this is a dazzling, serious vin de garde. An opaque purple color is followed by a restrained but promising bouquet of sweet black raspberries intermixed with vanillin, caramel, and minerals. The wine is full-bodied, powerfully tannic, beautifully textured, and crammed with extract (an assortment of black fruits). While it is bursting at the seams, purchasers will need to wait a minimum of 7-8 years. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2035.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLEgliseClinet.aspWA 98 (6/2009): A blockbuster, dark plum/garnet-colored wine, the 1982 L’Evangile reveals a decadent, extravagantly rich nose of caramelized fruit, plum, licorice, smoked meats, and toffee. This opulent, full-bodied Pomerol caresses the palate with layers and layers of glycerin and fruit. The tannin is barely noticeable in this massive, rich, gorgeous effort. The complexity of the nose alone is worth a special admission price. It is close to full maturity, and is capable of lasting another 20-25 years.IWC 95 (8/2002): The bottle in the blind flight was corked. Second bottle: Impressively saturated dark red. Exotic, slightly candied aromas of raspberry liqueur, roasted meat, coffee and chocolate. Wonderfully sweet and mouthfilling, but the wine underlying minerality adds to the impression of lift and grip. Spreads out impressively to saturate the palate. A compelling example of this wine, finishing with strong but fine tannins and terrific verve. But the '61 is even richer. Drink now through 2020.WS 86 (11/1998): I have never had a great bottle of this wine. Ink-colored, with an amber edge. Has gorgeous floral, berry and raspberry aromas, but turns slightly papery. Full-bodied and rich despite its dry finish.--1982 Bordeaux horizontal. Drink now.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLEvangile.aspWA 90 (12/1995): Consistently an outstanding success for L'Evangile, the 1983 exhibits a dark ruby/purple color, followed by a knock-out nose of black raspberries, Asian spices, and minerals. Not a blockbuster claret, it is an elegant, medium-bodied, beautifully knit Pomerol with a seductive perfume, and soft, round, lush flavors with no hard edges. This wine remains remarkably fresh and vibrant, with good length. It should hold at its current plateau of maturity. Anticipated maturity: Now-2005.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLEvangile.aspWA 90 (12/1995): Consistently an outstanding success for L'Evangile, the 1983 exhibits a dark ruby/purple color, followed by a knock-out nose of black raspberries, Asian spices, and minerals. Not a blockbuster claret, it is an elegant, medium-bodied, beautifully knit Pomerol with a seductive perfume, and soft, round, lush flavors with no hard edges. This wine remains remarkably fresh and vibrant, with good length. It should hold at its current plateau of maturity. Anticipated maturity: Now-2005.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLEvangile.aspWS 95 (8/2000): Big and ripe. Dark ruby-garnet color. Very ripe berry, chocolate and plum aromas. Full-bodied and chewy, with lots of tannins and a very ripe fruit finish. Tight, muscular and concentrated. Needs time.--1990 Bordeaux retrospective. Best after 2005. 4,500 cases made.WA 90 (1/1998): The 1990 remains one of the great modern day L'Evangiles, rivaling such superb vintages as 1995, 1985, 1982, 1975, 1950, and 1947. It possesses a deep purple color, a youthful but promising nose of sweet black fruits, chocolate, caramel, truffles, and minerals. The wine is exceptionally rich and full-bodied, with admirable glycerin and thickness. Its development in the glass indicates the wine is still in a youthful, dormant stage. The finish is full of sweet fruit, with the wine's extract concealing moderate tannin. The 1990 is a fabulously pure, rich L'Evangile to drink between the turn of the century and 2020.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLEvangile.aspWA 90 (4/1999): The 1996 l'Evangile will undoubtedly be a controversial wine. The wine gives the impression of being over-extracted in its dark ruby/purple color and notes of prunes, raisins, Chinese black tea, blackberries, and cherry liqueur. It is rich and powerful, as well as tannic and disjointed, but medium to full-bodied, with excellent richness, and a long, over-ripe finish. It may take a few years to round into shape, but this could turn out to be an outstanding wine. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2016.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLEvangile.aspWA 90 (1/1998): A full-blown creme brulee aroma intermingled with scents of caramel and apricots is penetrating. Full bodied, with viscous, sweet, ripe flavors of tropical fruit and smoked nuts, this big, robust, yet surprisingly mature wine remains fully mature, but displays no signs of declining. Anticipated maturity: Now-2005. Last tasted, 2/91.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateaudeFargues.aspWA 92 (1/1998): While no match for the extraordinary wine produced at d-Yquem in this vintage, the 1983 de Fargues (aged 3 years in 100% new oak casks) is, nevertheless, a sensational example of a Sauternes with an amazing resemblance to d-Yquem. A big, buttery, caramel, smoky, creme brulee and honeyed pineapple nose is enthralling. In the mouth, the wine is powerful, very sweet, rich, extremely full, and framed beautifully by toasty new oak. Quite full bodied and intense, this large-scaled wine should have a great future. Anticipated maturity: Now-2008. Last tasted, 3/90.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateaudeFargues.aspWA 92 (1/1998): While no match for the extraordinary wine produced at d-Yquem in this vintage, the 1983 de Fargues (aged 3 years in 100% new oak casks) is, nevertheless, a sensational example of a Sauternes with an amazing resemblance to d-Yquem. A big, buttery, caramel, smoky, creme brulee and honeyed pineapple nose is enthralling. In the mouth, the wine is powerful, very sweet, rich, extremely full, and framed beautifully by toasty new oak. Quite full bodied and intense, this large-scaled wine should have a great future. Anticipated maturity: Now-2008. Last tasted, 3/90.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateaudeFargues.aspIWC 92 (8/1998): Exotic, intoxicatingly sweet scents of coconut cream pie, toasted almond bar, hazelnut liqueur, melted butter and caramel. Unctuous and quite sweet, but wonderfully harmonious acidity and a lively note of orange peel give it shape and grip. Drinking beautifully today, but capable of remaining at this level for another decade or more. Finishes extremely long and suave, with no sign of heat. WS 88 (8/1995): Wonderfully spicy orange marmalade, cedar and pine-nut flavors; full-bodied and very sweet. Drink now.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateaudeFargues.aspWS 94 (1/1997): This is really a wild wine. Emits wonderful aromas of orange peel, dried fruits and honey, and is full-bodied and incredibly concentrated, with fine acidity and a long, zingy, sweet aftertaste. Best after 2000.MB ***[*] (11/2001): Delicious with West Country cheeses taming its youthful aggressiveness at Gidleigh Park in Devon in 1997. Pale gold; fragrant, lanolin and mint leaf; sweet but on the lean side, delicious vanilla and honey flavour.IWC 92+ (8/1998): Fairly deep gold-tinged color. Superripe aromas of pineapple, cooked apple, honey and white raisin. Huge, thick and three-dimensional; shows a powerfully honeyed character and deep peachy fruit in the mouth. Almost aggressively young today, with the chewy character and uncanny richness shown by a number of these '90s. Slight heat and a note of mint on the very strong back end. This will require another five to seven years to reach its full potential and should be long-lived.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateaudeFargues.aspWA 94-96 (6/2004): Still in barrel, this Chateau d’Yquem look-alike exhibits powerful creme brulee characteristics along with some volatile acidity, huge, full-bodied, unctuously textured flavors, ample intensity as well as purity, and caramelized tropical fruits. This brawny heavyweight requires 5-6 years of bottle age, and should evolve for three decades.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateaudeFargues.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateaudeFargues.aspWA 87 (1/1998): Several bottles tasted since the last edition of this book have shown the 1970 to be the finest Fieuzal produced during the decade of the seventies. The wine possesses a garnet color with noticeable rust at the edge. The provocative, open-knit nose of tobacco smoke, red currants, and herbs is followed by a medium-bodied, round wine with savory flavors. There are no hard edges, bitterness, excessive dryness, or austerity in the wine's moderately long finish. Anticipated maturity: Now-2002.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateaudeFieuzal.aspWS 90 (6/1989): Extremely tannic and hard, but the flavors are fine with herb, cherry and currant notes. The tannins then take over, leaving a very dry and chewy finish.WA 87 (1/1997): This vintage is decidedly mixed in the southern part of the Pessac-Leognan appellation, but Fieuzal has turned in a fine effort. The wine still retains a youthful, deep ruby/purple color with purple nuances. The nose is more backward than recent Fieuzal vintages, displaying earth, spice, new oak, and moderately sweet black currant and cranberry fruit. It is a medium-bodied wine with high tannin. This Fieuzal has evolved at a glacial pace and should have a long life. I expected it to be fully mature by now, but it appears to need another 4-5 years of cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2001-2016.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateaudeFieuzal.aspWA 87 (1/1997): Fieuzal's 1989 exhibits a deep ruby/purple color with some lightening at the edge. This lavishly-oaked wine displays copious quantities of toasty new oak as well as earth/herb-tinged red and black currant fruit in its moderately intense bouquet. On the palate, the wine reveals medium body, low acidity, and elevated tannin in the finish. It is a more compact, leaner style of wine than its slightly sweeter, fleshier sibling, the 1990. Anticipated maturity: 1999-2010.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateaudeFieuzal.aspWA 87 (1/1997): Fieuzal's 1989 exhibits a deep ruby/purple color with some lightening at the edge. This lavishly-oaked wine displays copious quantities of toasty new oak as well as earth/herb-tinged red and black currant fruit in its moderately intense bouquet. On the palate, the wine reveals medium body, low acidity, and elevated tannin in the finish. It is a more compact, leaner style of wine than its slightly sweeter, fleshier sibling, the 1990. Anticipated maturity: 1999-2010.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateaudeFieuzal.aspWA 90 (4/2003): Aromas of lead pencil, tobacco leaf, licorice, and creme de cassis are offered in an outstanding, medium to full-bodied, concentrated style. There is tremendous purity as well as flavor dimension. This opaque ruby/purple-colored offering is one of the finest de Fieuzals produced over the last decade. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2022.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateaudeFieuzal.aspWA 87 (4/2005): A rather straightforward, attractive, plum-colored wine with notes of fig, tobacco, black cherry, currant, a sweet mid-palate, and medium body, this wine is well-balanced and supple with no flaws. Drink it over the next decade.IWC 85-88 (6/2003): Red-ruby. Very sweet, exotic aromas of red berry liqueur and licorice. Nicely concentrated, sweet and fruit-driven, with a creamy middle and a faint jammy, even cooked fruit character. Fat and mouthfilling. Finishes with big, dusty tannins.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateaudeFieuzal.aspMB **** (10/2001): At its fragrant, mouthfilling, flavoury best. Displaying its sweetness, spicinness and charm even in cask. Most recently, at a most delightful dinner party given for a group of friends and hosted by Marie-France and Thierry Manoncourt with Comte Eric d'Aramon, their son-in-law, who is now running the estate: even the colour is luscious; glorious fruit, evolved, rounded; a full, fleshy mouthful with masked tannin. Most recently, idiosyncratic as ever, it was by no means flawless (I thought its rim was a bit weak, its nose almost sickly sweet and a touch of woodiness); the double magnum was voted 'top', much to Thierry Manoncourt's delight, at the blind tasting of 1er cru '89 grands formats (big bottles) at bad Schwalbach. It was irresistibly rich and fragrant with good length and spicy finish.WS 91 (3/1999): Rich, with lots of character. Chewy St.-Emilion, featuring green tobacco, dried cherry and fruit aromas. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a chocolate finish.--1989 Bordeaux horizontal.WA 83 (2/1997): One of Bordeaux's most schizophrenic properties, as disappointing as Figeac's 1989 has turned out, the 1990 is fabulous. This property has not made a wine as rich as the 1990 since 1982. The 1989 is an undernourished, tough-textured, lean, herbaceous wine with a medium ruby color, little charm, and an absence of concentration and intensity. Given the high percentage of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend, it is not surprising that the wine reveals a pronounced green, vegetal character, but the lack of intensity and flavor was even more pronounced than I remember.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauFigeac.aspWA 87 (1/1998): The 1986 is the best Filhot in my memory. The light golden color is followed by a wine with a floral, pineapple, and tropical fruit-scented bouquet, medium body, as well as lovely, elegant, and brilliantly pure, botrytised, lively flavors. Just medium sweet, this wine could be served as an aperitif wine. Anticipated maturity: Now. Last tasted, 3/90.WS 83 (12/1989): Has concentration and richness without a lot of fruit to balance the tobacco and toast aromas and flavors that dominate. With a touch of caramel on the finish, this could develop nicely with aging through 1993-95.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauFilhot.aspWA 90 (11/1994): Filhot, which prefers to tank rather than barrel ferment its wines, produced a 1990 that is clearly the best wine I have tasted from this estate. It exhibits gorgeously ripe, honeyed tropical fruit, an intense, medium to full-bodied personality, wonderful purity, fine acidity, plenty of botrytis, and a long, zesty finish. What makes this wine so appealing is its combination of richness, crisp acidity, liveliness, and zestiness.WS 90 (8/2000): Balanced 1990. Pretty aromas of lemon rind, honey and flowers. Full- to medium-bodied, medium sweet, with lots of toasted coconut, honey and ripe fruit.--1990 Bordeaux retrospective. Best after 2003. 10,000 cases made.MB *** (12/1997): In cask, it was lean and flavoury. Later, I noted it as a very fragrant, sweet, distinctive, its dryness embodying fairly high volatile acids, otherwise very good.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauFilhot.aspWA 90 (6/2004): Made in a light, fruity style emphasizing finesse and elegance, the 2001 Filhot exhibits abundant amounts of sweet pineapple and sealing wax-like characteristics, along with pure, clean flavors. Slightly sweet, it does not possess the body or power of the vintage’s bigger examples, but it is a refreshing, vibrant Sauternes to enjoy over the next 12-15 years.IWC 86+ (8/2004): Pale yellow. Licorice, stone and mint on the nose. High-toned and liqueur-like in the mouth, with the licorice note carrying through. A distinctly edgy style of wine that lacks the pliancy and unctuousness of the best 2002s. Finishes with a lingering suggestion of sultana raisin. This needs patience.WS 86 (9/2004): Golden-colored, with crème caramel and lemon meringue character. Medium-bodied, with good sweet fruit and a slightly burnt character. Hot. Drink now. 7,330 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauFilhot.aspWA 90 (6/2004): Made in a light, fruity style emphasizing finesse and elegance, the 2001 Filhot exhibits abundant amounts of sweet pineapple and sealing wax-like characteristics, along with pure, clean flavors. Slightly sweet, it does not possess the body or power of the vintage’s bigger examples, but it is a refreshing, vibrant Sauternes to enjoy over the next 12-15 years.IWC 86+ (8/2004): Pale yellow. Licorice, stone and mint on the nose. High-toned and liqueur-like in the mouth, with the licorice note carrying through. A distinctly edgy style of wine that lacks the pliancy and unctuousness of the best 2002s. Finishes with a lingering suggestion of sultana raisin. This needs patience.WS 86 (9/2004): Golden-colored, with crème caramel and lemon meringue character. Medium-bodied, with good sweet fruit and a slightly burnt character. Hot. Drink now. 7,330 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauFilhot.aspWA 90 (4/2008): A fruit bomb from St.-Emilion, this dark ruby/purple-tinged 2005 is dominated by kirsch liqueur, licorice, and spice notes, but also reveals cedar and tobacco leaf characteristics. The luscious perfume is followed by a medium to full-bodied wine with ripe tannin, lovely purity, and a long, heady finish. Drink this sleeper of the vintage over the next 10-15 years.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLaFleurdeJaugue.aspWA 86 (2/1993): The 1988 Le Gay is moderately rich, full-bodied, deep and oaky. It should reach maturity, optimistically, by the turn of the century. Anticipated maturity: 1997-2010.WS 84 (11/1998): Never a very interesting bottle of Le Gay, this has a good dark ruby color, but is rather hard and slightly drying. Medium-bodied, with ripe fruit but austere tannins.--1988 Bordeaux horizontal. Drink now.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLeGay.aspWA 86 (2/1993): The 1988 Le Gay is moderately rich, full-bodied, deep and oaky. It should reach maturity, optimistically, by the turn of the century. Anticipated maturity: 1997-2010.WS 84 (11/1998): Never a very interesting bottle of Le Gay, this has a good dark ruby color, but is rather hard and slightly drying. Medium-bodied, with ripe fruit but austere tannins.--1988 Bordeaux horizontal. Drink now.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLeGay.aspWS 90 (1/2001): Big, grapey and plummy, with hints of tar. Full-bodied, with big, soft tannins and a long, juicy finish. A small producer to watch. Best after 2006.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauGigault.aspWS 90 (1/2001): Big, grapey and plummy, with hints of tar. Full-bodied, with big, soft tannins and a long, juicy finish. A small producer to watch. Best after 2006.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauGigault.aspWS 90 (1/2001): Big, grapey and plummy, with hints of tar. Full-bodied, with big, soft tannins and a long, juicy finish. A small producer to watch. Best after 2006.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauGigault.aspWA 86 (1/1998): Slightly less rich and fat than the 1955, the 1953 is spicy and oaky, with a bouquet suggesting melted caramel and ripe pineapples. Full bodied, still fresh and lively, this unctuous, rich wine is quite impressive. Anticipated maturity: Now-2001.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauGilette.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauGilette.aspWA 87 (1/1998): This wine has held up nicely despite having been fully mature for well over 15 years. The color has lightened into a medium dusty ruby, but the rich, full, earthy, superripe, curranty bouquet is still lively and penetrating. In the mouth, the wine has the foursquare, beefy, chunky character that often characterizes Giscours, a certain tarry, slightly oxidized character, but finishes with plenty of richness and a heady alcohol content. This wine requires immediate consumption. Last tasted, 1/91.WS 80 (4/1996): Still enjoyable, but going downhill. Has buttery, candied aromas, tastes rich at first, then turns lean and tart, without much of a finish.--1961 Bordeaux horizontal.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauGiscours.aspWA 87 (2/1993): The 1989 Giscours is the first reassuringly fine wine made at this property since the 1983. It exhibits a black/ruby color, and a big, forceful bouquet of overripe plums and licorice. In the mouth, the wine has the tell-tale succulent character of the vintage, a chewy texture, excellent concentration, high alcohol, low acidity, and a long, opulent finish. It should prove seductive and heady to nearly everyone. Anticipated maturity: Now-2008.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauGiscours.aspWA 88 (12/1995): The 1982 Gloria is proving to be one of the most pleasant surprises of the vintage. Recent bottles have been beautifully rich, with classic blackcurrant fruit intertwined with scents of spice, herbs, and cedar. Full-bodied, with a lovely concentrated feel, this is the richest Gloria since the tannic 1975 and glorious 1970 (now in decline). The 1982 could have been bought for a song when released (I purchased it for $7.29 a bottle). When it was young, it was just a big ball of juicy fruit, but it has developed well. While seemingly fully mature, this wine will easily last for another 7-10 years .http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauGloria.aspWA 91 (6/2007): The Becot family own this garagiste operation planted with 100% Merlot, and the impressively constituted La Gomerie is always one of the more flamboyant and exotic wines of St.-Emilion. In some ways, it is similar to the famed Pomerol, Le Pin. The dark ruby/purple-colored 2004 exhibits aromas of strawberry and black cherry confiture, notions of espresso roast, pain grille, and spice box, medium to full body, excellent purity, and a sexy personality. It is a fleshy, heady effort meant to be consumed during its first 10-14 years of life.IWC 89 (6/2007): Medium red-ruby. Musky plum, redcurrant and mocha on the nose; very merlot! Broad, round and silky but not yet filled in. There's a chocolatey ripeness here, but today the wine is hiding its sweetness. Finishes with building tannins and moderate grip.WS 88 (3/2007): Aromas of flowers and blackberry follow through to a medium- to full-bodied palate, with silky tannins and a caressing finish. Needs a bit more of a center palate. I prefer Bécot in this vintage. Best from 2010 through 2015. 960 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLaGomerie.aspWA 91 (6/2007): The Becot family own this garagiste operation planted with 100% Merlot, and the impressively constituted La Gomerie is always one of the more flamboyant and exotic wines of St.-Emilion. In some ways, it is similar to the famed Pomerol, Le Pin. The dark ruby/purple-colored 2004 exhibits aromas of strawberry and black cherry confiture, notions of espresso roast, pain grille, and spice box, medium to full body, excellent purity, and a sexy personality. It is a fleshy, heady effort meant to be consumed during its first 10-14 years of life.IWC 89 (6/2007): Medium red-ruby. Musky plum, redcurrant and mocha on the nose; very merlot! Broad, round and silky but not yet filled in. There's a chocolatey ripeness here, but today the wine is hiding its sweetness. Finishes with building tannins and moderate grip.WS 88 (3/2007): Aromas of flowers and blackberry follow through to a medium- to full-bodied palate, with silky tannins and a caressing finish. Needs a bit more of a center palate. I prefer Bécot in this vintage. Best from 2010 through 2015. 960 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLaGomerie.aspWA 91 (6/2007): The Becot family own this garagiste operation planted with 100% Merlot, and the impressively constituted La Gomerie is always one of the more flamboyant and exotic wines of St.-Emilion. In some ways, it is similar to the famed Pomerol, Le Pin. The dark ruby/purple-colored 2004 exhibits aromas of strawberry and black cherry confiture, notions of espresso roast, pain grille, and spice box, medium to full body, excellent purity, and a sexy personality. It is a fleshy, heady effort meant to be consumed during its first 10-14 years of life.IWC 89 (6/2007): Medium red-ruby. Musky plum, redcurrant and mocha on the nose; very merlot! Broad, round and silky but not yet filled in. There's a chocolatey ripeness here, but today the wine is hiding its sweetness. Finishes with building tannins and moderate grip.WS 88 (3/2007): Aromas of flowers and blackberry follow through to a medium- to full-bodied palate, with silky tannins and a caressing finish. Needs a bit more of a center palate. I prefer Bécot in this vintage. Best from 2010 through 2015. 960 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLaGomerie.aspWA 91 (8/2008): This superb 25-acre Medoc estate (owned by Bordeaux visionary Bernard Magrez) produces a blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon that is much better than its pedigree would suggest. A major sleeper of the vintage, the 2005 reveals aromas of chocolate, cassis, smoke, herbs, and meat, followed by a full-bodied, well-endowed, impressively constituted wine with sweet tannin as well as loads of character and personality. Enjoy it over the next 10-12 years.WS 90 (3/2008): Dark in color, with black licorice, currant and blackberry aromas that follow through to a full body, with beautiful ripe berry character and round, velvety tannins. There's wonderful balance to this wine. Best after 2012. 3,210 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauGrandChenes.aspWA 90 (4/2002): Grand Mayne has fashioned a superb 1999, with terrific concentration and a hedonistic, sexy style. This dense, purple-colored offering displays glorious levels of sweet blackberry and currant, fruit, a succulent, lush texture, full body, low acidity, and beautifully integrated wood and tannin. It offers a substantial mouthful of sumptuous St.-Emilion. Anticipated maturity: now-2013.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauGrandMayne.aspWA 90 (4/2002): Grand Mayne has fashioned a superb 1999, with terrific concentration and a hedonistic, sexy style. This dense, purple-colored offering displays glorious levels of sweet blackberry and currant, fruit, a succulent, lush texture, full body, low acidity, and beautifully integrated wood and tannin. It offers a substantial mouthful of sumptuous St.-Emilion. Anticipated maturity: now-2013.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauGrandMayne.aspWA 90 (4/2002): Grand Mayne has fashioned a superb 1999, with terrific concentration and a hedonistic, sexy style. This dense, purple-colored offering displays glorious levels of sweet blackberry and currant, fruit, a succulent, lush texture, full body, low acidity, and beautifully integrated wood and tannin. It offers a substantial mouthful of sumptuous St.-Emilion. Anticipated maturity: now-2013.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauGrandMayne.aspWA 90 (6/2004): A renaissance is taking place at this estate, managed by the sister of Gerard and Dominique Becot, the proprietors of Beau-Sejour-Becot. The 2001 is dense, exuberant, fleshy, and flamboyant, exhibiting a dense ruby/purple color along with rich layers of blackberry and cherry fruit, plenty of toasty new oak, and an uncomplicated, in-your-face style that will receive a lot of attention. Cynics may think it is too internationally styled, but there is a lot going on. Enjoy it over the next decade.WS 88 (3/2004): Good core of fruit in this young St.-Emilion with berry and mineral character, medium body and lean tannins. Should mellow with bottle age. Best after 2007. 3,165 cases made.IWC 87-90 (6/2002): (still holding a bit of unconverted malic acidity) Full medium ruby. Black cherry, cassis, blackberry, violet and a slight inky quality on the nose. Lush and nicely concentrated, with moderate density and bright acidity. Violet and mint flavors show a restrained sweetness. Attractive fruit here. Finishes with slightly dusty but even tannins.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauGrandPontet.aspWA 90 (6/2004): A renaissance is taking place at this estate, managed by the sister of Gerard and Dominique Becot, the proprietors of Beau-Sejour-Becot. The 2001 is dense, exuberant, fleshy, and flamboyant, exhibiting a dense ruby/purple color along with rich layers of blackberry and cherry fruit, plenty of toasty new oak, and an uncomplicated, in-your-face style that will receive a lot of attention. Cynics may think it is too internationally styled, but there is a lot going on. Enjoy it over the next decade.WS 88 (3/2004): Good core of fruit in this young St.-Emilion with berry and mineral character, medium body and lean tannins. Should mellow with bottle age. Best after 2007. 3,165 cases made.IWC 87-90 (6/2002): (still holding a bit of unconverted malic acidity) Full medium ruby. Black cherry, cassis, blackberry, violet and a slight inky quality on the nose. Lush and nicely concentrated, with moderate density and bright acidity. Violet and mint flavors show a restrained sweetness. Attractive fruit here. Finishes with slightly dusty but even tannins.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauGrandPontet.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauGrandPuyDucasse.aspWS 87 (11/1998): Tasted from magnum. Dark ruby-garnet in color. Rich and slightly stinky, with earth, currant and tobacco aromas. Medium- to full-bodied, with well-integrated tannins and a pretty currant flavor. Slightly short on the finish.WA 86 (12/1995): This wine has always been an attractive, fragrant, classic Pauillac with scents of cedar, spice, and berry fruit. Although not the most concentrated wine from the appellation, it is a medium-bodied, elegant example of the vintage that requires drinking before the turn of the century . Tasted 2 times since bottling with consistent notes.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauGrandPuyDucasse.aspWA 90 (6/2007): A sleeper of the vintage, this noteworthy effort offers a deep ruby/purple color along with a sweet, expressive bouquet of spring flowers, blackberries, and cassis. Abundant fruit, supple tannin, medium body, and a silky mouthfeel result in an irresistible claret. Enjoy it over the next 10-14 years.WS 88 (3/2007): Intense aromas of blackberry and hints of licorice. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a medium finish. Slightly hollow, yet focused on the palate. Very enjoyable already. Best after 2009. 12,000 cases made.IWC 85-87 (6/2005): Moderately saturated ruby-red. Cool aromas of cassis, licorice and shoe polish. Supple but a bit simple, with modest dimension and concentration. The dusty tannins are reasonably ripe and unforced, but the wine needs more concentration and thrust.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauGrandPuyDucasse.aspWA 90 (6/2007): A sleeper of the vintage, this noteworthy effort offers a deep ruby/purple color along with a sweet, expressive bouquet of spring flowers, blackberries, and cassis. Abundant fruit, supple tannin, medium body, and a silky mouthfeel result in an irresistible claret. Enjoy it over the next 10-14 years.WS 88 (3/2007): Intense aromas of blackberry and hints of licorice. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a medium finish. Slightly hollow, yet focused on the palate. Very enjoyable already. Best after 2009. 12,000 cases made.IWC 85-87 (6/2005): Moderately saturated ruby-red. Cool aromas of cassis, licorice and shoe polish. Supple but a bit simple, with modest dimension and concentration. The dusty tannins are reasonably ripe and unforced, but the wine needs more concentration and thrust.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauGrandPuyDucasse.aspMB **** (4/1993): This always is a long-distance runner, and a chateau whose wine I now buy every vintage. My first taste of the '66 was a pleasant, piquant Justerini & Brooks' bottling in 1971. At a Decanter tasting in 1979, softer than Ducru; a well developed, characteristically sinewy classic in the mid-1980s.WA 84 (1/1998): A successful wine was produced by Grand-Puy-Lacoste in 1966. Now fully mature, with a moderately intense, smoky, cassis-dominated bouquet, soft, savory flavors, and somewhat of a short finish, this is an austere wine to enjoy over the next several years before it fades. Anticipated maturity: Now-probably in decline.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauGrandPuyLacoste.aspMB **[**] (3/2000): An impressive '86, in fact one of the best if you are prepared to wait for this sinewy wine to mature. Several notes in its early days. Only one recently: a convincing spread of colour, starting to mature; fresh, interesting nose with a column of fruit round a hard core. An exciting wine, crisp, fruity with good, drying tannins. Drink 2010-2020. WA 91 (6/1997): This wine is the finest Grand-Puy-Lacoste produced after 1982 and before 1995. The 1986 still possesses an impressive deep ruby/purple color, as well as a classic nose of cedar, blackcurrants, smoke, and vanillin. Full-bodied, powerful, authoritatively rich, and loaded with fruit, this wine's solid lashing of tannin is not likely to melt away for 3-4 more years. It can be drunk, although it is backward and unyielding. Certainly, it is one of the better northern Medocs of the vintage. Anticipated maturity: Now-2012.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauGrandPuyLacoste.aspWA 89 (2/1997): When I first tasted the 1989 Grand-Puy-Lacoste in this blind tasting I thought it possessed a Graves-like tobacco/mineral character. In contrast to the blockbuster, full-blown, massive wines produced by this estate in 1990 and 1982, the medium-weight 1989 is elegant, spicy, evolved, and already revealing plenty of cedar and cassis fruit. A delicious, generously-endowed, low acid wine, it will offer mature drinking now and over the next 12-15 years.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauGrandPuyLacoste.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLaGravas.aspWA 86 (12/1995): This wine has been fully mature since the late eighties. It offers an attractive, vegetal, fruity nose of olives, pepper, and mocha-tinged cherry fruit. Soft, medium-bodied, and round, with an easy-going personality, this wine continues to drink well, although I see no reason for cellaring it any longer . Tasted 7 times since bottling with consistent notes.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLaGraveTrigantdeBoisset.aspWA 86 (12/1995): This wine has been fully mature since the late eighties. It offers an attractive, vegetal, fruity nose of olives, pepper, and mocha-tinged cherry fruit. Soft, medium-bodied, and round, with an easy-going personality, this wine continues to drink well, although I see no reason for cellaring it any longer . Tasted 7 times since bottling with consistent notes.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLaGraveTrigantdeBoisset.aspWA 89 (4/2003): This garage wine, from a 3.5-acre vineyard planted with 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, was aged on its lees with the famed micro-oxygenation and looked after by the hotshot wine guru from the right bank, Stephane Derenoncourt. This dense purple-colored wine reveals sweet mocha and espresso notes intermixed with cassis and plums. Expressive, rich, medium to full-bodied, jammy, and a total hedonistic turn-on, it must be tasted to be believed. Drink it over the next 4-5 years.WS 86 (12/2003): Delicious wine, with blackberry, licorice and mineral character. Medium body, with light tannins and a fresh finish. Another good buy from a simple appellation. Drink now through 2006. 650 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauGreeLaroque.aspWA 89 (4/2003): This garage wine, from a 3.5-acre vineyard planted with 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, was aged on its lees with the famed micro-oxygenation and looked after by the hotshot wine guru from the right bank, Stephane Derenoncourt. This dense purple-colored wine reveals sweet mocha and espresso notes intermixed with cassis and plums. Expressive, rich, medium to full-bodied, jammy, and a total hedonistic turn-on, it must be tasted to be believed. Drink it over the next 4-5 years.WS 86 (12/2003): Delicious wine, with blackberry, licorice and mineral character. Medium body, with light tannins and a fresh finish. Another good buy from a simple appellation. Drink now through 2006. 650 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauGreeLaroque.aspWS 90 (2/1991): Rich, tarry, cedary nose. Ripe cassis flavor. At its peak, a superb, mature claret, with raspbery notes. Totally charming.MB *** (9/1987): Initially austere. Richly coloured, classic cedary nose, lean and elegant.WA 87 (1/1998): A surprisingly big, darkly colored wine that continues to perform admirably, the 1962 Gruaud-Larose remains concentrated for the vintage, with deep, black curranty, cedary, and herbaceous flavors, full body, and a satiny finish. This intensely fruity wine has drunk well and been fully mature for over two decades. It has yet to exhibit signs of cracking up--a testament to how long well-balanced Bordeaux can last at its apogee. Anticipated maturity: Now-2000.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauGruaudLarose.aspWA 90 (9/1997): This dark garnet-colored, unctuous, rather viscous, deep wine has reached full maturity. The 1983 Gruaud-Larose exhibits a provocative nose of roasted herbs, animal fat, jammy blackberries, licorice, and cedar. It is a big, fat, juicy, and succulent wine, with sweet tannin in the finish. Anticipated maturity: Now-2010.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauGruaudLarose.aspMB **** (4/2000): Strangely, no early notes. But by its fifth year Gruaud at its best: fragrant, good flesh and length. Aged nine, an interim note at the first Decanter tasting of '85s: sweet, rich, very pleasant. Wines of this style and quality do not 'come of age' at 21 but more like 15. Its appearance was no longer 'impressively deep' but a sofer, luminous garnet; fully evolved bouquet and flavour, rich, good fruit, expansive, fleshy. On the verge of 5-star. No signs of fading away.WA 90 (6/1997): The dark ruby/garnet-colored 1985 Gruaud-Larose has evolved beautifully. It exhibits a lovely, sweet, fragrant bouquet of berry fruit, truffles, earth, and smoky oak. On the palate, the wine is fat, long, forward for Gruaud, medium to full bodied, and deep. This is one of the few Gruauds to drink well from bottle.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauGruaudLarose.aspWS 91 (12/2003): This château made a classic grand vin and the second wine is outstanding. Very rich and plummy on the nose. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and plenty of fruit on the finish. Serious concentration here. Second wine of Gruaud-Larose. Best after 2007. 21,665 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/SargetdeGruaudLarose.aspWS 91 (3/1993): Extremely well crafted, with mint, berry and cassis aromas and flavors and loads of velvety tannins. A spicy, juicy wine. Drink in 1998.WA 86 (2/1993): The 1990 is extremely fat and fruity, as well as attractively ripe and soft. This highly commercial, yet delicious, medium-bodied wine should be drunk over the next 4-6 years. It would make an ideal wine for restaurants.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauHautBagesAverous.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauHautBailly.aspMB **** (12/1993): Distinctive, rich, earthy, sweet.WS 79 (11/1998): Still there, but barely. Medium- to light brick-red color, with an amber edge. Autumnal, leafy and fruit aromas, similar flavors. Medium-bodied, but rather diluted on the finish.--1982 Bordeaux horizontal.WA 77 (6/2000): A disappointing wine, this soft, herbal, diluted 1982 reveals a lack of muscle, concentration, and depth. It has not fallen apart, but it does not exhibit much character, complexity, or pleasure. Drink it up.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauHautBailly.aspWS 91 (6/1989): Remarkably elegant and graceful with firm tannic structure and currant, cassis, cedar and earth flavors that are complex and intriguing. Built for the long run, but almost drinkable now.MB *** (4/2002): Unusually, 100% Cabernet Sauvignon as the Merlot completely failed in 1986. In 2001 a fairly deep though mature-looking doublem magnum at the chateau which opened up well. Most recently: very fragrant bouquet; earthy, minerally, 'hot tiles'. Needs time.WA 85 (1/1997): Considering the strong, tannic personality of the vintage, Haut Bailly's 1986 is a soft wine that can be drunk at a very early age. The full-intensity bouquet of sweet, smoky oak and ripe, plummy fruit is very attractive. On the palate, this medium-bodied wine is long, rich in fruit, and supple, and finishes surprisingly smoothly. Anticipated maturity: Now-2005.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauHautBailly.aspWS 91 (6/1989): Remarkably elegant and graceful with firm tannic structure and currant, cassis, cedar and earth flavors that are complex and intriguing. Built for the long run, but almost drinkable now.MB *** (4/2002): Unusually, 100% Cabernet Sauvignon as the Merlot completely failed in 1986. In 2001 a fairly deep though mature-looking doublem magnum at the chateau which opened up well. Most recently: very fragrant bouquet; earthy, minerally, 'hot tiles'. Needs time.WA 85 (1/1997): Considering the strong, tannic personality of the vintage, Haut Bailly's 1986 is a soft wine that can be drunk at a very early age. The full-intensity bouquet of sweet, smoky oak and ripe, plummy fruit is very attractive. On the palate, this medium-bodied wine is long, rich in fruit, and supple, and finishes surprisingly smoothly. Anticipated maturity: Now-2005.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauHautBailly.aspWA 92 (4/2008): One of the finest under-the-radar estates in Pessac-Leognan, Haut-Bergey’s 2005 (a blend of 65% Cabernet Franc and 35% Merlot) offers up aromas of scorched earth, wet stones, burning embers, charcoal, and copious black currant and cherry fruit. The sumptuous bouquet is accompanied by a full-bodied wine displaying dazzling purity, sweet tannin, and a long, opulent finish. This beauty will be drinkable at a relatively early age for a 2005. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2025http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauHautBergey.aspWA 91 (4/2006): The compelling 2003 Canon-Fronsac is a modern-styled claret revealing loads of chocolate and creamy toasty oak giving it an espresso roast-like character. This dense purple-colored, flamboyant wine possesses sweet tannin, a voluptuous, opulent personality, full body, and loads of concentration. A sleeper of the vintage, it can be approached now, but will probably hit its peak in 3-4 years and last for 12-15.IWC 87-90 (6/2004): (this wine includes about 15% cabernet from century-old vines, plus 15% cabernet franc and the rest merlot, according to Jean-Luc Thunevin) Bright ruby. Chocolatey aroma of surmaturite Fat, lush, soft and full, with slightly roasted flavors of currant, leather and shoe polish. A distinctly plump wine, finishing with building, sweet tannins and very good length.WS 86 (3/2006): Round and fruity with berry and light chocolate character, medium body and a caressing finish. Best after 2006. 1,330 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauHautMazeris.aspWA 91 (4/2006): The compelling 2003 Canon-Fronsac is a modern-styled claret revealing loads of chocolate and creamy toasty oak giving it an espresso roast-like character. This dense purple-colored, flamboyant wine possesses sweet tannin, a voluptuous, opulent personality, full body, and loads of concentration. A sleeper of the vintage, it can be approached now, but will probably hit its peak in 3-4 years and last for 12-15.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauHautMazeris.aspWA 95 (10/1994): Haut-Brion's 1953 is best purchased today in magnums or larger format bottles. Although it has been fully mature since its release, it has retained the hallmark, singed leather, tobacco leaf, super-ripe fragrance that makes Haut-Brion so distinctive. The wine is extremely soft, revealing considerable amber and rust at the edge, but it still possesses rich, creamy fruit and medium to full body. It does require drinking, so be very careful with regular sized bottled.WS 91 (4/1997): Very mature, with a gamy nuance, this is smooth and appealing for its polished feel and harmony. Nice caramel and toast overtones add dimension.--Haut-Brion vertical.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauHaut-Brion.aspWA 97 (10/1994): A dark ruby-colored wine with noticeable amber/rust, the 1955 Haut-Brion offers a huge, fragrant bouquet of walnuts, tobacco, wet stones, and smoky, cassis-like fruit. Medium-bodied, with extraordinary elegance and sweetness, this rich, concentrated wine exhibits no hard edges. Remarkably youthful, as well as concentrated and impeccably well-balanced, it is capable of lasting for another 10-20 years.MB **** (2/2001): A wide spread of notes starting in 1961, observing a fairly speedy development. Indeed noted as 'v. mature' at 10 years of age. Extremely good notes through the 1970's, with a particularly lovely, 'easy, elegant' bottle from the Dillon cellar in 1979. A touch of austerity noted in 1983. More recently, at Ziegler's tasting, a richly fragrant magnum with a distinctive tobacco-like flavour, dry and somewhat unbending. The taste conjured up embers in a dying fire. Next, a refreshing but raw-edged bottle with, initially, a lovely singed-bracken bouquet. And, most recently, alas, a bad bottle in Balham, south London.WS 90 (4/1997): Firm and remarkably fresh for its age, it's a bit tannic but bright with spicy raspberry and blackberry flavors.--Haut-Brion vertical.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauHaut-Brion.aspWS 92 (4/1997): On the austere side, but balanced and harmonious, finishing with surprising length. Sweet caramel and berry overtones ring on the finish.--Haut-Brion vertical.WA 86 (1/1998): At its apogee, the 1966 Haut-Brion has an attractive, earthy, moderately intense, fruity bouquet. In weight and richness, it is medium weight and bordering on being too lean and light. It is a satisfying, lighter-styled Haut-Brion that is quite attractive, but not really of first-growth proportions. Drink over the next 1-2 years. Anticipated maturity: Now. Last tasted, 11/84.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauHaut-Brion.aspWS 92 (4/1997): On the austere side, but balanced and harmonious, finishing with surprising length. Sweet caramel and berry overtones ring on the finish.--Haut-Brion vertical.WA 86 (1/1998): At its apogee, the 1966 Haut-Brion has an attractive, earthy, moderately intense, fruity bouquet. In weight and richness, it is medium weight and bordering on being too lean and light. It is a satisfying, lighter-styled Haut-Brion that is quite attractive, but not really of first-growth proportions. Drink over the next 1-2 years. Anticipated maturity: Now. Last tasted, 11/84.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauHaut-Brion.aspWS 92 (4/1997): On the austere side, but balanced and harmonious, finishing with surprising length. Sweet caramel and berry overtones ring on the finish.--Haut-Brion vertical.WA 86 (1/1998): At its apogee, the 1966 Haut-Brion has an attractive, earthy, moderately intense, fruity bouquet. In weight and richness, it is medium weight and bordering on being too lean and light. It is a satisfying, lighter-styled Haut-Brion that is quite attractive, but not really of first-growth proportions. Drink over the next 1-2 years. Anticipated maturity: Now. Last tasted, 11/84.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauHaut-Brion.aspWS 86 (4/1997): At its optimal maturity level, with a nice balance of tarry, earthy notes over a thread of berry and currant flavor hiding at the center.--Haut-Brion vertical.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauHaut-Brion.aspMB **** (6/1998): Far more consistent, ploughing a steady furrow, not excessively deep or exaggerated in any way. Overt is the word. Twenty notes from the mid-1970's. Fairly powerful and tannic initially, starting to show some maturity by the early 1980's, and consistently exhibiting its characteristic - and difficult to describe, without giving offence - smell and taste: 'gravelly', 'iodine', 'tobacco', caramel occasionally, 'smoky'. Among my recent notes a splendid bottle generously produced by my old friend Geoffery de Luze, dining at Paveil in 1995. It had fabulous clour and nose; fairly sweet, full bodied, 'a smoky character but not tobacco', a point, drinking perfectly. Also now looking fully mature, 'excellent' at the Khoury cellar pre-sale tasting (1997). Most recently; served by Neil McKendrick at his Bordeaux Club dinner: sweet, soft, fleshy but a suggestion of dried leaves and a tart finish.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauHaut-Brion.aspWS 90 (4/1997): Very firm, with ripe plum and currant notes coming through its chewy texture, finishing with woodsy, bitter chocolate overtones. A sturdy wine that keeps threatening to become supple.--Haut-Brion vertical.WA 85 (6/1996): Although surprisingly light-bodied, consistently pleasant and enjoyable, this is an undistinguished effort. The 1970 Haut-Brion has always come across as angular, and lacking the exceptional perfume and complexity this estate can achieve. In this tasting, the wine displayed vegetal, tobacco scents, good spice, some fruit, and a medium ruby color with significant amber. The tannin and acidity were too high for the amount of fruit, glycerin, and extract. Drink it up.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauHaut-Brion.aspWS 88 (4/1997): Lean, austere and a bit chewy, this is an angular wine with spicy black cherry notes hiding beneath layers of mineral and tannin. Finishes with a touch of gaminess.--Haut-Brion vertical.WA 87 (1/1998): The fully mature 1983 is a very good wine that has fine depth, rich, soft, fat, lush fruit, and a good measure of soft tannins in the finish. The overall impression is of a forward, ripe, and voluptuous wine. It is successful, but by Haut-Brion's recent standards, the wine lacks excitement and has reached full maturity at an alarmingly fast pace. Of relatively mature Haut-Brions, this vintage, along with the 1978, has a very distinctive melted road tar (asphalt) component in its aromatics. Anticipated maturity: Now-2004. Last tasted, 7/97.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauHaut-Brion.aspWA 93 (2/1997): One of my favorite and most educational visits in Bordeaux is the time I spend with Haut-Brion's highly respected administrator, Jean Delmas. Delmas is the thinking man's winemaker, with a level of experience and success that is unequaled in Bordeaux. On this visit, we discussed at length the strong tendency in Bordeaux to produce wines with higher and higher percentages of Merlot. As Jean Delmas says, (1), Merlot provides grapes that can be picked earlier, and tend to ripen with higher degrees of sugar, thus producing wines with higher alcohol. (2) Merlot has less acidity, which, combined with its tendency to produce high alcohol, results in a sweeter, supple, and initially more seductive wine. (3) Winemakers can extract more from Merlot than they can from Cabernet Sauvignon, thus they can vinify Merlot at higher temperatures, ultimately producing exotic, opulent wines that are thrilling to taste young. However, as Delmas pointed out, it is the Cabernet Sauvignon that provides the structure, backbone, and, to his palate, ultimately the greatest measure of complexity, character, and Bordeaux typicity. Jean Delmas enjoys a sumptuous Merlot-based wine as much as any Bordeaux wine lover I know, but he is concerned by the replacement of Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards with Merlot. In short, he worries that much of the intrinsic character of many Medoc and Graves chateaux could be muted or lost in a succession of exotic, flashy, glitzy wines that are garish Medoc imitations of Pomerols and St.-Emilions - something to think about. In contrast to the 1993's penetrating, upfront aromas, the 1994 is closed aromatically. With coaxing, some truffle-like, sweet, black fruit aromas, as well as those of mineral/stones come forward. This spicy, full-bodied, powerful wine is a more masculine, structured effort than the 1993, with a potentially more complex, richer character. It is superbly crafted, beautifully balanced, and as pure as a wine can be. The integration of new oak, acidity, and tannin is commendable. Anticipated maturity: 2002-2025.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauHaut-Brion.aspIWC 91 (6/2000): Good deep red. Thoroughly ripe aromas of redcurrant, Cuban tobacco and chestnut. Lovely purity and delineation of flavor; lively and intense. Finishes with ripe, very fine tannins and impressive persistence. The finish still hints at youthful austerity. A star of the vintage.WS 90 (1/2000): A stunningly gorgeous red. Beautiful aromas of licorice, berries and flowers. Medium- to full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long, succulent finish. Very fine indeed. Drink now through 2004.WA 89 (4/2000): This light to middle-weight Haut-Brion exhibits an evolved, sweet red and black currant nose with notions of scorched earth, minerals, and tobacco. Although not big, it exhibits fine ripeness, harmony, and elegance, velvety tannin, and sweet fruit presented in a charming, open-knit, evolved format. The wine may develop even more complexity, meriting a higher score. Anticipated maturity: 2001-2014.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauHaut-Brion.aspWA 94 (6/2004): Haut-Brion’s 2001, which was bottled late (the end of September, 2003), possesses an unmistakable nobility as well as a burgeoning complexity. Plum/purple to the rim, this blend of 52% Merlot, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 12% Cabernet Franc is playing it close to the vest, having closed down considerably after bottling. Nevertheless, it reveals pure notes of sweet and sour cherries, black currants, licorice, smoke, and crushed stones. Medium-bodied with excellent purity, firm tannin, and an angular, structured finish, it requires 5-7 years of cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2020+.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauHaut-Brion.aspWA 89 (4/2005): Aromas of minerals, forest floor, fresh mushrooms, plums, and currants are present in the moderately fragrant bouquet. Angular, with hard tannin, medium body, and sweet plums as well as currants, this 2002 is harder and tougher-textured than from barrel. Like many 2002s, it is reserved and angular at present. It remains to be seen whether it will flesh out and reveal more charm and succulence. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2020.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauHaut-Brion.aspWA 89 (4/2005): Aromas of minerals, forest floor, fresh mushrooms, plums, and currants are present in the moderately fragrant bouquet. Angular, with hard tannin, medium body, and sweet plums as well as currants, this 2002 is harder and tougher-textured than from barrel. Like many 2002s, it is reserved and angular at present. It remains to be seen whether it will flesh out and reveal more charm and succulence. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2020.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauHaut-Brion.aspWA 89 (4/2005): Aromas of minerals, forest floor, fresh mushrooms, plums, and currants are present in the moderately fragrant bouquet. Angular, with hard tannin, medium body, and sweet plums as well as currants, this 2002 is harder and tougher-textured than from barrel. Like many 2002s, it is reserved and angular at present. It remains to be seen whether it will flesh out and reveal more charm and succulence. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2020.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauHaut-Brion.aspWS 100 (3/2008): This is incredible on the nose, showing coffee cake, blackberry, floral, coffee bean and vanilla bean, with Chinese spices. A very complex, full-bodied red, with seamless, hyperpolished tannins that caress every millimeter of the palate. Lasts for minutes. So beautifully balanced, I'm left speechless. Is it even better than the 1989? Best after 2017. 9,080 cases made.WA 98 (4/2008): Another profound effort from Haut-Brion, the 2005 (a 9,000-case blend of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc) has bulked up to the point that it is fair to compare it to the great successes of 1989, 1990, 1995, 1996, 1998, and 2000. A dark ruby/purple color is followed by a nuanced, noble bouquet of blue and red fruits interwoven with wet stones, unsmoked cigar tobacco, scorched earth, and spring flowers. The wine is full-bodied, pure, and complex as well as exceptionally elegant with laser-like precision. The tannins are still serious and substantial, and in that sense, this is a completely different style of Haut-Brion than the opulent, silky-textured 1989 and 1990. As I have written before, it comes across as an improved, more concentrated and structured version of the 1995 or 1998. Patience will be required for this stunner. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2040+IWC 97 (6/2008): Bright ruby-red. Wonderfully expressive nose combines black raspberry, mocha, hot stones, caramel and tobacco. Lush, fat and full but with terrific definition and suavity to its extravagantly dense black raspberry, stone and licorice flavors. As large-scaled as this is, it's not at all overly sweet. Expands impressively on the back half, finishing with substantial tannins that are thoroughly covered by fruit. A great vintage for Haut-Brion.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauHaut-Brion.aspWA 91 (1/1993): The 1988 Haut-Brion is built along the lines of the 1966, but it is more concentrated and powerful. The dense bouquet of tobacco, ripe, black fruits and spicy oak has just begun to develop. The wine is medium-bodied, rich, and tannic, with a good inner-core of fruit. This wine will have to be cellared until the end of this century. Anticipated maturity: 2000-2025.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauHaut-Brion.aspWA 91 (1/1993): The 1988 Haut-Brion is built along the lines of the 1966, but it is more concentrated and powerful. The dense bouquet of tobacco, ripe, black fruits and spicy oak has just begun to develop. The wine is medium-bodied, rich, and tannic, with a good inner-core of fruit. This wine will have to be cellared until the end of this century. Anticipated maturity: 2000-2025.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauHaut-Brion.aspWS 84 (3/1992): Quite meaty and smoky, with rich chocolate and fruit flavors and medium, velvety tannins. The '88 is better. Try after 1996.WA 83 (1/1998): D'Issan is normally a light, delicate wine, so it is foolish to expect a powerful or blockbuster wine. Even so, lightness has its limits. The 1989 provides a fruity, straightforward, smooth, agreeable glass of wine, but there are Bordeaux Superieurs that offer the same characteristics. It is ripe, but low in acidity. Anticipated maturity: Now-2002.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauDIssan.aspWS 88 (1/2000): Lovely ripe berry and cherry character, with hints of mineral and toasted oak. Medium-bodied, with velvety tannins and a fresh fruit aftertaste. Kirwan is doing it right. Best from 2001 through 2005.WA 87 (4/2000): An attractive, dark ruby/purple-colored effort, this wine offers sweet cassis fruit, copious new oak, a fleshy, succulent texture, and an attractive, well-balanced finish with nicely integrated acidity and tannin. Consume this sexy Margaux over the next 7-10 years.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauKirwan.aspWS 93 (3/2008): Has loads of coffee, blackberry and cigar box aromas, turning to crushed blackberry. Full-bodied, with big, chewy tannins and an aftertaste of vanilla, blackberry and espresso. Mouthpuckering. Very concentrated and structured for this wine. Best after 2015. 7,500 cases made. WA 92+ (4/2008): I remember tasting a number of Kirwans from the 19th century that had held up surprisingly well for over 100 years. While the 2005 will probably not last that long, it may be one of the finest wines this estate has made in the last fifty years. This brilliant, full-bodied, powerful, broodingly backward Margaux exhibits a dense purple hue along with notes of charcoal, licorice, blackberries, and graphite. Exceptionally concentrated, possessing high tannin, zesty acidity, and a 45-second finish, it should be purchased only by patient connoisseurs. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2035.IWC 91 (6/2008): Bright, deep red. Expressive, full-blown aromas of currant, coffee and mocha. Sweet, round and ripe, with sexy flavors of ripe berries and licorice. Quite full for Margaux, and finishing with sweet tannins and lovely lingering fruit.JR 16/20 (8/2009): Very dark crimson. Extremely sweet and ripe – lacks a bit of energy although there is quite a bit of green acidity on the finish. A little bit awkward at the moment.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauKirwan.aspWA 87 (1/1998): This fully mature wine needs to be consumed over the near term. The color is a dark garnet with considerable amber and orange at the edge. The wine possesses an enticing, expressive, herb, jammy fruit, earth, and vanillin-scented nose. Some rustic tannin is noticeable on the palate, but this fleshy, soft, low acid wine is fully mature, so readers should capture its intensity of fruit before it begins to fade, revealing more tannin, acidity, and alcohol. Anticipated maturity: Now-2000.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLaDominique.aspWA 93 (2/1997): The 1989 and 1990 are two terrific examples from this "sleeper" chateau situated on the Pomerol/St.-Emilion boundary, neighboring Cheval Blanc. I have drunk the 1989 multiple times since I purchased it for a modest price when it was offered as a future. The wine is typically forward, with an opaque purple color, and an intense, sweet black-raspberry, cedary, toasty-scented nose. In the mouth, the wine defines the word "opulence" with its viscosity and superb levels of jammy black fruits nicely dosed with high quality wood. Sweet and expansive, this is an exuberant, flamboyant St.-Emilion that should drink well for 10-15 years. Think of it as a wine built along the lines of the great 1971, only superior.WS 91 (5/1999): Absolutely delicious. Dark ruby-red color. Fresh blackberry, black truffle and cherry character; tastes like Sachertorte, with chocolate and cherries, velvety tannins and a long finish.--1989 Bordeaux horizontal. Drink now through 2010.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLaDominique.aspWA 93 (2/1997): The 1989 and 1990 are two terrific examples from this "sleeper" chateau situated on the Pomerol/St.-Emilion boundary, neighboring Cheval Blanc. I have drunk the 1989 multiple times since I purchased it for a modest price when it was offered as a future. The wine is typically forward, with an opaque purple color, and an intense, sweet black-raspberry, cedary, toasty-scented nose. In the mouth, the wine defines the word "opulence" with its viscosity and superb levels of jammy black fruits nicely dosed with high quality wood. Sweet and expansive, this is an exuberant, flamboyant St.-Emilion that should drink well for 10-15 years. Think of it as a wine built along the lines of the great 1971, only superior.WS 91 (5/1999): Absolutely delicious. Dark ruby-red color. Fresh blackberry, black truffle and cherry character; tastes like Sachertorte, with chocolate and cherries, velvety tannins and a long finish.--1989 Bordeaux horizontal. Drink now through 2010.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLaDominique.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLaTour.aspWA 93 (8/2008): La Vieille Cure’s amazing 2005 is even better than their terrific 2003 and 2000. The 2005 boasts an inky/ruby color as well as a gorgeously sweet perfume of charcoal, black cherries, black currants, and spring flowers as well as an underlying mineral component. Superb concentration, full-bodied power, wonderful symmetry, purity, and texture, and a multidimensional mouthfeel are all found in this fabulous sleeper of the vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2020+IWC 87-89 (6/2006): Full ruby. Kirsch and licorice on the nose. Fat, dense and sweet, if a bit youthfully monolithic. At once plump and primary, with lively flavors of black fruits and bitter chocolate. Finishes with nicely buffered tannins and a rich chocolatey nuance.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLaVieilleCure.aspMB **** (10/1995): Impressive cask sample in April 1991, heady, assertive, not the old, light, minty style. Rich, yet unknit at the 1997 Decanter tasting but, more recently, a much better note: good colour, flavour and balance. IWC 93 (8/1998): Wonderfully complex, quintessential Sauternes aromas of apricot, smoke, truffle, game and licorice. Thick and mouthfilling, but kept fresh by strong, harmonious acidity. Conveys a tactile, layered texture and strong noble rot character. Really lovely balance. Finishes with powerful fruit and great persistence. Stunning wine. WA 92 (12/1997): I remember how one-dimensional, diffuse, thick, and alcoholic this wine tasted from cask and immediately after bottling, but it has progressed enormously. The 1990 exhibits a deep golden corn-like color, followed by sensational aromatics (honeyed citrus, pineapple and pear intertwined with smoke and creme brulee-like notes). In the mouth, the wine is massive and full-bodied, with an unctuous texture, and powerful, juicy flavors that possess mouth-staining extract, glycerin, and viscosity. This is a blockbuster-styled, sweet Sauternes with at least 30 years of longevity. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2030. WS 89 (8/2000): Golden color, with orange peel, dried apple and apricot, a touch of almond. Medium- to full-bodied, medium sweet, with a delicate fruity finish. Not as powerful as expected.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLafauriePeyraguey.aspWS 87(4/1998): A Sauternes for early drinking from Lafaurie. Lovely aromas of coconut and honey with hints of dried apricot. Medium-bodied and sweet, with a lemon pie aftertaste. Drink now.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLafauriePeyraguey.aspWA 95 (4/2002): The 1999 Lafite Rothschild sports an engraved "1999" on the bottle along with an eclipse to mark that significant historical event of August, 1999. It is a quintessential offering from Lafite Rothschild. This prodigious wine is both elegant and intensely flavored, and almost diaphanous in its layers that unfold with no heaviness. An opaque ruby/purple color is accompanied by a complex bouquet of lead pencil, graphite, cedar, creme de cassis, toast, and vanilla. It is medium-bodied, with extravagant layers of richness yet little weight, and a finish that is all sweetness, ripeness, and harmony. This extraordinary Lafite increasingly appears to be a modern day clone of the majestic 1953. A mere one-third of the crop made it into the grand vin! Anticipated maturity: 2007-2030.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLafiteRothschild.aspWA 100 (4/2003): Well, well, well - Lafite Rothschild does it again. Ever since manager Charles Chevalier was transferred from his beloved Sauternes property of Rieussec (also owned by the Rothschilds) to Lafite in 1994, there has been a succession of profound wines to emerge from this noble estate. The 2000 Lafite Rothschild, a blend of 93.3% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6.7% Merlot (only 36% of the crop made the grade) has an opaque ruby/purple color, followed by an extraordinary aromatic expression of liquid minerals/stones interwoven with the tell-tale graphite notes, mulberry, black currants, caramel, and tobacco. In the mouth, it is remarkably light on its feet, but somehow seems to pack intense flavors into layer upon layer of fruit and richness that cascade over the palate. A compelling wine, with extraordinary precision, great intensity, and a seamlessness in spite of what are obviously elevated levels of tannin, this wine was provocatively open and beautiful when tasted in January and February, but I am sure it will soon close down. The finish lasted a whopping 72 seconds! This is utterly fascinating stuff. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2050.WS 100 (3/2003): Subtle aromas of currants, leather, tobacco and cedar. Classic cigar box nose, with fruit. Full-bodied, with an amazing texture of silky, ripe tannins. This wine completely coats your palate, but caresses it at the same time. This is the best young Lafite ever made. A triumph. Best after 2012. 18,000 cases made.IWC 96 (6/2003): Full medium ruby. Flamboyantly perfumed aromas of cassis, graphite and tobacco, lifted by a floral nuance and stony minerality. Very young and precise but not austere or forbidding. A remarkably rich, silky, seamless Lafite with superb vibrancy for the vintage. Tannins are noble and the aristocratic finishing flavors go on and on. I tasted this from a 375 ml. bottle, but from all reports this wine is equally approachable right now from a standard bottle. Has more sheer density than the beautiful 2001 and may well soon shut down in the bottle.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLafiteRothschild.aspWA 100 (4/2003): Well, well, well - Lafite Rothschild does it again. Ever since manager Charles Chevalier was transferred from his beloved Sauternes property of Rieussec (also owned by the Rothschilds) to Lafite in 1994, there has been a succession of profound wines to emerge from this noble estate. The 2000 Lafite Rothschild, a blend of 93.3% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6.7% Merlot (only 36% of the crop made the grade) has an opaque ruby/purple color, followed by an extraordinary aromatic expression of liquid minerals/stones interwoven with the tell-tale graphite notes, mulberry, black currants, caramel, and tobacco. In the mouth, it is remarkably light on its feet, but somehow seems to pack intense flavors into layer upon layer of fruit and richness that cascade over the palate. A compelling wine, with extraordinary precision, great intensity, and a seamlessness in spite of what are obviously elevated levels of tannin, this wine was provocatively open and beautiful when tasted in January and February, but I am sure it will soon close down. The finish lasted a whopping 72 seconds! This is utterly fascinating stuff. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2050.WS 100 (3/2003): Subtle aromas of currants, leather, tobacco and cedar. Classic cigar box nose, with fruit. Full-bodied, with an amazing texture of silky, ripe tannins. This wine completely coats your palate, but caresses it at the same time. This is the best young Lafite ever made. A triumph. Best after 2012. 18,000 cases made.IWC 96 (6/2003): Full medium ruby. Flamboyantly perfumed aromas of cassis, graphite and tobacco, lifted by a floral nuance and stony minerality. Very young and precise but not austere or forbidding. A remarkably rich, silky, seamless Lafite with superb vibrancy for the vintage. Tannins are noble and the aristocratic finishing flavors go on and on. I tasted this from a 375 ml. bottle, but from all reports this wine is equally approachable right now from a standard bottle. Has more sheer density than the beautiful 2001 and may well soon shut down in the bottle.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLafiteRothschild.aspWS 98 (3/2008): Delivers blackberry, dried porcini, tobacco and licorice aromas. Full-bodied, with layers of velvety tannins and loads of dark chocolate, cigar box, currant, berry and mineral. The finish is long, with a coffee, almost meaty, aftertaste. Very beautiful and balanced. Best after 2013.IWC 97 (6/2008): Bright medium ruby. Knockout nose combines black- and redcurrant, minerals, graphite, licorice and lavender. Wonderfully suave and seamless, but with great purity and precision of flavor and terrific inner-palate perfume and lift. This dances over every square millimeter of the palate. Almost painfully young today, with an impression of fresh acidity serving to intensify the wine's flavors. About as austere a wine as I tasted from this vintage in April and yet it's not hard. Finishes with substantial dusty tannins and a whiplash of minerally perfume. I'd forget about this one for about 15 years. WA 96+ (4/2008): While the 2005 is another brilliantly classic Lafite Rothschild, for my taste, it comes in slightly behind their extraordinarily opulent 2003 as well as the dramatically powerful 2000. A blend of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Merlot, the 2005 boasts a dark ruby/purple color in addition to that exceptional Lafite perfume of graphite, spring flowers, crushed rocks, and sweet black cherry and black currant fruit that exudes class and nobility. The wine is medium-bodied with extremely high levels of tannin in addition to sensational purity, length, and overall harmony. However, it is exceptionally backward, and even more tannic than either the 1995 or 1996. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2050+http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLafiteRothschild.aspWS 98 (1/2000): A '95 that exploded in the glass in contact with air. Solid and masculine, with dark chocolate and bitter mocha notes, there's big intensity here. While the tannins are burly for now, the aromas keep coming--rose petal, violet and currant backed by creamy, vanilla bean character. Elegant finish.--Château Lafleur vertical. Best from 2005 through 2015.WA 93 (2/1998): This is an awesome Lafleur, but it is also an amazingly backward, tannic monster that will need more cellaring than any Medoc in this vintage. The wine boasts an opaque black/purple color, as well as a closed but promising nose that represents the essence of blackberry, raspberry, and cherry fruit. Intertwined with those aromas is the tell-tale mineral terroir of Lafleur, full body, blistering dry, astringent tannin, and a layered, weighty feel on the palate. This is the kind of young claret that I couldn't wait to rush out and buy two decades ago, but now I have to be content to admire it and wish I were twenty years younger. It is formidable, prodigious, and oh, so promising, but I cannot see it being ready to drink before the end of the second decade of the next century! Anticipated maturity: 2020-2050.IWC 91+ (6/1998): Ruby-red color. Sappy, crystallized black raspberry, blueberry, minerals and camphor on the rather cool nose. Brutally backward and folded in on itself; actually rather creamy in the middle but astringent around the edges. A tough wine in need of a decade or more of aging. Finishes quite tannic, with a note of leafy cabernet franc. Showed more sweetness and texture after 24 hours in the open bottle. A throwback style of Pomerol, yet it does not appear to offer the flamboyant ripeness and rusticity of the best pre-1990 vintages of Lafleur.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLafleur.aspWA 87 (6/1996): This is a chunky, muscular, big wine that has never developed a harmonious character. It appears the tannin will not become fully integrated. Secondly, the wine is deficient in complexity. Nevertheless, this is a full-bodied, flavorful, admirably concentrated, burly wine with an impressive saturated dark ruby color with a hint of amber at the edge. This leathery, tannic 1970 reveals a taste of concentrated, roasted meat and beef blood. There is no rush to drink it, but I do not anticipate much improvement in this wine.WS 80 (5/1993): Medium garnet; green tea and mild mulberry nose; lean, elegant and austere; light but gentle; lacking character; very dry.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLafonRochet.aspWA 87 (6/1996): This is a chunky, muscular, big wine that has never developed a harmonious character. It appears the tannin will not become fully integrated. Secondly, the wine is deficient in complexity. Nevertheless, this is a full-bodied, flavorful, admirably concentrated, burly wine with an impressive saturated dark ruby color with a hint of amber at the edge. This leathery, tannic 1970 reveals a taste of concentrated, roasted meat and beef blood. There is no rush to drink it, but I do not anticipate much improvement in this wine.WS 80 (5/1993): Medium garnet; green tea and mild mulberry nose; lean, elegant and austere; light but gentle; lacking character; very dry.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLafonRochet.aspWS 91 (3/2004): Very fresh and aromatic, with licorice, violet and light vanilla character. Full-bodied, with a super core of fruit and fantastically silky tannins. Lovely finish. Best after 2007. 10,415 cases made.IWC 88-90 (6/2003): Highly aromatic nose combines red fruits, iron and leather, plus a floral nuance. Lush and sweet, with complex flavors of spicy red fruits, game and milk chocolate. A very stylish wine, with the ripe tannins showing a distinctly firm edge from the wine's small component of cabernet franc. "Vintage 2000 is opulent and powerful, the most American of our recent vintages," says Franc, "while 2001 is more intellectual, more Bordelais, more a wine of finesse."WA 88 (6/2004): Performing much better than it did from barrel, Lafon-Rochet’s 2001 exhibits a dark ruby/purple color along with complex aromas of underbrush, melted licorice, black fruits, and tree bark. Smooth, polished tannins are found in this medium to full-bodied, monolithic but attractive, well-endowed St.-Estephe. It is revealing more aromatic development and depth than I originally suspected. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2013.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLafonRochet.aspWS 91 (3/2004): Very fresh and aromatic, with licorice, violet and light vanilla character. Full-bodied, with a super core of fruit and fantastically silky tannins. Lovely finish. Best after 2007. 10,415 cases made.IWC 88-90 (6/2003): Highly aromatic nose combines red fruits, iron and leather, plus a floral nuance. Lush and sweet, with complex flavors of spicy red fruits, game and milk chocolate. A very stylish wine, with the ripe tannins showing a distinctly firm edge from the wine's small component of cabernet franc. "Vintage 2000 is opulent and powerful, the most American of our recent vintages," says Franc, "while 2001 is more intellectual, more Bordelais, more a wine of finesse."WA 88 (6/2004): Performing much better than it did from barrel, Lafon-Rochet’s 2001 exhibits a dark ruby/purple color along with complex aromas of underbrush, melted licorice, black fruits, and tree bark. Smooth, polished tannins are found in this medium to full-bodied, monolithic but attractive, well-endowed St.-Estephe. It is revealing more aromatic development and depth than I originally suspected. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2013.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLafonRochet.aspWS 91 (3/2004): Very fresh and aromatic, with licorice, violet and light vanilla character. Full-bodied, with a super core of fruit and fantastically silky tannins. Lovely finish. Best after 2007. 10,415 cases made.IWC 88-90 (6/2003): Highly aromatic nose combines red fruits, iron and leather, plus a floral nuance. Lush and sweet, with complex flavors of spicy red fruits, game and milk chocolate. A very stylish wine, with the ripe tannins showing a distinctly firm edge from the wine's small component of cabernet franc. "Vintage 2000 is opulent and powerful, the most American of our recent vintages," says Franc, "while 2001 is more intellectual, more Bordelais, more a wine of finesse."WA 88 (6/2004): Performing much better than it did from barrel, Lafon-Rochet’s 2001 exhibits a dark ruby/purple color along with complex aromas of underbrush, melted licorice, black fruits, and tree bark. Smooth, polished tannins are found in this medium to full-bodied, monolithic but attractive, well-endowed St.-Estephe. It is revealing more aromatic development and depth than I originally suspected. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2013.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLafonRochet.aspWS 89 (12/2003): Beautiful aromas of licorice, spice and berries, with hints of minerals. Full-bodied, yet refined and silky. Long, caressing finish. Second wine of Château Lagrange. Best after 2007. 33,330 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/LesFiefsdeLagrange.aspMB *** (12/2000): Rich, very spicy the spring after the vintage. Developed richly, nose and flavour. One 'slightly disappointing', lacking Lagune's 'burgundy' appeal'- but it was wedged between Ch. Gruaud and Cheval Blanc ('85s at Gidleigh Park in Devon in 1997). Most recently, 'distinctive, attractive.' Last noted at the Christie's wine department's Christmas lunch at restaurant Che, December 2000. Ready.WA 86 (1998): It possesses a moderately intense, sweet, red currant-scented nose intermingled with earth, herbs, and spice. On the palate, the wine begins well, but lacks the concentration and ripeness expected in a top estate in a very good vintage. Some acidity and tannin are present in the finish, but this wine has reached full maturity. It's good, but unexciting. Anticipated maturity: Now-2004.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLaLagune.aspWS 89 (6/1989): Plenty of pretty wood dominates this Bordeaux, with sweet vanilla, cedar and smoky oak that overshadows the ripe fruit. With time it should be more complex. Drinkable now.WA 88 (9/1997): This wine has not evolved as well as I originally predicted. It displays a deep ruby color, and aromas of roasted herbs, sweet vanillin, earth, and black cherries. In the mouth, the wine is big boned, but I am not sure it has the requisite sweetness and ripeness of fruit to stand up to the boat-load of tannin as well as the wine's structure. Nevertheless, this is a youthful, promising, but slightly more attenuated La Lagune than I would have predicted. The wine's clean but tannic finish suggests another two decades of longevity. The question is, will it reach a perfect marriage among all its component parts? Anticipated maturity: 2000-2015.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLaLagune.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLanessan.aspWS 92 (3/2003): Blackberry, licorice and lightly toasted oak. Full-bodied, with refined and chewy tannins and a subtle, rich berry and mineral aftertaste. Lovely wine. Best after 2011. 5,665 cases made.WA 90 (4/2006): The outstanding 2003, a softer version of the Leoville Barton, exhibits a deep ruby/purple color, sweet black cherries intermixed with subtle herbal notes, roasted meats, juices, and black currants. In the mouth, it is expansive, savory, round, and seemingly on a much faster evolutionary track than Leoville Barton. Give it 2-3 years of cellaring and drink it over the following 15-18 years.IWC 89 (6/2006): Ruby-red. Exotic, full-blown aromas of coffee, leather and game, with distinct suggestions of roasted fruits. Fat, dense and lush, with a very sweet, chocolatey flavor and a suggestion of roasted nuts. A big wine with big, ripe tannins. I like what the heat of the vintage has done for this property. But this wine may be in the process of closing down in the bottle.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLangoaBarton.aspWS 92 (3/2003): Blackberry, licorice and lightly toasted oak. Full-bodied, with refined and chewy tannins and a subtle, rich berry and mineral aftertaste. Lovely wine. Best after 2011. 5,665 cases made.WA 90 (4/2006): The outstanding 2003, a softer version of the Leoville Barton, exhibits a deep ruby/purple color, sweet black cherries intermixed with subtle herbal notes, roasted meats, juices, and black currants. In the mouth, it is expansive, savory, round, and seemingly on a much faster evolutionary track than Leoville Barton. Give it 2-3 years of cellaring and drink it over the following 15-18 years.IWC 89 (6/2006): Ruby-red. Exotic, full-blown aromas of coffee, leather and game, with distinct suggestions of roasted fruits. Fat, dense and lush, with a very sweet, chocolatey flavor and a suggestion of roasted nuts. A big wine with big, ripe tannins. I like what the heat of the vintage has done for this property. But this wine may be in the process of closing down in the bottle.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLangoaBarton.aspWA 88 (2.1998): The 1995 is cut from the same mold as the 1996, except the 1995 possesses more accessible glycerin and fruit, as well as lower acidity. It offers a dense ruby/purple color, and an intense herb, pain grille, jammy blackberry and cassis-scented nose intertwined with wood-fire-like aromas. The wine is soft, round, and medium to full-bodied, with a sexy combination of glycerin, fruit, sweet tannin, and heady alcohol. It should drink well for 10-12 years.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLarmande.aspWA88http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLarmande.aspWS 84 (1/1998): Smoky, earthy and fruity. Medium-bodied, with pointed tannins and an earthy, slightly funky finish. Best after 1999. 90,000 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLaroseTrintaudon.aspMB ***** (11/2000): A great wine. Surely one of the best ever Latours, drinking beautifully now but with many years more life. As with Lafite, not tasted in my early years in the trade. My first note was made in October 1967: 'deep'; very rich, 'packed' (bouquet); dry, extremely fivorous and youthful for a 22-year old, with plenty of tannin and acidity. 'A good strapping drink'. And so on for another 28 notes through the next three decades. What I have noticed, as it matured further, is its increasing sweetness. An amalgam of notes gathered at dinners and tastings: always deep, with an opaque core; spicy bouquet, eucalyptus, cedar, smoky tea (Lapsang), cheesy- not smeely cheese but a sort of sweaty tannin. Full-bodied, rich, complete, silky tannins, complex, great length. The very best: a double magnum from Lenoir Josey's cellar at a Wine and Food Society dinner in Houston in 1983. Served last it trounced the preceding 'stars', including Lafite and Margaux '53, the exquisite Mouton '49 and others.WS 100 (8/2000): Perfect in every way. Dark ruby color with anamber edge. Aromas of mint, berry, blackberry,earth and spices pop out of the glass. Full-bodiedand brimming over with sweet fruit character, ripeand velvety tannins. Long and succulent finish.What more could you want in a wine? Best bottle of1945 Latour I have ever had.--Latourvertical. Drink now. WA 90 (6/2000): This has always been an irregular vintage. I purchased a mixed case of the 1945 Latour, some of which had been reconditioned at the Chateau and others with the original corks. Those with the original corks always seemed to be the best, with a handful of them meriting ratings in the 95-98 range.This particular bottle revealed the austerity and mouth-searing tannin levels that afflict so many 1945s. However, the aromatics were top-flight, revealing scents of dried fruit, tobacco, smoke, earth, and soy. In the mouth, the wine is medium-bodied, attenuated, and just beginning to lose its fruit, exhibiting austerity and astringent tannin. Nevertheless, this is an example where each bottle may be considerably different.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLatour.aspMB ***** (2/2001): Very good wine, more complete and better balanced than the '52 and '53. Totally different in style and weight to the Lafite. From the start a deep purple, tannic wine, packed with fruit. Not remotely precocious but needing bottle age, its bouquet and flavour evolving through the 1960s and 1970s. At the age of 40, coming into its own. Several subsequent notes, slight variations due, as always to provenance and condition, five since the mid-1990's, one of the best opened on New Year's Eve 1997 with my family. Always reassuring to pull a good long original cork. It was drinking perfectly, with a lovely old flavour, its tannin subdued. Another wonderful bottle at John Jenkins' Bordeaux Club dinner. Still very deep, surprisingly intense and youthful looking; a fully evolved bouquet, classic, cedary, fragrant and ageing a little, but faultless on the palate. A passable but fractionally acidic bottle at a pre-sale tasting in Los Angeles (1999) and an impressive but imperfect magnum with gravy-like nose and peppery finish at Len Evans' dinner in the Hunter Valley, Australia. Lastly, deep, healthy colour; perfect nose, flavour, balance and length. Complete. Faultless. Will go on, and on.WA 94 (6/2000): A spectacular Latour, from a vintage that has provided many superb surprises (especially in the Medoc and Graves), the deep garnet-colored 1955 reveals some amber at the edge. It remains tannic, but its extraordinary perfume of smoked meats, dried herbs, cedar, black fruits, underbrush, and leather is seductive. It is full-bodied, with a sweet, intense mid-palate, plenty of power, and decades of life remaining. This is an under-rated, stunning Latour that may even improve. Anticipated maturity: now-2020.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLatour.aspMB ***** (12/2001): Around a dozen notes but none prior to 1976. By that time an unsurprisingly magnificent depth of colour, its core opaque. Enormous, well stacked, velvety, unready. In fact the slowest maturing of all the '66s. Seven notes in the 1990s, all highly satisfactory. For example, vigorous, excellent balance and flavour at the Bar Bank in Zurich (1998). The following spring a lovely 'old oak' bottle, its tannin tamed but very much at work, and a month later, Christie's 'Tasting of the Century', all top 1966s, not just Bordeaux at Vinexpo, Bordeaux, conducted by myself and Christopher Burr who had organised it. The Latour was perfection: fine colour; fragrant cedary bouquet, unblemished flavour and condition. In October 2000, drinking well at a Saintsbury Club dinner. A flavoury, beautifully textured wine, with time in hand. Most recently: opaque core; sweet old cedary bouquet, starting to show some age; very rich mouthful, dry finish. 'Lovely now.' Last tasted at Hugh Johnson's Bordeaux Club dinner at Saling Halla, December 2001.WA 96 (6/2000): The wine of the vintage, the 1966 Latour is a classic, old style Bordeaux that has required decades to become drinkable. A dark, opaque garnet color is followed by a fabulous nose of cedar, sweet leather, black fruits, prunes, and roasted walnuts, refreshing underlying acidity, sweet but noticeable tannin, and a spicy finish. This powerful, vigorous, immensely impressive, concentrated Latour has reached its plateau of maturity, where it will remain for another 10-20 years.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLatour.aspWA 88 (1/1998): Unquestionably the best wine produced in the Medoc in 1967, the Latour has dark ruby color with some browning at the edges, a medium- to full-bodied feel, plenty of black currant fruit, and some light, soft tannins still present. Head and shoulders above the other first-growths, this wine has the classic Latour bouquet of black walnuts, black currants, mineral scents, and cedarwood. Anticipated maturity: Now. WS 87 (12/1997): Mature now, this silky wine offers raisin, tobacco, mineral and slightly gamy flavors, and turns a bit dry on the finish. A good effort for the vintage, but needs drinking now.--Latour vertical.MB ** (9/1999): Initially a deep plummy purple and doing as well as can be expected in a vintage like this, its nose really very attractive in the mid-1970s; soft, generous, not refined. Surprisingly agreeable at a Saintsbury Club dinner in 1997, still fairly deep-coloured, its nose opening up quite fragrantly. Rather better than the inedible medallions of veal served with it. Then, very appropriately accompanying a hog-roast barbecue in Memphis, Tennessee, though very variable, mainly dried out, some woody. At best **.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLatour.aspMB ***** (5/1999): An immensely impressive wine, and 300 notes which seem hardly to vary from tasting in cask as early as January 1971, and again in April 1972. Even making allowances for its understandably tannic grip, it refuses to budge. Tasted and drunk- more like chewed- in every conceivable circumstance. Like 'the Lion King' it visibly proclaims its power and importance. More recently, one can just detect a touch of maturity; its nose is almost impossible to describe because, unlike the Lion King, it hardly shows its head above the parapet. It needs days of decanting time and hours in the glass. Mouthfilling, concentrated, still very tannic. At the ROdenstock blind tasting of great wines, as with the Lafite, I preferred the 1870- it was so much more drinkable. Perhaps one of the more bizarre combinations was its accompanying 'Sorgham molasses-roasted elk with sweet potatoes and huckleberry sauce', at Hal Lewis's Installation dinner, a Bacchus Society annual binge, in Memphis Tennessee (September 1999). Most recently noted at Zachys/Christie's Millennium Wine Dinner in New York. Last tasted May 1999.WA 89 (6/2000): I have consumed over a case of this wine, and consistently rated it in the mid to upper-nineties. The three bottles from the Chateau's cellars were variable, but seemed surprisingly herbal, with notes of soy, cedar, roasted vegetables, leather, and earth dominating the wine's fruit. Tasty, elegant, medium-bodied, and fully mature, the 1970 is excellent, but not inspirational. A bottle from my cellar drunk in late December, 1999, was rated 97. It appeared to have at least two decades of life remaining. Readers who purchase old vintages of great wines, regardless of whether they are Bordeaux, Burgundy, and California Cabernet, need to remember the expression, "there are no great wines, just great bottles," particularly after a wine reaches 30 years of age.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLatour.aspIWC 98 (8/2002); Medium-deep red. Great vibrant nose of redcurrant, licorice, minerals and tobacco, along with a minty austerity. Thick and large-scaled, like an essence of Pauillac. Really explodes in the middle palate. Incredible unfolding peacock tail of a finish. A monumental, powerfully structured wine with great long-term aging potential. Drink 2008 through 2040.WA 96 (6/2000): This is a beauty, but not the awesome blockbuster I remembered. There is a roasted, earthy, hot year character with extremely low acidity, fleshy, seductive, opulently-textured flavors, and a full-bodied finish with considerable amounts of glycerin and tannin. The wine was sweet, accessible, and seductive on the attack, but it closed down in the mouth. Interestingly, when I previously tasted this wine (about six months ago) from a bottle in my cellar, I found it to be impenetrable, needing at least 6-10 years of further cellaring. Based on this example from the Chateau's cellar, it could be drunk now. In any event, it will last 25-30 years, but is it the immortal classic many observers, including myself, thought it was? Anticipated maturity: 2005-2030.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLatour.aspWA 90 (1/1998): A terrific wine for the vintage, Latour's 1993 reveals an opaque purple color, a backward, cedar, black walnut, cassis, and earth-scented nose, medium to full body, gorgeously rich, concentrated fruit, moderately high tannin (but no astringency), and a sweet, long, powerful finish. The wine does not possess any of the vegetal, green pepper characteristics of the vintage, nor any hint of hollowness or harshness. This wine may prove to merit an even higher rating. Is this vintage the modern day clone of the 1967 and 1971? Anticipated maturity: 2007-2025. Last tasted 1/97WS 89 (8/2000): Very friendly for a young Latour. Lots of plum, Merlot character in this wine. Medium- to full-bodied, with fleshy fruit and soft and juicy tannins. Sweet fruit aftertaste.--Latour vertical. Drink now through 2015.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLatour.aspWA 90 (1/1998): A terrific wine for the vintage, Latour's 1993 reveals an opaque purple color, a backward, cedar, black walnut, cassis, and earth-scented nose, medium to full body, gorgeously rich, concentrated fruit, moderately high tannin (but no astringency), and a sweet, long, powerful finish. The wine does not possess any of the vegetal, green pepper characteristics of the vintage, nor any hint of hollowness or harshness. This wine may prove to merit an even higher rating. Is this vintage the modern day clone of the 1967 and 1971? Anticipated maturity: 2007-2025. Last tasted 1/97WS 89 (8/2000): Very friendly for a young Latour. Lots of plum, Merlot character in this wine. Medium- to full-bodied, with fleshy fruit and soft and juicy tannins. Sweet fruit aftertaste.--Latour vertical. Drink now through 2015.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLatour.aspWA 96 (6/2000): A beauty, the opaque dense purple-colored 1995 exhibits jammy cassis, vanillin, and minerals in its fragrant but still youthful aromatics. Medium to full-bodied, with exceptional purity, superb concentration, and a long, intense, ripe, 40-second finish, this is a magnificent example of Latour. As the wine sat in the glass, scents of roasted espresso and toasty new oak emerged. This classic will require considerable cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2050.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLatour.aspWA 96 (4/2005): The wine of the vintage? There are only 10,000 cases of this extraordinarily rich, dense 2002 that is as powerful as the 2003 (even the alcohol levels are nearly the same, 12.85%) . It is dark ruby/purple to the rim, with notes of English walnuts, crushed rocks, black currants, and forest floor, dense, full-bodied, and opulent, yet classic with spectacular aromatics, marvelous purity, and a full-bodied finish that lasts just over 50+ seconds. Huge richness and the sweetness of the tannin are somewhat deceptive as this wine seems set for a long life. Administrator Frederic Engerer seems to be more pleased with what Latour achieved in 2002 than in any other recent vintage. Hats off to him for an extraordinary accomplishment in a vintage that wouldn’t have been expected to produce the raw materials to achieve something at this level of quality. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2045.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLatour.aspWA 96 (4/2005): The wine of the vintage? There are only 10,000 cases of this extraordinarily rich, dense 2002 that is as powerful as the 2003 (even the alcohol levels are nearly the same, 12.85%) . It is dark ruby/purple to the rim, with notes of English walnuts, crushed rocks, black currants, and forest floor, dense, full-bodied, and opulent, yet classic with spectacular aromatics, marvelous purity, and a full-bodied finish that lasts just over 50+ seconds. Huge richness and the sweetness of the tannin are somewhat deceptive as this wine seems set for a long life. Administrator Frederic Engerer seems to be more pleased with what Latour achieved in 2002 than in any other recent vintage. Hats off to him for an extraordinary accomplishment in a vintage that wouldn’t have been expected to produce the raw materials to achieve something at this level of quality. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2045.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLatour.aspWA 95 (6/2007): A terrific effort from Administrator Frederic Engerer and owner Francois Pinault, the dark ruby/purple-tinged 2004 Latour exhibits a strong cassis character intermixed with notes of crushed rocks, earth, cedar, and forest floor. Racy, elegant, but powerful with medium to full body, and sweet tannin, it will benefit from 5-7 years of cellaring, and should keep for three decades. It is a very impressive offering. Drink 2012-2037WS 95 (5/2007): Captivating aromas of currant, black licorice and spices, with just a hint of sweet tobacco. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and a long, long finish. Structured and racy. Best after 2011. 10,000 cases made.IWC 94 (6/2007): Bright ruby-red. Classic aromas of currant, plum, graphite and minerals. Suave and smooth in the mouth, with a compelling sweetness and lushness for the vintage. At once easygoing and wonderfully complex, conveying a powerful soil character. The finish is ripely tannic, sweet and very long. This is wonderfully expressive today but the young 2006 may have even longer aging potential. Along with Chateau Margaux, my candidate for wine of the vintage.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLatour.aspWA 93 (6/2000): A mature dark plum color with considerable amber at the edge is followed by copious aromas of caramel, coffee, jammy cherry fruit, and sweet herbs. Fleshy, succulent, and low in acidity, this seductive, sweet, fat Pomerol has reached its peak of maturity, where it should remain for another 5-8 years. It is an impressively complex, delicious wine, although not a blockbuster.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLatour-a-Pomerol.aspWA 94 (1/1998): This tightly knit, medium-bodied wine exhibits an intense, sweet nose of toast, minerals, honey and spices. There is ripe fruit and intensity on the palate, but the overall impression is one of a backward, undeveloped wine. It has 20-25 years of aging potential.MB **[*] (6/2000): Very pale; light, subdued nose; medium dry, on the lean side and surprisingly oaky. Went well with 'Fillet of Wild Sea Bass'.WS 86 (3/1996): Soft and attractive, of moderate intensity, with some nice mineral, earth, pear, litchi and lime overtones. Quite rich and lovely on the succulent finish.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLavilleHautBrion.aspWA 90 (2/1997): It is no secret that Anthony Barton's efforts over the last decade at his St.-Julien estate, Leoville-Barton, is resulting in terrific wines at still reasonable prices. This estate has been extremely successful in recent vintages. An impressive, serious, classic Bordeaux for collectors who are willing to forget about it for at least a decade, this well-endowed offering is a 30-year wine. The dense, murky, purple color, closed aromatics, massive flavor richness, and high tannin recall the old, non-compromised, beefy, blockbuster Medocs produced thirty years ago. However, this wine possesses sweeter tannin, and was made under far more sanitary conditions. It is a classic, but patience is definitely required. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2030.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLeovilleBarton.aspWA 90 (2/1997): It is no secret that Anthony Barton's efforts over the last decade at his St.-Julien estate, Leoville-Barton, is resulting in terrific wines at still reasonable prices. This estate has been extremely successful in recent vintages. An impressive, serious, classic Bordeaux for collectors who are willing to forget about it for at least a decade, this well-endowed offering is a 30-year wine. The dense, murky, purple color, closed aromatics, massive flavor richness, and high tannin recall the old, non-compromised, beefy, blockbuster Medocs produced thirty years ago. However, this wine possesses sweeter tannin, and was made under far more sanitary conditions. It is a classic, but patience is definitely required. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2030.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLeovilleBarton.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ReservedeLeovilleBarton.aspWS 88 (2/1992): Soft and supple, not as generous as one might expect from a highly regarded vintage for Las Cases, but showing nice cigar-box, cedar and truffle overtones to the modest currant and berry flavors.WA 71 (5/1986): never tasted this wine in the early seventies when it was reputedly at its best. Recent examples have been dry, astringent, acidic, and revealing a glaring deficiency in fruit. Anticipated maturity: Now-probably in serious decline.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLeovilleLasCases.aspMB **** (2/2000): A promising cask sample in February 1967 and a string of pretty good notes since, apart from two uncharacteristically poor Army & Navy Stores' bottlings. Much liked in the early 1980s, svelte, with 'silky tannins, perfect length.' Three recent notes, one bottled by Nicolas, Paris: an impressive, hefty 'masculine' wine, hopelessly and inappropriately accompanying 'Santa Barbara Channel Spot Prawns with Ravioli of French Black Winter Truffles' at the Four Seasons in Los Angeles. Our generous host Stephen Kaplan should have known better, but perhaps it was the chef: they always want to show off and rarely understand wine! Most recently, on our anual winter holiday in St. Bart's, a perfect bottle dining with the Weisers at their beachside villa. Faultless.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLeovilleLasCases.aspWA 93 (3/1997): This is one of my favorite vintages of Las Cases for present day consumption. The wine reveals a youthful deep ruby/purple color, followed by a classic Las Cases bouquet of pain grille, lead pencil, minerals, and ripe black currants. Medium to full-bodied, with outstanding concentration, and soft tannin, this is a classic, fleshy 1985 that reveals none of the potential dilution noticeable in many wines from this vintage. At one time I thought this might turn out to be a modern day clone of the 1953, but it possesses a lot more flesh and intensity. Anticipated maturity: Now-2015.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLeovilleLasCases.aspWA 95 (2/1998): If it were not for the prodigious 1996, everyone would be concentrating on getting their hands on a few bottles of the fabulous 1995 Leoville-Las-Cases, which is one of the vintage's great success stories. The wine boasts an opaque ruby/purple color, and exceptionally pure, beautifully knit aromas of black fruits, minerals, vanillin, and spice. On the attack, it is staggeringly rich, yet displays more noticeable tannin than its younger sibling. Exceptionally ripe cassis fruit, the judicious use of toasty new oak, and a thrilling mineral character intertwined with the high quality of fruit routinely obtained by Las Cases, make this a compelling effort. There is probably nearly as much tannin as in the 1996, but it is not as perfectly sweet as in the 1996. The finish is incredibly long in this classic. Only 35% of the harvest was of sufficient quality for the 1995 Leoville-Las-Cases. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2025.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLeovilleLasCases.aspWA 98 (4/2006): I have had this wine three times out of bottle, rating it 97 once and 98 twice. It is a colossal success and a potential legend in the making. Its saturated, dense inky/blue/purple color offers up notes of crushed rocks, acacia flowers, blueberries, black raspberries, and creme de cassis. A synthesis of power and elegance, this multi-layered wine has spectacular concentration, sweet but high tannin, and low acidity A stunning effort that showcases this legendary terroir, it is a brilliant, brilliant success. The quintessential Leoville Poyferre? Anticipated maturity: 2009-2030.WS 95 (3/2006): Pure cassis on the nose. Impressive. Full-bodied, thick and powerful, with loads of fruit and big, velvety tannins. Goes on for minutes on the palate. Huge wine. Very, very impressive. This is one of the big surprises of the vintage. Best after 2012. 19,165 cases made.IWC 92 (6/2006): Medium ruby-red. Extravagant aromas of currant, loam, leather and graphite; like the 1990 in its roasted character. Then sweet and dense but with surprising aromatic lift in the mouth, not to mention considerable power. Liqueur-like black fruit, licorice and mineral flavors really stain the palate. Cuvelier maintained that this vintage was not acidified. The cabernet acidity, he said, was healthy and the grape skins gave up their acidity slowly during the vinification. A very impressive showing, and built to last.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLeovillePoyferre.aspWA 98 (4/2006): I have had this wine three times out of bottle, rating it 97 once and 98 twice. It is a colossal success and a potential legend in the making. Its saturated, dense inky/blue/purple color offers up notes of crushed rocks, acacia flowers, blueberries, black raspberries, and creme de cassis. A synthesis of power and elegance, this multi-layered wine has spectacular concentration, sweet but high tannin, and low acidity A stunning effort that showcases this legendary terroir, it is a brilliant, brilliant success. The quintessential Leoville Poyferre? Anticipated maturity: 2009-2030.WS 95 (3/2006): Pure cassis on the nose. Impressive. Full-bodied, thick and powerful, with loads of fruit and big, velvety tannins. Goes on for minutes on the palate. Huge wine. Very, very impressive. This is one of the big surprises of the vintage. Best after 2012. 19,165 cases made.IWC 92 (6/2006): Medium ruby-red. Extravagant aromas of currant, loam, leather and graphite; like the 1990 in its roasted character. Then sweet and dense but with surprising aromatic lift in the mouth, not to mention considerable power. Liqueur-like black fruit, licorice and mineral flavors really stain the palate. Cuvelier maintained that this vintage was not acidified. The cabernet acidity, he said, was healthy and the grape skins gave up their acidity slowly during the vinification. A very impressive showing, and built to last.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLeovillePoyferre.aspMB **** (11/1995): I thought Lynch-Bages and '66 would be a classic combination. Well, at its best it is, with inimitable verve and spiciness. The oldest of 13 vintages of Lynch-Bages commented on at a meeting of the '33 Club I The Wine Bar, Brussels, not the idea spot- too cramped. The wine was good; surprisingly sweet yet drying out at the end. Good weight, balance and flavour.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLynchBages.aspWS 90 (10/1994): Impressive finesse for the vintage, with beautiful, fresh tobacco, cedar and coffee aromas and flavors. Full-bodied and very silky with a fine, long finish. Drinkable now.WA 88 (3/1989): A success for this very good, yet surprisingly inconsistent vintage, the Lynch-Bages 1983 is a full-blown, big, ripe, gutsy Pauillac, with an intense bouquet of ground beef and black currant fruit, and deep, rich, briery flavors. Quite full bodied, alcoholic, and long, this substantial wine has a heady, alcoholic finish with the tannins quickly melting away. Anticipated maturity: Now-2002.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLynchBages.aspWA 90 (4/1999): This impressively constructed wine offers a saturated deep ruby/purple color, followed by elegant aromas of berry fruit intermixed with tobacco, flowers, and vanillin scents. It is layered and medium to full-bodied, with outstanding purity and fruit extraction. Although deep, rich, and powerful for a wine from this estate, it has not lost any of its elegance or potential complexity. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2025.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauMalescotStExupery.aspWS 81 (9/1998): Simple, light and fruity with some berry and tobacco character, light tannins and a fresh finish. Drink now.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauMalmaison.aspWA 94 (4/2002): The sexy, dark plum/purple-colored 1999 Margaux is already revealing complex aromatics. This surprisingly charming and round offering is reminiscent of a vintage such as 1985. Although neither a blockbuster nor a heavyweight, it grows in the mouth revealing tremendous length as well as purity. Administrator Paul Pontallier prefers it to the more austere 1998, as do I. This is an archetypical Chateau Margaux of richness, finesse, balance, and symmetry. It can be drunk young, but promises to age nicely for two decades. Extrapolating backwards, it would probably have something in common with the underrated 1962 Medocs.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauMargaux.aspWA 100 (4/2003): Bottled in late November, 2002, the 2000 has turned out to be a colossal example of Chateau Margaux that is tasting even better from bottle than it was from cask. Only 40% of the crop made it into this 2000 Margaux, a blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot. Stylistically, it is somewhat of a hybrid between the succulent, opulent, fleshy 1990, and the more delineated, structured, cooler climate-tasting 1996. The 2000 possesses a saturated ruby/purple color to the rim as well as an extraordinarily promising nose of creme de cassis intermixed with white flowers, licorice, and hints of espresso and toasty oak. There is great intensity, compelling purity, a multi-layered, full-bodied palate, and a finish that goes on for nearly 70+ seconds. Bottled naturally, with no filtration, it is a monumental example of the elegance and power that symbolize this extraordinary vineyard. A tour de force in winemaking, many of my colleagues predicted, far earlier than me, that it would be the "wine of the vintage." It is certainly one of the wines of the vintage, but there is plenty of competition, even at this lofty level of quality. Absolutely awesome! Anticipated maturity: 2012-2050.WS 100 (7/2003): Muscular yet classy. Breathtaking aromas of black licorice, violets, berry and cherry, with light hints of spices and minerals. It's all there in the nose. Full-bodied, with an ultrafine tannin structure and a finish that goes on for minutes. This may turn out even better than 1995 due to its layers and layers of fine tannins and fruit but I can't give more than 100 points. Best after 2015. IWC 98 (6/2003): Full ruby-red. Penetrating, highly perfumed aromas of sappy dark berries, violet and minerals; seems less oaky today than the '01. Offers compelling mouthfilling concentration and perfume. A wine of great power and consistency, with a pungent minerality lingering on the palate-staining finish. This somehow doesn't flag or grow narrower even after one swallows or spits. Makes the 2002 seem almost dry in comparison. Wine-of-the-vintage material.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauMargaux.aspWA 100 (4/2003): Bottled in late November, 2002, the 2000 has turned out to be a colossal example of Chateau Margaux that is tasting even better from bottle than it was from cask. Only 40% of the crop made it into this 2000 Margaux, a blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot. Stylistically, it is somewhat of a hybrid between the succulent, opulent, fleshy 1990, and the more delineated, structured, cooler climate-tasting 1996. The 2000 possesses a saturated ruby/purple color to the rim as well as an extraordinarily promising nose of creme de cassis intermixed with white flowers, licorice, and hints of espresso and toasty oak. There is great intensity, compelling purity, a multi-layered, full-bodied palate, and a finish that goes on for nearly 70+ seconds. Bottled naturally, with no filtration, it is a monumental example of the elegance and power that symbolize this extraordinary vineyard. A tour de force in winemaking, many of my colleagues predicted, far earlier than me, that it would be the "wine of the vintage." It is certainly one of the wines of the vintage, but there is plenty of competition, even at this lofty level of quality. Absolutely awesome! Anticipated maturity: 2012-2050.WS 100 (7/2003): Muscular yet classy. Breathtaking aromas of black licorice, violets, berry and cherry, with light hints of spices and minerals. It's all there in the nose. Full-bodied, with an ultrafine tannin structure and a finish that goes on for minutes. This may turn out even better than 1995 due to its layers and layers of fine tannins and fruit but I can't give more than 100 points. Best after 2015. IWC 98 (6/2003): Full ruby-red. Penetrating, highly perfumed aromas of sappy dark berries, violet and minerals; seems less oaky today than the '01. Offers compelling mouthfilling concentration and perfume. A wine of great power and consistency, with a pungent minerality lingering on the palate-staining finish. This somehow doesn't flag or grow narrower even after one swallows or spits. Makes the 2002 seem almost dry in comparison. Wine-of-the-vintage material.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauMargaux.aspWA 93 (6/2004): Performing well from bottle, Chateau Margaux’s 2001, which is somewhat reminiscent of both the 1985 and 1999, is an elegant, seamlessly constructed effort with a deep ruby/purple color, and a beautiful nose of flowers, creme de cassis, blackberries, and cedar. A blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot, and 4% Cabernet Franc, this forward, opulent beauty can be drunk now or cellared for 15-20 years. This is one of the most elegant wines of the vintage.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauMargaux.aspWA 93 (6/2004): Performing well from bottle, Chateau Margaux’s 2001, which is somewhat reminiscent of both the 1985 and 1999, is an elegant, seamlessly constructed effort with a deep ruby/purple color, and a beautiful nose of flowers, creme de cassis, blackberries, and cedar. A blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot, and 4% Cabernet Franc, this forward, opulent beauty can be drunk now or cellared for 15-20 years. This is one of the most elegant wines of the vintage.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauMargaux.aspIWC 94 (6/2007): Bright red-ruby. Knockout nose features boysenberry, currant, cedar, graphite and mocha. Suave, gentle and sweet, already displaying ineffable inner-mouth perfume. The 17% merlot component injects a silky component, and the oak element adds a complementary sweetness. Complex, lush, horizontal finish saturates the mouth with flavor. It was not clear to me in April that the 2006 would exceed this-and it will certainly take longer to reach full maturity in bottle.WA 93 (6/2007): The supple-textured 2004 Chateau Margaux is reminiscent of the 2001 or 1999. It exhibits a superb blue/purple color to the rim as well as sweet aromas of flowers, blueberries, creme de cassis, licorice, and smoke, superb fruit intensity, medium body, classic elegance, and silky, sweet tannin in the long finish. This beauty can be drunk now or cellared for two decades or more.WS 93 (3/2007): Subtle and complex aromas of crushed raspberry, milk chocolate and cigar box. Full-bodied, silky and refined, with layers of fruit and seductive tannins. Very long. A Margaux with finesse and reserve. Best after 2011. 12,500 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauMargaux.aspWS 100 (3/2008): Black in color, delivering extraordinary aromas of blackberry, raisin, spices and fresh mushroom. Full-bodied, with an amazing core of ripe fruit, yet ultrabalanced and finely textured. Touches every taste bud. This incredible young red spent two years in new wood, but you can't tell. It's all glorious fruit. A legendary wine. Best after 2017.WA 98+ (4/2008): Another celestial effort from Paul Pontallier and Corinne Mentzelopoulus, the 2005 Margaux, a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot, boasts a dense opaque blue/purple color as well as an extraordinary bouquet of spring flowers, blueberries, black raspberries, creme de cassis, licorice, and, despite its having spent two years in 100% new wood, only a subtle touch of toasty oak. Although full-bodied, the wine seems light on its feet because of the silky tannins as well as the great gravel terroir from which it comes. Beautiful purity, length, and nobility define this modern day classic. Is it better than the 2000, 1996, 1990, or some of the vintages from the decade of the eighties? Who knows, but it is unquestionably one of the all-time great wines made at Chateau Margaux. This estate has produced only exceptional wines over the last three decades. The seamlessness of the 2005 suggests it will perform well early, but it should last for a half century or more. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2050+.IWC 98+ (6/2008): Saturated red-ruby. Explosive aromas of plum, raspberry, bitter chocolate, coffee, almond paste and smoke; this smells voluptuous. Then extraordinarily opulent on the palate, with an almost marzipan-like ripeness. Coats every square millimeter of the mouth with a texture of liquid silk. The baby fat here is incredible, but there's a structure of steel and powerful minerality underneath. One of the longest samples I tasted in Bordeaux this spring, and a wine with uncanny finishing sweetness. This fabulous vintage of Margaux should evolve positively in bottle for three or four decades in a cold cellar.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauMargaux.aspWA 92 (8/2008): Owned by La Mondotte, Canon-La-Gaffeliere, and Clos de l’Oratoire’s brilliant Stephan von Neipperg, the 2005 is the finest wine yet produced at Clos Marsalette. A blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Franc, it offers up a sexy bouquet of roasted herbs, charcoal embers, and sweet cherries and currants. The enticing perfume is followed by a lush, voluptuously-textured, medium to full-bodied claret with superb fruit as well as purity. Drink this elegant, light-on-its-feet offering over the next 7-8 years.IWC 90 (6/2008): Moderately saturated medium red. Red fruits and mocha on the nose. Surprisingly supple and broad on the palate, with red fruit, game and mocha flavors complicated by sweet, soft spices. Ripe acids and sound acidity give this good balance for early drinking. With the average age of vines here just 10 years, says von Neipperg, "we cannot push the tannins."WS 85 (12/2008): Offers crushed berry, with lots of toasty oak and coffee aromas. Medium- to full-bodied, with a slightly earthy and funky character. Needs early drinking. Best after 2009.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauClosMarsalette.aspWS 93 (11/1991): Very ripe, rich and fleshy, although still with a hard backbone. Deep ruby, brick-red color, ripe, intense raspberry aromas, full-bodied, with ripe, rich raspberry flavors and cedar and tobacco notes. There's plenty of tannin here. better in 1994 to '96.WA 89 (1/1998): The 1966 La Mission-Haut-Brion, never quite as rich and deep as the 1964, is still a beautifully made, elegant La Mission, with a very cedary and leather-scented, fruity bouquet, medium to full body, and a long, supple, velvety finish. I would advise those who have it in their wine collections to consume it over the next 4-5 years. It does not appear capable of getting any better, and may, in fact, be just starting to lose the fruit. Anticipated maturity: Now-2000.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLaMissionHautBrion.aspWS 93 (11/1991): Very ripe, rich and fleshy, although still with a hard backbone. Deep ruby, brick-red color, ripe, intense raspberry aromas, full-bodied, with ripe, rich raspberry flavors and cedar and tobacco notes. There's plenty of tannin here. better in 1994 to '96.WA 89 (1/1998): The 1966 La Mission-Haut-Brion, never quite as rich and deep as the 1964, is still a beautifully made, elegant La Mission, with a very cedary and leather-scented, fruity bouquet, medium to full body, and a long, supple, velvety finish. I would advise those who have it in their wine collections to consume it over the next 4-5 years. It does not appear capable of getting any better, and may, in fact, be just starting to lose the fruit. Anticipated maturity: Now-2000.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLaMissionHautBrion.aspWS 93 (11/1991): Very ripe, rich and fleshy, although still with a hard backbone. Deep ruby, brick-red color, ripe, intense raspberry aromas, full-bodied, with ripe, rich raspberry flavors and cedar and tobacco notes. There's plenty of tannin here. better in 1994 to '96.WA 89 (1/1998): The 1966 La Mission-Haut-Brion, never quite as rich and deep as the 1964, is still a beautifully made, elegant La Mission, with a very cedary and leather-scented, fruity bouquet, medium to full body, and a long, supple, velvety finish. I would advise those who have it in their wine collections to consume it over the next 4-5 years. It does not appear capable of getting any better, and may, in fact, be just starting to lose the fruit. Anticipated maturity: Now-2000.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLaMissionHautBrion.aspWS 89 (11/1991): Rich and very lovely, with excellent fruit; can age. Medium-red color, black cherry and tobacco aromas, full-bodied, with rich cherry and tobacco flavors, full tannins and a slightly dry finish.--La Mission-Haut-Brion vertical.MB ** (6/1990): One of the best '67s starting off well with a deep, rich, earthy flavour. Touch of sourness - a sort of pasty acidic finish though well disguised by its relative richness. By the mid-1980s considerable colour loss. Good flavour though.WA 84 (1/1998): In the early seventies the 1967 La Mission-Haut-Brion was one of the top eight or ten wines of this vintage from the Medoc and Graves. It has begun to lose its fruit, and has a coarse, chewy texture with some tough tannins that seem to be taking over the personality of the wine. There is still some fruit, and the wine has appeal, but I would suggest drinking it up immediately. Anticipated maturity: Nowhttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLaMissionHautBrion.aspWS 90 (5/1993): Medium garnet; spicy vanilla nose, with cedar and cassis accents; very full-blown cassis flavor; very concentrated, generous and complex; has some volatile acidity, but it's not a flaw.MB ** (7/1994): Like Mouton, flawed: too acidic. It started with a bottle: opaque, highly concentrated, magnificent (April 1972) and continued to dazzle and impress but it was in 1978 that I noted a 'raw finish' with a question mark. In the next decade, seven notes made in a variety of circumstances all referring to what I put down as high volatile acidity. Most recently, still deep ruby; fruity but 'peppery' and acidic nose; dry, full, lively and lusty. Interesting but unbalanced.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLaMissionHautBrion.aspWS 90 (5/1993): Medium garnet; spicy vanilla nose, with cedar and cassis accents; very full-blown cassis flavor; very concentrated, generous and complex; has some volatile acidity, but it's not a flaw.MB ** (7/1994): Like Mouton, flawed: too acidic. It started with a bottle: opaque, highly concentrated, magnificent (April 1972) and continued to dazzle and impress but it was in 1978 that I noted a 'raw finish' with a question mark. In the next decade, seven notes made in a variety of circumstances all referring to what I put down as high volatile acidity. Most recently, still deep ruby; fruity but 'peppery' and acidic nose; dry, full, lively and lusty. Interesting but unbalanced.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLaMissionHautBrion.aspMB **** (11/1990): Much better than the '70: fragrance, harmony, length. Lovely.WS 91 (11/1991): Tasted from magnum. Rich and decadent, with delicious, velvety fruit flavors. Deep red color, tobacco and blackberry aromas, full-bodied, with lovely ripe fruit flavors, medium tannins and a velvety mouthfeel.--La Mission-Haut-Brion vertical.WA 87 (1/1998): 1971 is a delicious La Mission that has been fully mature for the last 5-6 years. This rustic wine has a big, earthy, cigar-box, mineral-scented bouquet, generous yet coarse flavors, and a powerful, dusty finish. I would expect it to continue to drink well for at least a decade. Anticipated maturity: Now-2000.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLaMissionHautBrion.aspMB **** (11/1990): Much better than the '70: fragrance, harmony, length. Lovely.WS 91 (11/1991): Tasted from magnum. Rich and decadent, with delicious, velvety fruit flavors. Deep red color, tobacco and blackberry aromas, full-bodied, with lovely ripe fruit flavors, medium tannins and a velvety mouthfeel.--La Mission-Haut-Brion vertical.WA 87 (1/1998): 1971 is a delicious La Mission that has been fully mature for the last 5-6 years. This rustic wine has a big, earthy, cigar-box, mineral-scented bouquet, generous yet coarse flavors, and a powerful, dusty finish. I would expect it to continue to drink well for at least a decade. Anticipated maturity: Now-2000.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLaMissionHautBrion.aspWA 90 (1/1998): No doubt this vintage of La Mission-Haut-Brion was probably overlooked once the highly publicized 1982 vintage was conceived, but this wine has always been, in my opinion, one of the stars of the vintage. It showed extremely well with a big, rich, berry, smoky-scented bouquet, medium-bodied, alcoholic, deep flavors, huge fruit, and a long finish. It has shed much tannin, and seems to be nearing its plateau of maturity, where I would expect it to last for 10-15 years. Anticipated maturity: Now-2005. Last tasted, 2/91.WS 87 (11/1991): Seems soft and slightly closed now, but has good fruit. Medium ruby-red in color, with aromas of milk chocolate and spice. Medium-bodied, with medium-full tannins and plenty of earthy vanilla and chocolate flavors.--La Mission-Haut-Brion vertical. Best from 1993 through 1995.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLaMissionHautBrion.aspWA 99 (6/2000): An extraordinary effort that gets better with each tasting, this dark, murky, garnet/purple-colored 1982 exhibits a fabulously complex nose of hot bricks, asphalt, black fruits, tar, roast beef, and truffles, colossal concentration, super-ripeness, an unctuous texture, and low acidity. While still exceptionally youthful, this wine is powerful, dense, large-scaled, and intense. It is evolving at a snail's pace, but should continue to improve for another 10-15 years, and last for another three decades. A candidate for perfection!IWC 95 (8/2002): Good full medium red. Exotic yet lively aromas of roasted plum, marzipan and grilled nuts. Wonderfully dense but sappy, with grip of steel. Finishes powerfully tannic and extremely long, still with a touch of youthful austerity. A very impressive showing. Drink 2005 to 2025.WS 94 (11/1998): Slightly rustic, but firm and youthful. Dark ruby color. Beautiful aromas of berries and stones, with a hint of black truffles. Medium- to full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long, spicy-stony finish.--1982 Bordeaux horizontal. Best from 2000 through 2010.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLaMissionHautBrion.aspWA 99 (6/2000): An extraordinary effort that gets better with each tasting, this dark, murky, garnet/purple-colored 1982 exhibits a fabulously complex nose of hot bricks, asphalt, black fruits, tar, roast beef, and truffles, colossal concentration, super-ripeness, an unctuous texture, and low acidity. While still exceptionally youthful, this wine is powerful, dense, large-scaled, and intense. It is evolving at a snail's pace, but should continue to improve for another 10-15 years, and last for another three decades. A candidate for perfection!IWC 95 (8/2002): Good full medium red. Exotic yet lively aromas of roasted plum, marzipan and grilled nuts. Wonderfully dense but sappy, with grip of steel. Finishes powerfully tannic and extremely long, still with a touch of youthful austerity. A very impressive showing. Drink 2005 to 2025.WS 94 (11/1998): Slightly rustic, but firm and youthful. Dark ruby color. Beautiful aromas of berries and stones, with a hint of black truffles. Medium- to full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long, spicy-stony finish.--1982 Bordeaux horizontal. Best from 2000 through 2010.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLaMissionHautBrion.aspWA 99 (6/2000): An extraordinary effort that gets better with each tasting, this dark, murky, garnet/purple-colored 1982 exhibits a fabulously complex nose of hot bricks, asphalt, black fruits, tar, roast beef, and truffles, colossal concentration, super-ripeness, an unctuous texture, and low acidity. While still exceptionally youthful, this wine is powerful, dense, large-scaled, and intense. It is evolving at a snail's pace, but should continue to improve for another 10-15 years, and last for another three decades. A candidate for perfection!IWC 95 (8/2002): Good full medium red. Exotic yet lively aromas of roasted plum, marzipan and grilled nuts. Wonderfully dense but sappy, with grip of steel. Finishes powerfully tannic and extremely long, still with a touch of youthful austerity. A very impressive showing. Drink 2005 to 2025.WS 94 (11/1998): Slightly rustic, but firm and youthful. Dark ruby color. Beautiful aromas of berries and stones, with a hint of black truffles. Medium- to full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long, spicy-stony finish.--1982 Bordeaux horizontal. Best from 2000 through 2010.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLaMissionHautBrion.aspWA 100 (11/1996): I am certainly not going to argue with anyone who believes La Mission-Haut-Brion's 1989 is every bit as profound as the 1989 Haut-Brion. It is a spectacular wine, and as it ages in the bottle, it is quickly becoming one of my all-time favorite La Mission-Haut-Brions, ranking alongside the 1982, 1975, 1961, 1959, and 1955. The 1989 boasts a dense, thick, purple color, followed by a sweet, roasted cassis, chocolatey-scented nose with whiffs of tobacco, tar, and minerals. The wine is extremely full-bodied, unctuously-textured, sweet, jammy, and rich. Although it is still a youthful, unformed wine, it is already delicious to drink. It should develop additional bottle bouquet by the turn of the century, after which it will drink well for 15-20 years.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLaMissionHautBrion.aspWA 90 (2/1997): La Mission-Haut-Brion's 1993 is one of the vintage's most promising wines. Jean Delmas is justly proud of his accomplishments with all three of his estates (La Tour-Haut-Brion, La Mission-Haut-Brion, and Haut-Brion) in this rain-plagued vintage. The 1993 La Mission exhibits a deep, dark, ruby/purple color, as well as a provocative nose of blackcurrants, minerals, smoke, and sweet oak. Medium-bodied, with surprisingly sweet tannin, this is an elegant, rich wine. Although there is tannin lurking in the finish, the 1993 La Mission can be drunk with considerable pleasure. It is a complex, pure wine with no astringency or vegetal character. Anticipated maturity: 1999-2010.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLaMissionHautBrion.aspWA 88 (4/2002): The 1999 La Chapelle is a wonderful second wine, offering sweet tobacco and currants in a smoky, straightforward, luscious style. Enjoy it over the next 5-8 years.WS 82 (3/2002): A pleasant red, with mineral and berry character, but rather diluted on the palate. Best after 2002. 2,500 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/LaChapelledeLaMissionHautBrion.aspWA 100 (4/2003): A superstar of this great vintage, the 2000 La Mission Haut-Brion is as profound as the 1989, 1982, and 1975. It is more structured and tannic than the 1989, more civilized and refined, but not as thick as the 1982, and sweeter as well as purer than the 1975. The 2000 is neither flamboyant nor accessible, but what upside potential it possesses! In time, one might have to return to the prodigious duo of 1959 and 1961 to find a La Mission with this much potential. While still tight from bottling, its inky purple color is accompanied by extravagantly sweet aromas of blackberries, blueberries, toast, scorched earth, coffee, asphalt, graphite, and smoke. Super-intense and unctuously-textured, with a sumptuous mid-palate and finish, this is an explosively rich, layered effort that possesses everything I could ever want from a terroir that has given me as much hedonistic and intellectual pleasure as any other wine in the world. It is an amazing achievement for administrator Jean-Bernard Delmas, his son, Jean-Phillipe, and the entire winemaking team. The phenomenal aftertaste goes on for over a minute. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2045.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLaMissionHautBrion.aspWA 97 (4/2008): There are slightly more than 5,000 cases of the 2005 La Mission-Haut-Brion, a blend of 69% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, and a touch of Cabernet Franc. While there is little difference between La Mission and Haut-Brion’s terroirs (their vineyards are only separated by a two-lane road), La Mission possesses more fat, texture, and intensity. An enormously endowed wine with huge tannin and structure, the 2005 offers a quintessential Graves bouquet of burning embers, charcoal, blackberries, truffles, black currants, and a meaty character. Reminiscent of the 1989, with more structure as well as a longer window of drinkability, the 2005 may be a modern day, improved version of a vintage such as 1955, which was well-endowed, very tannic, and took a long time to come around. While fabulously full-bodied and unctuous, the 2005 will not provide much charm in its youth. It needs 8-10 years of cellaring, and should age effortlessly for 30-40 years.WS 97 (3/2008): The Indian spices and blackberry on the nose are so enticing and inspiring, leading to a full-bodied palate, with very polished tannins that caress. Goes on and on as this builds on the palate, with a mineral and berry aftertaste. For long-term aging. Best after 2015. 5,665 cases made.JR 19++/20 (6/2008): Bright, deep crimson. Super-healthy looking. Briary autumn leaf like nose. Strongly aromatic. Very dry start but with wonderful spread of ripe, leafy fruit, plus a hint of ripe red berries, over the palate. Only medium body – it’s not alcohol but concentration that distinguishes this wine. Very dry finish and then an aftertaste that spreads out like a peacock’s tail. Great potential but it would be a shame to drink this for at least 8, preferably 10, years. Drink 2018-2040.IWC 94+ (6/2008): Deep ruby-red. Black raspberry and licorice on the nose. Dense and sweet but youthfully tight; a serious young wine with terrific verve and the acid/tannin backbone to support a long and glorious evolution in bottle. Very long on the back end, with mouth-saturating fruit and tannins. Like La Chapelle-and in direct contrast to Bahans and Haut-Brion-this is quite backward today, and almost certain to merit a higher rating in the future.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLaMissionHautBrion.aspWA 97 (4/2008): There are slightly more than 5,000 cases of the 2005 La Mission-Haut-Brion, a blend of 69% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, and a touch of Cabernet Franc. While there is little difference between La Mission and Haut-Brion’s terroirs (their vineyards are only separated by a two-lane road), La Mission possesses more fat, texture, and intensity. An enormously endowed wine with huge tannin and structure, the 2005 offers a quintessential Graves bouquet of burning embers, charcoal, blackberries, truffles, black currants, and a meaty character. Reminiscent of the 1989, with more structure as well as a longer window of drinkability, the 2005 may be a modern day, improved version of a vintage such as 1955, which was well-endowed, very tannic, and took a long time to come around. While fabulously full-bodied and unctuous, the 2005 will not provide much charm in its youth. It needs 8-10 years of cellaring, and should age effortlessly for 30-40 years.WS 97 (3/2008): The Indian spices and blackberry on the nose are so enticing and inspiring, leading to a full-bodied palate, with very polished tannins that caress. Goes on and on as this builds on the palate, with a mineral and berry aftertaste. For long-term aging. Best after 2015. 5,665 cases made.JR 19++/20 (6/2008): Bright, deep crimson. Super-healthy looking. Briary autumn leaf like nose. Strongly aromatic. Very dry start but with wonderful spread of ripe, leafy fruit, plus a hint of ripe red berries, over the palate. Only medium body – it’s not alcohol but concentration that distinguishes this wine. Very dry finish and then an aftertaste that spreads out like a peacock’s tail. Great potential but it would be a shame to drink this for at least 8, preferably 10, years. Drink 2018-2040.IWC 94+ (6/2008): Deep ruby-red. Black raspberry and licorice on the nose. Dense and sweet but youthfully tight; a serious young wine with terrific verve and the acid/tannin backbone to support a long and glorious evolution in bottle. Very long on the back end, with mouth-saturating fruit and tannins. Like La Chapelle-and in direct contrast to Bahans and Haut-Brion-this is quite backward today, and almost certain to merit a higher rating in the future.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLaMissionHautBrion.aspMB **[**] (11/1999): First tasted in December 1997 at a pre-dinner tasting in New York: totally unready, masculine, raw dryness. Two years later: showing some of its characteristic mocha nose; very good crisp fruit, extended tannic finish. Drink 2008-2020.WS 92 (12/2007): Subtle aromas of sweet tobacco, cigar box and ripe strawberry. Full-bodied, with very well-integrated, tightly woven tannins. Chewy, rich. Needs more time.--'95/'96 Bordeaux retrospective. Best after 2008. IWC 91+ (6/1998): Good full red. Pungent redcurrant, mineral, plum, coffee and smoke aromas. Penetrating, firm, and tightly wound, with excellent intensity and delineation of flavor; hiding its density today. Very long and firm on the back end; tannins coat the entire mouth. A strong showing for this wine. WA 91 (2/1998): The 1995 La Mission-Haut-Brion was tight and closed when I tasted it, not revealing as much fragrance or forwardness as it did on the multiple occasions I tasted it from cask. But don't worry, the wine is obviously high-class, exhibiting a dense ruby/purple color, and a reticent but promising nose of roasted herbs, sweet, peppery, spicy fruit, medium to full body, and admirable power, depth, and richness. As outstanding as it is, readers should not expect the 1995 to tower qualitatively over vintages such as 1994. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2020.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLaMissionHautBrion.aspWA 93 (4/2006): From a mixture of sand, gravel, and clay soils, this unheralded terroir produces wines well-above its pedigree thanks to the extraordinary efforts of proprietors Chantal and Gerard Perse. The wines are given a 4- to 5-week maceration in both stainless steel and oak, and are aged sur-lie in new oak. The dark ruby/purple-colored 2003 offers up notes of smoky meats, melted licorice, jammy black cherries, spice box, earth, and cedar. This plump, fleshy, sexy, unfined, unfiltered wine represents a classic blend of 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Yields were 32 hectoliters per hectare, and the alcohol is 13.5%. Anticipated maturity: now-2016.WS 90 (3/2006): Essence of blackberry here on the nose with a hint of cream. Full-bodied yet silky and refined, with lovely texture and length. Delicious and long. Gorgeous. Best after 2010. 7,000 cases made.IWC 90 (6/2006): Full red-ruby. Expressive, vinous aromas of redcurrant, tobacco, leather and smoke. Sweet, supple and fat with fruit; dark and red berries are complemented but not overshadowed by hints of leather and smoked meat. This plump and satisfying wine has just enough acidity to maintain its shape. Finishes with sweet, surprisingly supple tannins and noteworthy persistence. Very easy to drink already but has the stuffing to give pleasure for another decade or so.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauMonbousquet.aspWS 98 (12/2009): Unbelievable nose of black truffle, meat and blackberry. Breathtaking. Full-bodied and very tight, with superpolished tannins and a finish that goes on for minutes. Really is exceptional. Still a baby; give it years. I am blown away. Keeps coming with truffles. Every time I taste it, it gets better. Best after 2011. 800 cases made.WA 96 (4/2001): An amazing tour de force in winemaking, this massive, opaque black/purple-colored offering boasts an extraordinarily pure nose of black fruits intermixed with cedar, vanillin, fudge, and espresso. It is unctuously-textured, with exhilarating levels of blackberry/cassis fruit and extract, as well as multiple dimensions that unfold on the palate. The 50-second finish reveals moderately high tannin. Despite its similarity to dry vintage port, it is not a wine to drink early. It is a colossal wine! Anticipated maturity: 2008-2035. The ultimate garage wine, La Mondotte is ultra-concentrated, frightfully expensive, yet worth every cent.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLaMondotte.aspWS 98 (12/2009): Unbelievable nose of black truffle, meat and blackberry. Breathtaking. Full-bodied and very tight, with superpolished tannins and a finish that goes on for minutes. Really is exceptional. Still a baby; give it years. I am blown away. Keeps coming with truffles. Every time I taste it, it gets better. Best after 2011. 800 cases made.WA 96 (4/2001): An amazing tour de force in winemaking, this massive, opaque black/purple-colored offering boasts an extraordinarily pure nose of black fruits intermixed with cedar, vanillin, fudge, and espresso. It is unctuously-textured, with exhilarating levels of blackberry/cassis fruit and extract, as well as multiple dimensions that unfold on the palate. The 50-second finish reveals moderately high tannin. Despite its similarity to dry vintage port, it is not a wine to drink early. It is a colossal wine! Anticipated maturity: 2008-2035. The ultimate garage wine, La Mondotte is ultra-concentrated, frightfully expensive, yet worth every cent.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLaMondotte.aspWA 94 (6/2004): Made in an elegant, surprisingly low key style for La Mondotte, the concentrated, delicious, opaque purple-colored 2001 builds incrementally on the palate. An impressive bouquet of black cherries, creme de cassis, toast, and minerals is followed by a medium to full-bodied effort with nicely integrated wood, acidity, and tannin as well as a long finish. This is a brilliant wine, and one of the finest efforts of the vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2017.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLaMondotte.aspWS 91 (3/2005): This is tight right now and needs bottle age to open up. Yet with decanting it reveals blackberry, vanilla, spices and cherries. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long, caressing finish. Finely crafted. Best after 2005. 480 cases made.IWC 90+ (6/2005): Red-ruby. Subtly smoky, musky aromas of red fruits, espresso, toffee, truffle and minerals. Densely packed but high-pitched, with mineral, smoke and earth notes. The most intensely flavored of Stephan von Neipperg's 2002s, but not at all a lush style of St. Emilion. The wine's very firm structure calls for six to eight years of additional cellaring.WA 88 (4/2005): A decidedly lighter-styled wine than the 2003, this elegant, medium-bodied effort from La Mondotte boasts a deep ruby/purple-tinged color and some sweet mulberry and black cherry fruit intermixed with a hint of white chocolate and espresso. Stylish but ultimately lacking great depth and persistence, this wine should be drunk over the next 10-15 years.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLaMondotte.aspWS 91 (3/2005): This is tight right now and needs bottle age to open up. Yet with decanting it reveals blackberry, vanilla, spices and cherries. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long, caressing finish. Finely crafted. Best after 2005. 480 cases made.IWC 90+ (6/2005): Red-ruby. Subtly smoky, musky aromas of red fruits, espresso, toffee, truffle and minerals. Densely packed but high-pitched, with mineral, smoke and earth notes. The most intensely flavored of Stephan von Neipperg's 2002s, but not at all a lush style of St. Emilion. The wine's very firm structure calls for six to eight years of additional cellaring.WA 88 (4/2005): A decidedly lighter-styled wine than the 2003, this elegant, medium-bodied effort from La Mondotte boasts a deep ruby/purple-tinged color and some sweet mulberry and black cherry fruit intermixed with a hint of white chocolate and espresso. Stylish but ultimately lacking great depth and persistence, this wine should be drunk over the next 10-15 years.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLaMondotte.aspMB ***[**] (2/1992): Though noting its quality in the mid-1960's, I did not wake up to its massiveness until the the mid- to late 1970s, predicting a long life, '30 years'. By the mid-1980's, I described it as an archetypal Montrose, soft yet tannic, velvety yet dry, with wonderful '61 concentration. Sinewy, mouth puckering. Another 20 years.WA 95 (10/1994): Tasted 4 Times With Consistent Notes. A stunning wine from a superb vintage, the 1961 Montrose is still in need of another 10 years of cellaring. The deep, opaque dark ruby color, the huge bouquet of ripe cassis fruit and mineral scents, the full-bodied, dense, compelling richness and length, plus gobs of tannin, all point to a monumental bottle of wine for drinking during the first 20-30 years of the next century. Anticipated maturity: 2000-2030.IWC 93 (8/2002): Full, deep red-ruby. Classic St. Estephe aromas of smoky red fruits, minerals, olive and bitter chocolate. Flavors are fully mature, but this powerfully structured wine has elevated acidity and grip of steel. Slightly decadent marzipan sweetness on the back. Classic old-styled claret. Drink now through 2025.WS 90 (12/2006): This shows lovely aromas of currant, fresh herbs and light mint, with just a hint of cedar. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a warm chocolate and meat character. Not a big wine but holding on nicely. This bottle is a little musty but blows off. Gets better in the glass.--Non-blind Château Montrose vertical. Drink now.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauMontrose.aspWA 97 (4/2006): The enormous 2003 Montrose is built along the lines of the 1989 rather than the 1990. It boasts a dense black/purple color in addition to an extraordinary bouquet of scorched earth, blackberries, and cassis, fabulous purity, a skyscraper-like texture, and substantial tannin in the finish. This superb, huge, ripe wine is one of the vintage’s most prodigious offerings. However, patience will be essential for anyone purchasing this 2003. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2035.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauMontrose.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/MoutonCadet.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/MoutonCadet.aspWA 92 (4/2007): 2005 is an excellent vintage possessing high acidity as well as impressive levels of weight, richness, and texture.WE (87) (6/2006): Barrel sample. The white of Château Mouton-Rothschild, this is a fresh, lemony wine that veers to fat, but has attractive acidity that lifts it.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauMouton-Rothschild.aspMB ***** (3/2001): Youthful when first tasted in 1961. A 'wonderful vintage' wine, ecstatic notes through the 1970's remarking on its magnificent fragrance, concentration, depth, fabulous flavour and lovely aftertaste. Towards the end of the decade ‘acidity noticeable’. A gloriously rich, soft, fleshy, elliptically perfect bottle at the Flatt tasting (1986). And so on. More recently, at the Sveass dinner in Oslo, an almost caricatured Mouton spiciness on the nose, with a very sweet, exotic flavour and aftertaste. Most recently, another recorked Nicolas bottle with exquisite bouquet. It was a glorious mouthful. Despite the lurking acidity, it was not showing its head over the parapet. This is one of the grat ‘47s.WA 98 (1/1998): I have never had anything but extraordinary, decadent, fabulously rich, concentrated bottles of the 1947 Mouton-Rothschild. The exotic, ostentatious bouquet of ginger, mint, coffee, cedar, and gobs of cassis fruit is followed by a syrupy, viscously-textured, thick, juicy Mouton that is bursting with fruit. Although drinkable since I first tasted it over a decade ago, it exhibits no signs of fruit loss or color deterioration. It is one of the most exotic and opulent Mouton-Rothschilds I have ever tasted. Last tasted 7/97.WS 89 (5/1997): Texture has turned coarse, but the cedar, mint and tobacco flavors are vibrant. Not much fruit left, but it's still a real mouthful of wine.--1947 horizontal.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauMouton-Rothschild.aspMB ***** (12/1995): A spectacular wine probably at its opulent best in the 1980s. In fact it was a bit of a slow starter, and in 1961, I described it as ‘loaded’, needing time, and ‘very expensive’ at 36 shillings a bottle. The 16 notes I made in the 1960s and 1970s followed its evolution, in particular the build up of its intense characteristic cassis fragrance. Most recently, a richly coloured, fully mature magnum with good crisp fruit, vivacity and dry finish.WA 97 (10/1994): The 1955 should be a vintage to buy at auction as I suspect the price is more reasonable than what such acclaimed vintages as 1959 and 1961 fetch. The color reveals no amber or rust, only a slight lightening of intensity at the edge. The nose offers up that explosive Mouton perfume of mint, leather, cassis, black olives, and lead pencil. In the mouth, there is stunning concentration, magnificent extraction of fruit, and plenty of tannin in the long finish. The wine still tastes remarkably young and could easily last another 20-30 years. Amazing!WS 95 (5/1991): A blockbuster that is superbly youthful despite its age, offering a symphony of seductive aromas and flavors of mint, cassis, black currant, chocolate and vanilla. An enormous wine to cellar until at least 2000.--Mouton-Rothschild vertical.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauMouton-Rothschild.aspMB **** (9/1998):L A typically dramatic wine though in its (relative) youth after seven years in bottle, while very flavoury, austere, with a touch of coarseness yet gentle, unready, at the Krug Award for Excellence dinner at Inigo Jones' Banqueting House in Whitehall. Its obuquet and flavour noticeably holding up in the 1980s. More recently, well-nigh perfect bottles also in London at a Mouton dinner at Brooks's Club hosted by Philippine de Rothschild in 1994, its fragrance surging out of the glass, all signs of coarseness ironed out. Yet I thought it fading, though very gracefully. Next a splendid bottle, its bouquet similarly restrained but opening up beautifully: full, rich and tannic, at the gala dinner referre to in the previous entry. Most recently, showing more maturity, brown-rimmed, some age on nose but rich and perfectly delicious on the palate.WA 90 (1/1998): This review may be generous, but I have always liked this wine, even though it borders on being slightly too dry, austere, and restrained. Nevertheless, the dark garnet color and classic sweet, spicy, tobacco, coffee, and black currant aromas are enticing. The wine still has powerful tannin in the finish, which contributes to the dry, austere character this example has always exhibited. One of the more intellectually-styled Moutons, the 1966 is a classic example of the vintage, as well as of the chateau's Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated style. Anticipated maturity: Now-2008.WS 88 (5/1991): A lovely, mature claret, with sweet fruit, tobacco, cedar and blackberry flavors and earthy tones. The finish is thinning, but elegant. Drinkable now.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauMouton-Rothschild.aspWS 94 (3/2004): Very smoky, with berry, coffee and tobacco aromas. Full-bodied, with polished velvety tannins, plenty of fruit and a cedary aftertaste. Tight and compacted. This is better than the 2000 Mouton. It's a baby 1986 Mouton. Solid and very, very fine. Persists for a long time on the palate. Best after 2009.IWC 91+ (6/2004): Good full ruby. High-pitched aromas of blackberry, mint and minerals. Juicy but quite tightly wound today; much more austere than the comparatively pliant Clerc-Milon-not to mention firmer and less fleshy than it appeared from barrel a year ago. Juicy acidity contributes to the impression of structure. Unlike most 2001s, this seems already to have gone into a shell. This penetrating, mostly cabernet sauvignon (86%) Mouton will need at least a decade of bottle aging.WA 89 (6/2004): A blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc, the opaque purple-colored, chunky 2001 Mouton-Rothschild does not possess the finesse and stature often achieved by this first-growth. It offers a tell-tale cassis-scented nose, and a monolithic, medium to full-bodied style with relatively high, austere tannin in the finish (a characteristics I also noticed in cask). A dry, angular, backward effort for the vintage, it should be forgotten for at least a decade. Let’s hope the fruit continues to expand and sweeten, but that’s no sure thing. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2025+.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauMouton-Rothschild.aspWA 93 (4/2005): Dense purple to the rim, this wine exhibits the classic cassis aroma that is so characteristic of Mouton. Medium to full-bodied, tannic, powerful, and cut somewhat from the 1988 mold, this is a backward, chewy, well-endowed Mouton-Rothschild that will require considerable patience from those who purchase it. A blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot, the wine needs a good decade of cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030+.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauMouton-Rothschild.aspWA 96 (4/2008): The 2005 Mouton Rothschild will have to take a back seat to the prodigious 2006, but administrator Philippe Dalhuin deserves considerable credit for pushing Mouton to higher quality levels over recent years. A blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest mostly Merlot, the dark purple-hued 2005 exhibits a restrained but promising nose of cedar, tobacco leaf, creme de cassis, and toasty oak. Full-bodied, tannic, and extremely backward, with the vintage’s tell-tale acidity, it appears to be even more closed in the bottle than it was from barrel. It does possess a long finish and multilayered mouthfeel. This is an undeniably outstanding, yet restrained, shy wine for a Mouton Rothschild. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2040+WS 95 (3/2008): Dark purple black in color. Complex aromas of mineral, licorice, lead pencil and blackberry follow through to a full body, with ultrafine tannins and a caressing, pretty finish. Has a lovely texture. Shows elegance and refinement. Best after 2012.IWC 95 (6/2008): Full ruby-red. Explosive, superripe aromas of black raspberry, currant, graphite and tobacco leaf. Outsized, opulent and generous; this big boy saturates the entire mouth. There's an almost exotic character to the plum and cedar flavors. Spreads out impressively on the back end, coating the palate with ripe tannins. The 2006 is at once finer and more powerful, with more noble tannins, but this is more opulent.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauMouton-Rothschild.aspWA 96 (4/2008): The 2005 Mouton Rothschild will have to take a back seat to the prodigious 2006, but administrator Philippe Dalhuin deserves considerable credit for pushing Mouton to higher quality levels over recent years. A blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest mostly Merlot, the dark purple-hued 2005 exhibits a restrained but promising nose of cedar, tobacco leaf, creme de cassis, and toasty oak. Full-bodied, tannic, and extremely backward, with the vintage’s tell-tale acidity, it appears to be even more closed in the bottle than it was from barrel. It does possess a long finish and multilayered mouthfeel. This is an undeniably outstanding, yet restrained, shy wine for a Mouton Rothschild. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2040+WS 95 (3/2008): Dark purple black in color. Complex aromas of mineral, licorice, lead pencil and blackberry follow through to a full body, with ultrafine tannins and a caressing, pretty finish. Has a lovely texture. Shows elegance and refinement. Best after 2012.IWC 95 (6/2008): Full ruby-red. Explosive, superripe aromas of black raspberry, currant, graphite and tobacco leaf. Outsized, opulent and generous; this big boy saturates the entire mouth. There's an almost exotic character to the plum and cedar flavors. Spreads out impressively on the back end, coating the palate with ripe tannins. The 2006 is at once finer and more powerful, with more noble tannins, but this is more opulent.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauMouton-Rothschild.aspWS 89 (1/1999): Delivers plenty of spicy currant and berry character. Full-bodied, with well-integrated, silky tannins and a spicy, fruity aftertaste. Clever winemaking. Best second label of the vintage. From Château Cos d'Estournel. Best after 2002.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/LesPagodesdesCos.aspMB **** (2/2001): Also very popular, and not just because of its English name, bottled extensively by merchants. A superb, ripe, fleshy, spicy well-muscled magnum in 1989; alas, in 1994, a corked bottle which, in any case, would have been thrashed by the '61. Most recently, medium deep, fully mature; classic, cedary bouquet; superb sweetness and ripeness, lovely flavour, gloriously rich and harmonious.WA No Score (10/1994): A Possible Legend Candidatehttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauPalmer.aspMB ***** (8/1998): Exceptionally good, not quite the '61 but superbly balanced. Thanks partly to my longstanding friendship with the much-missed Peter Sichel, many notes, in fact exactly 22. All good including excellent Army & Navy stores, Berry Bros. and Quellyn Roberts (of Chester). Several recently including an interesting pair at a dinner hosted by Jim Hood in Bristol, one chateau-bottled, the other by The Wine Society. They differed, the latter looking more mature, its nose taking ages to open up. It was sweet, rich, straightforward and tannic. I actually preferred The Wine Society bottling, finding the bouquet more attractive and spicy; a fraction too sweet but a very interesting flavour, lovely, stylish. A very good bottle noted at a pre-sale tasting in New York (1999) and, best of the lot, the fourth and oldest vintage of Palmer served by Michael Le Marchant: it was fully mature-looking with slight orange tinge; a fabulous - no other word - bouquet; sweet, lovely flavour, balance and finish.WA 96 (1/1998): The 1966 continues to be one of the greatest examples of Palmer I have ever tasted. It is almost atypical for the 1966 vintage, which produced so many austere, angular wines. Not only rich and full, it is also delicate and loaded with complexity and finesse. This wine gets my nod as one of the best of the vintage, rivaled only by Latour and Lafleur. The haunting bouquet is similar to the 1961's. It reveals a plummy, mulberry-like fruitiness, exotic spices, licorice, and a hint of truffles. Medium-bodied, with a velvety richness, it has a long, ripe, lush finish, and enough grip and focus to continue to drink well for another decade. Anticipated maturity: now-2000.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauPalmer.aspMB ***** (8/1998): Exceptionally good, not quite the '61 but superbly balanced. Thanks partly to my longstanding friendship with the much-missed Peter Sichel, many notes, in fact exactly 22. All good including excellent Army & Navy stores, Berry Bros. and Quellyn Roberts (of Chester). Several recently including an interesting pair at a dinner hosted by Jim Hood in Bristol, one chateau-bottled, the other by The Wine Society. They differed, the latter looking more mature, its nose taking ages to open up. It was sweet, rich, straightforward and tannic. I actually preferred The Wine Society bottling, finding the bouquet more attractive and spicy; a fraction too sweet but a very interesting flavour, lovely, stylish. A very good bottle noted at a pre-sale tasting in New York (1999) and, best of the lot, the fourth and oldest vintage of Palmer served by Michael Le Marchant: it was fully mature-looking with slight orange tinge; a fabulous - no other word - bouquet; sweet, lovely flavour, balance and finish.WA 96 (1/1998): The 1966 continues to be one of the greatest examples of Palmer I have ever tasted. It is almost atypical for the 1966 vintage, which produced so many austere, angular wines. Not only rich and full, it is also delicate and loaded with complexity and finesse. This wine gets my nod as one of the best of the vintage, rivaled only by Latour and Lafleur. The haunting bouquet is similar to the 1961's. It reveals a plummy, mulberry-like fruitiness, exotic spices, licorice, and a hint of truffles. Medium-bodied, with a velvety richness, it has a long, ripe, lush finish, and enough grip and focus to continue to drink well for another decade. Anticipated maturity: now-2000.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauPalmer.aspWA 94 (4/2005): A successful wine for the vintage, this blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, and 8% Petit Verdot boasts complex notes of menthol, black currants, plums, licorice, and a hint of cappuccino in its stunning aromatics. Dense, medium to full-bodied, with high levels of tannin in a big, full-bodied style (much in the spirit of such classic Bordeaux vintages as 1966, 1986, and 1996), this wine possesses superb purity and serious length, but should be purchased only by those with considerable patience and a good, cold cellar, since it will need plenty of time. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2028.IWC 90+ (6/2005): Good bright ruby-red. Sweet, penetrating aromas of raspberry, currant, flowers and sweet oak. Tight today but not hard, with burnished oak notes sweetening the dark berry and floral flavors. Finishes long and firmly tannic, with cabernet-dominated floral and minty notes.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauPalmer.aspWA 98 (4/2008): Probably the greatest Pape-Clement ever made, the dense purple-colored 2005 (a blend of 55% Merlot and 45% Cabernet Sauvignon) exhibits sumptuous notes of smoky scorched earth, graphite, melted licorice, and blackberries. Once past the exquisite perfume, the wine reveals full body, extraordinary concentration, plenty of chocolate, smoke, cassis, and blackberry flavors, and that unmistakable volcanic ash-like earthiness that comes from this appellation. The tannins are slightly sweeter than those found in most northern Medocs, but this is still a backward, large-scaled effort that requires 7-8 years of cellaring. It should last for 30-35 years.W 96 (3/2008): Dark in color, offering wonderful aromas of licorice, berry, fresh tobacco and currant, with Indian spices. Complex and full-bodied, with supersilky tannins that caress every inch of the palate. Long and satisfying. A joy to taste this young wine. Best after 2015. 7,500 cases made.IWC92-94 (6/2007): Red-ruby. Highly expressive aromas of plum, chocolate, mocha, tobacco and smoked meat. Deep and densely packed, offering strong, soil-inflected flavors of mocha, tobacco, cocoa powder and minerals. This shows more power and thrust than the 2006, thanks to firm framing acidity, and is much more harmonious than it was last spring. Finishes very long, with broad, dusty tannins and lingering minerality. This has evolved beautifully since last spring.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauPapeClement.aspWA 98 (4/2008): Probably the greatest Pape-Clement ever made, the dense purple-colored 2005 (a blend of 55% Merlot and 45% Cabernet Sauvignon) exhibits sumptuous notes of smoky scorched earth, graphite, melted licorice, and blackberries. Once past the exquisite perfume, the wine reveals full body, extraordinary concentration, plenty of chocolate, smoke, cassis, and blackberry flavors, and that unmistakable volcanic ash-like earthiness that comes from this appellation. The tannins are slightly sweeter than those found in most northern Medocs, but this is still a backward, large-scaled effort that requires 7-8 years of cellaring. It should last for 30-35 years.W 96 (3/2008): Dark in color, offering wonderful aromas of licorice, berry, fresh tobacco and currant, with Indian spices. Complex and full-bodied, with supersilky tannins that caress every inch of the palate. Long and satisfying. A joy to taste this young wine. Best after 2015. 7,500 cases made.IWC92-94 (6/2007): Red-ruby. Highly expressive aromas of plum, chocolate, mocha, tobacco and smoked meat. Deep and densely packed, offering strong, soil-inflected flavors of mocha, tobacco, cocoa powder and minerals. This shows more power and thrust than the 2006, thanks to firm framing acidity, and is much more harmonious than it was last spring. Finishes very long, with broad, dusty tannins and lingering minerality. This has evolved beautifully since last spring.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauPape-Clement.aspWS 90 (5/1999): All elegance and fine texture. Beautiful aromas of milk chocolate and ripe berries. Full- to medium-bodied, with silky tannins and a sweet fruit, chocolate aftertaste. Hard to resist now.--1989 Bordeaux horizontal. Best after 2000.WA 89 (2/1997): I am an admirer of proprietor Valette, so it has given me no pleasure to write so-so reviews for recent Pavie vintages. I was pleased in this blind tasting to see how strongly both the 1989 and 1990 Pavies performed. Both slightly eclipsed my scores given immediately after bottling. The 1989 displays a deep ruby/garnet color with no signs of amber at the edge. It offers up an exotic, spicy, fruitcake, earthy, chocolatey nose with sweet woodsy aromas in the background. Long and youthful, with noticeably hard tannin, this medium-bodied, concentrated 1989 appears to be a slowly evolving wine. With another 2-3 years of bottle age, it may merit an outstanding score. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2016.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauPavie.aspWA 95 (4/2002): The 1999 Pavie is a candidate for "wine of the vintage". It boasts an opaque ruby/purple color in addition to gorgeous aromas of crushed minerals, smoke, licorice, cherry liqueur, and black currants. The wine is exceptionally pure and multilayered, with stunning texture and overall balance. The tannin level suggests 3-4 years of cellaring is warranted; it should age gracefully for 25+ years. If readers are wondering why Pavie has become so much better under the administration of Chantal and Gerard Perse, keep in mind that yields are one-third of what they were under the previous owners.WS 92 (3/2002): Yummy red. Attractive aromas of plums, berries, tobacco and smoke. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a long, juicy finish. Best after 2005. 1,665 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauPavie.aspWA 90 (4/2008): Made from the estate’s younger vines (under 10-years of age), the 2005 Les Aromes de Pavie is a blend of 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in primarily old oak for two years. Deep ruby/purple-hued, soft, fruity, medium to full-bodied, and spicy with hints of high class cigar tobacco mixed with cassis and sweet cherries, it possesses some of its bigger sibling’s personality, and is capable of lasting 10-12 years.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/LesAromesdePavie.aspWA 90 (4/2008): Made from the estate’s younger vines (under 10-years of age), the 2005 Les Aromes de Pavie is a blend of 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in primarily old oak for two years. Deep ruby/purple-hued, soft, fruity, medium to full-bodied, and spicy with hints of high class cigar tobacco mixed with cassis and sweet cherries, it possesses some of its bigger sibling’s personality, and is capable of lasting 10-12 years.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/LesAromesdePavie.aspWA 90 (4/2008): Made from the estate’s younger vines (under 10-years of age), the 2005 Les Aromes de Pavie is a blend of 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in primarily old oak for two years. Deep ruby/purple-hued, soft, fruity, medium to full-bodied, and spicy with hints of high class cigar tobacco mixed with cassis and sweet cherries, it possesses some of its bigger sibling’s personality, and is capable of lasting 10-12 years.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/LesAromesdePavie.aspWS 90 (3/2003): A solid little wine here that should be a good value. Aromas of minerals, with dark chocolate and berry. Medium- to full-bodied, with a solid core of fruit and a medium, velvety tannin structure. Best after 2007. 7,500 cases made.WA 88-90 (2/2002): This St.-Estephe gem is fashioning ripe, primarily Merlot-based wines with a lot of sex appeal. The impressive, deep ruby/purple-colored 2000 reveals aromas of ripe fruit, underbrush, and new saddle leather. Full-bodied, opulent, and pure, this sleeper of the vintage is also a good value. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2012.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauPetitBocq.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauPetitVillage.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauPetitVillage.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauPetitVillage.aspWA 82 (2/1987): Rather imbalanced and perplexing to taste, the 1966 Pichon-Longueville has good, dark ruby color, with just a little amber at the edge, a spicy, aggressive, cedary, black currant bouquet intermingled with decaying vegetation smells. It is big, fleshy, but disjointed on the palate, with an excess of tannin. This wine can be drunk now. No doubt the 1966 will age for another decade or more, but the wine is coarse and rustic. Anticipated maturity: Now-2000.WS 80 (9/1988): (no note)http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauPichon-Longueville,Baron.aspWA 96 (2/1997): One of the finest values in top-class Bordeaux has been the 1990 Pichon-Longueville-Baron. Until 3-4 months ago, the wine could have been purchased for under $400 a case, but that seems to have changed as the results of numerous tastings have pushed the price upward. I originally gave a one point preference to the 1989, and I am still convinced that ultimately that wine will last longer and hit a higher peak of pleasure than the 1990, but, wow, the 1990 is showing great. Both the 1989 and 1990 vintages exhibit opaque, dense purple colors that suggest massive wines of considerable extraction and richness. The 1990 Pichon-Longueville-Baron exhibits more of the roasted overripeness of this vintage, but it manages to keep everything in perspective. The wine is opulent and flamboyant, with lower acidity, and noticeably less tannin than the 1989. It is equally concentrated, with a more evolved nose of cedar, black fruits, earth, minerals, and spices. On the palate, the wine offers sensational quantities of jammy fruit, glycerin, wood, and sweet tannin. It is far more fun to taste and drink (more hedonistic perhaps?) than the more structured, backward, yet exceptional 1989. Ideally, readers should have both vintages in their cellars. The 1990 can be drunk now as well as over the next 25+ years.WS 94 (2/2005): More tobacco and cedar character on the nose, with hints of ripe fruit. Full-bodied, yet fine and sophisticated, with elegant tannins and a long finish. This is always a top-quality red. '89/'90 Bordeaux non-blind horizontal. Drink now.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauPichon-Longueville,Baron.aspMB *** (11/1998): Chateau bottled, Nicolas label: fragrant, good flavour, length. Some astringency but not enought to spoil it's charm.WS 80 (11/1997): More like an old Burgundy, with nutlike, leather, fruit and brown sugar character. Hints of earth and oranges. Medium-bodied.--Pichon-Lalande vertical.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauPichon-Longueville,Lalande.aspMB *** (1/1998): Early maturing. Total contrast in style to Baron. Open knit, fully mature, still very attractive.WA 81 (1/1998): The 1971 is an attractive wine, although I have not recently retasted it. The last note I have (from a magnum) suggested the wine had a mature, spicy, caramel-scented, ripe, complex bouquet. Soft, gentle, spicy flavors exhibited good concentration. The wine is quite pleasant, but I believe it should have been drunk by the mid-1980s.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauPichon-Longueville,Lalande.aspWA 95 (2/2009): The 2006 Pichon Lalande, which blows away the 2005, represents a return to the velvety-textured, rich, sexy style most readers would associate with Pichon Lalande. This blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon and 36% Merlot no Petit Verdot was included in the final blend exhibits a dense purple color as well as abundant aromas of chocolate, coffee, cedar, black currants, and a subtle touch of smoke, a rich, savory, full-bodied mouthfeel, plump, fleshy fruit, and a superb finish. This is a 21st century version of the brilliant 1996. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2030.IWC 93 (6/2009): Bright ruby-red. Aromas of black raspberry, dark chocolate, cedar, licorice and mint. Rich, lush and sweet, with noteworthy depth to the flavors of dark fruits, smoke and chocolate. Wonderfully broad and tactile in the middle palate. Finishes with sweet, dusty tannins and sneaky persistence. This fine-grained, stylish and downright sexy wine is clearly more successful than the 2005.WS 92 (3/2009): Displays currant and blackberry, with hints of licorice. Full-bodied, with round, chewy tannins and lots of fruit under the structure. A rich wine for the vintage, needing plenty of bottle age. Best after 2014. 16,665 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauPichon-Longueville,Lalande.aspWA 95 (2/2009): The 2006 Pichon Lalande, which blows away the 2005, represents a return to the velvety-textured, rich, sexy style most readers would associate with Pichon Lalande. This blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon and 36% Merlot no Petit Verdot was included in the final blend exhibits a dense purple color as well as abundant aromas of chocolate, coffee, cedar, black currants, and a subtle touch of smoke, a rich, savory, full-bodied mouthfeel, plump, fleshy fruit, and a superb finish. This is a 21st century version of the brilliant 1996. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2030.IWC 93 (6/2009): Bright ruby-red. Aromas of black raspberry, dark chocolate, cedar, licorice and mint. Rich, lush and sweet, with noteworthy depth to the flavors of dark fruits, smoke and chocolate. Wonderfully broad and tactile in the middle palate. Finishes with sweet, dusty tannins and sneaky persistence. This fine-grained, stylish and downright sexy wine is clearly more successful than the 2005.WS 92 (3/2009): Displays currant and blackberry, with hints of licorice. Full-bodied, with round, chewy tannins and lots of fruit under the structure. A rich wine for the vintage, needing plenty of bottle age. Best after 2014. 16,665 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauPichon-Longueville,Lalande.aspMB **** (1/1993): Drinking perfectly.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLaPointe.aspMB **** (1/1993): Drinking perfectly.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLaPointe.aspMB **** (1/1993): Drinking perfectly.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLaPointe.aspWA 82 (4/1990): Good, dark ruby color still exists. The bouquet of wood and ripe plums is enjoyable, but lacks complexity. In the mouth, the wine has plump, chunky, fruity flavors of good intensity, but seems to miss the mark when it comes to interest and length. Hopefully, it will get better, but I am unsure. Anticipated maturity: Now.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauPontetCanet.aspWA 89 (2/1993): The 1989 exhibits an impressive deep ruby/purple color, a highly scented nose of exceptionally ripe cassis fruit and licorice, full body, an excellent mid-palate, and a rich, intense, relatively tannic finish. Anticipated maturity: 2000-2015.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauPontetCanet.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauPoujeaux.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauPoujeaux.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauPoujeaux.aspWA 90 (6/2007): A big time sleeper of the vintage as well as a fabulous value, this dark ruby/purple-colored offering hit all cylinders in 2004, a credit to proprietor Jean Thiel. Supple tannins, a big, sweet, fleshy personality, and plenty of creme de cassis, cherry, earth, and background oak are found in this full-bodied, flamboyant wine. It can be drunk now or cellared for 15 or more years. Bravo!WS 90 (3/2007): Aromas of blackberry and spices follow through to a full-bodied palate, with chewy tannins and a long finish. Builds on the palate. I like this better than the 2003. Best after 2010. 25,000 cases made.IWC 86-89 (6/2005): Medium ruby. Enticing, ripe aromas of kirsch and nutty oak. Delicate, juicy and nicely delineated, with good intensity and cut. Not at all a fat style, but penetrating and pure. Finishes with firm tannins and very good persistence. A merlot-based Moulis wine with a nice light touch.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauPoujeaux.aspWA 90 (6/2007): A big time sleeper of the vintage as well as a fabulous value, this dark ruby/purple-colored offering hit all cylinders in 2004, a credit to proprietor Jean Thiel. Supple tannins, a big, sweet, fleshy personality, and plenty of creme de cassis, cherry, earth, and background oak are found in this full-bodied, flamboyant wine. It can be drunk now or cellared for 15 or more years. Bravo!WS 90 (3/2007): Aromas of blackberry and spices follow through to a full-bodied palate, with chewy tannins and a long finish. Builds on the palate. I like this better than the 2003. Best after 2010. 25,000 cases made.IWC 86-89 (6/2005): Medium ruby. Enticing, ripe aromas of kirsch and nutty oak. Delicate, juicy and nicely delineated, with good intensity and cut. Not at all a fat style, but penetrating and pure. Finishes with firm tannins and very good persistence. A merlot-based Moulis wine with a nice light touch.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauPoujeaux.aspWS 90 (1/1998): A wonderfully balanced and harmonious wine. Beautiful rose, floral and fruit aromas. Medium- to full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a long, fruity vanilla aftertaste. Best after 2000. 23,200 cases made.WA 85 (2/1998): I expected this wine to turn out better than it has. Hard tannin in the finish, and a slight hollowness in the mid-palate kept my score down. The wine reveals a dark ruby color, light to medium body, good aromatics (earth, underbrush, sweet cherries, and vanillin), and pleasing ripe fruit on the attack. The severe finish is dry and austere. Anticipated maturity: 2000-2008.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauPrieureLichine.aspWS 88 (11/1998): A delicious glass of red. Dark ruby-garnet color, with an amber edge. Berry and coffee aromas. Medium-bodied, with lovely, well-integrated, velvety tannins and a ripe fruit finish.--1982 Bordeaux horizontal. Drink now. WA 85 (1/1998): Fat, plummy, velvety, and precocious, with low acidity, this forward, tasty, but loosely knit wine is charmingly fruity and straightforward. Anticipated maturity: Now. Last tasted, 11/88.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLaRauzanGassies.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauRaymond-Lafon.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateaudeRayne-Vigneau.aspIWC 90 (8/1998): High-toned, expressive aromas of lime leaf and licorice. Silky and harmonious in the mouth, with impressive intensity of flavor and terrific underlying extract. Just a hint of acid and alcohol to be integrated. Finishes very subtle and long.WS 90 (8/2000): Yellow color. Honey, apple and pear aromas, with hints of dried apricot. Medium- to full-bodied, very sweet, with lots of dried apricot and a honey, sweet fruit finish.--1990 Bordeaux retrospective. Drink now. 10,000 cases made.WA 87 (1/1998): This sweet, thick, juicy Sauternes does not possess as much complexity as the top wines of the vintage. Perhaps more will emerge with aging, as the wine is more sugary, cloying, and plump than previous examples from this estate. The color is light golden. This honeyed, buttery Rayne-Vigneau does not reveal as much precision, definition, or evidence of botrytis as exists in the vintage’s finest offerings. Nevertheless, there is plenty to enjoy in this straightforward, monolithic 1990. It will not make old bones. Anticipated maturity: 2000-2012. Last tasted 3/97http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateaudeRayne-Vigneau.aspWA 89 (4/2002): A gorgeous perfume of smoke, oak, minerals, and blackberry fruit is followed by an elegant, finesse-styled Reignac with noticeable richness. The wine is seductive and open-knit, and is best consumed during its first 7-8 years of life.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauReignac.aspWA 89 (4/2002): A gorgeous perfume of smoke, oak, minerals, and blackberry fruit is followed by an elegant, finesse-styled Reignac with noticeable richness. The wine is seductive and open-knit, and is best consumed during its first 7-8 years of life.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauReignac.aspWA 89 (4/2002): A gorgeous perfume of smoke, oak, minerals, and blackberry fruit is followed by an elegant, finesse-styled Reignac with noticeable richness. The wine is seductive and open-knit, and is best consumed during its first 7-8 years of life.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauReignac.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ClosRene.aspWA 86 (1/1995): Lush, rich, and fruity, but surprisingly not as deep or as big as the 1983, the 1982 Clos Rene is a heady, supple, delicious wine, with some round, nonaggressive tannins in the finish. Anticipated maturity: Now.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ClosRene.aspMB**** (2/1996): Showing promise at three years of age though with a hot dry immature finish and raisiny aftertaste. Good evolution in the early 1980s. The odd man out because of its deep highly distinctive orange-tinged amber, hefty Beerenauslese-like nose and concentration. 'Magnificent in its way', I wrote in September 1982. Evolving well, having to cope with charlotte au chocolat and raspberry souffle en route. Positively luscious in the early 1990s, full, fat with silky acidity. More recently, singed, caramelised bouquet; intensely rich yet drying out a little. A hefty, almost Bual madeira-like nose and taste. Idiosyncratic. WA 90 (12/1998): Still remarkably youthful looking, and slow to evolve, this is a powerful, concentrated, and rich Sauternes, with decades of life ahead of it. Lemon, tropical fruit, and vanillin oaky aromas titillate the olfactory glands. Tight, yet rich, full-bodied flavors reveal marvelous balance and richness. It is aging at a snail's pace. Anticipated maturity: Now-2025.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauRieussec.aspWS 96 (4/2008): Offers enticing aromas of toffee, cream, dried apricot and caramel. Full-bodied, very sweet and thick, with honey and caramel flavors. Long and rich, oozing with sweet, ripe fruit. This is like liquid candy. Best after 2016.WA 96 (4/2008): No note given.IWC 93 (8/2008): Full yellow-gold. Expressive aromas of pineapple, coconut, sweet vanillin oak and spices. Then wonderfully thick, fat and sweet, with the exotic coconut character carrying through in the mouth. Finishes saline and powerful, with palate-staining flavors of pineapple, coconut and spicy oak. Conveys a strong impression of solidity.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauRieussec.aspMB *** (12/1986): Pale but plump. A touch grassy.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLaRomerduHayot.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauRouget.aspWA 86 (6/2000): Soft, fully mature, and beginning to crack up, this medium-bodied Pomerol exhibits caramel, roasted coffee, strawberry, dried herbs, and black cherry fruit as well as noticeable, somewhat dusty tannin. Drink it up.WS 86 (5/1989): No tasting note given.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauRouget.aspWA 86 (1/1998): The 1981 de Sales is a notable success for the vintage. Quite lush and concentrated, with ripe, rich fruit, some spicy oak, medium body, and a long finish, this is a graceful, savory wine. Anticipated maturity: Now.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateaudeSales.aspWA 85 (12/1995): This wine has lasted far longer than I would have guessed. It has always been a tasty, mocha, root beer, and cherry-scented and flavored wine with medium body, a silky texture, and good fruit and flesh. It has taken on considerable amber at the edge and is just beginning to turn the corner and dry out. Drink it up. Tasted 13 times since bottling with consistent notes.WS 83 (11/1998): Drying out. Ruby-colored, with an intense garnet edge. Some good chocolate and berry flavors, but it's firm and slightly dry in the mouth.--1982 Bordeaux horizontal. Drink now.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateaudeSales.aspWA 85 (12/1995): This wine has lasted far longer than I would have guessed. It has always been a tasty, mocha, root beer, and cherry-scented and flavored wine with medium body, a silky texture, and good fruit and flesh. It has taken on considerable amber at the edge and is just beginning to turn the corner and dry out. Drink it up. Tasted 13 times since bottling with consistent notes.WS 83 (11/1998): Drying out. Ruby-colored, with an intense garnet edge. Some good chocolate and berry flavors, but it's firm and slightly dry in the mouth.--1982 Bordeaux horizontal. Drink now.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateaudeSales.aspWA 90 (4/2001): The 1998 is a structured, closed but enormously concentrated, rich, full-bodied effort that should turn out to be a sleeper of the vintage. My only reservation is the high tannin level, which seems ripe and reasonably well-integrated. There are dazzling levels of black fruits intermixed with mineral, crushed stone, licorice, and vanillin characteristics. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2022.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ClosSarpe.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateaudeSegur.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauSegurdeCabanac.aspWS 94 (11/1989): A powerful, rich wine as good as many cru classés. Inky color and intense vanilla, violet and cassis aromas; full-bodied, with great balance, full but integrated tannins and a long finish.MB *** (9/1998): Craftily inserted into a blind tasting of first growths in the hope of both fooling us and to demonstrate the quality and style of the Medoc cru exceptionnel. It was deeply coloured and still immature; a 'clssic nose', Cabernet, slightly peppery, good but no development in the glass; dry, crisp fruit, good length, complete but very tannic- but so wsa the '86 Margaux. On the palate I gave it identical marks to the Margaux and the Haut Brion ('86). Being wise after the event, the clue to its class was its inability to develop extra nuances.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauSociandoMallet.aspWS 94 (11/1989): A powerful, rich wine as good as many cru classés. Inky color and intense vanilla, violet and cassis aromas; full-bodied, with great balance, full but integrated tannins and a long finish.MB *** (9/1998): Craftily inserted into a blind tasting of first growths in the hope of both fooling us and to demonstrate the quality and style of the Medoc cru exceptionnel. It was deeply coloured and still immature; a 'clssic nose', Cabernet, slightly peppery, good but no development in the glass; dry, crisp fruit, good length, complete but very tannic- but so wsa the '86 Margaux. On the palate I gave it identical marks to the Margaux and the Haut Brion ('86). Being wise after the event, the clue to its class was its inability to develop extra nuances.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauSociandoMallet.aspIWC 90 (6/2001): Good medium ruby. Spicy aromas of blackberry and minerals. Juicy and penetrating, with lively flavors of black fruits, licorice and game. Less dense and silky than the '99 or '00, and perhaps more classic in its precision. Finishes with firm tannins, and subtle, lingering finishing flavors. Graves WA 88 (4/2001): A deep ruby/purple color combines with a sweet nose of minerals, blackberries, and cassis in this nicely-textured, medium-bodied 1998. It possesses excellent concentration, firm tannin, and admirable purity as well as balance. Like many wines from this estate, it requires patience, but will ultimately behave like a blue chip classified growth. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2018.WS 85 (12/2009): Tar and slightly herbal aromas, with some dark fruit. Full-bodied, with lots of new oak, some fruit and a chewy finish. A bit disjointed. Better with time? 88/'98 Bordeaux blind retrospective (2008). Best after 2010. 19,165 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauSociandoMallet.aspIWC 90 (6/2001): Good medium ruby. Spicy aromas of blackberry and minerals. Juicy and penetrating, with lively flavors of black fruits, licorice and game. Less dense and silky than the '99 or '00, and perhaps more classic in its precision. Finishes with firm tannins, and subtle, lingering finishing flavors. Graves WA 88 (4/2001): A deep ruby/purple color combines with a sweet nose of minerals, blackberries, and cassis in this nicely-textured, medium-bodied 1998. It possesses excellent concentration, firm tannin, and admirable purity as well as balance. Like many wines from this estate, it requires patience, but will ultimately behave like a blue chip classified growth. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2018.WS 85 (12/2009): Tar and slightly herbal aromas, with some dark fruit. Full-bodied, with lots of new oak, some fruit and a chewy finish. A bit disjointed. Better with time? 88/'98 Bordeaux blind retrospective (2008). Best after 2010. 19,165 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauSociandoMallet.aspWA 93 (6/2004): This Haut-Medoc performed spectacularly on the two occasions I tasted it from bottle, even eclipsing its impressive showing from cask. It looks to be every bit as powerful as the 2000 ... not an easy achievement. A fabulous sleeper of the vintage, it tastes more like a first-growth than an unclassified offering. Its inky/blue/purple color is accompanied by a spectacular bouquet of lead pencil shavings, ink, blackberries, cedar, and earth. Full-bodied, with terrific texture, fabulous concentration, and moderately high tannin, this massive, atypical 2001 must be tasted to be believed. A brilliant achievement! Anticipated maturity: 2008-2020+.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauSociandoMallet.aspWS 92 (3/1993): Made in a restrained style, but shows gorgeous flavors, with chocolate, berry and plum nuances and compact, velvety tannins. Drink after 1997.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauStPierre.aspWA 89-90 (4/1996): St.-Pierre's 1994 outshines the riper, slightly lower acid 1995. The former wine is a dense, rich, full-bodied, opulently-textured, ostentatiously-styled St.-Julien with outstanding concentration, gobs of toasty new oak, and plenty of fleshy flavor. It is an impressively saturated, full-bodied, concentrated, attractive wine. There is, however, some tannin lurking in the background, so I suspect this wine will reveal more structure after bottling. Cellar it for 3-4 years and drink it over the following 15.WS 86 (1/1997): Darkly colored, emitting intense tar, asphalt and fruit aromas. Full-bodied and chewy, with round tannins. A straightforward, big Cab that will be better in 1999.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauStPierre.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauSuduiraut.aspMB **[***] (4/1999): Bottled in June 1999. 86 ha; Semillon 80% and Sauvignon Blanc 20%; 18-24 months in barrique, 20% of which are replaced each year. Impressive even at the first showing; classic botrytis honey; good flesh and acidity. Later the same autumn remarkably advanced and forthcoming. Sweeter than the '96, excellent acidity. More recently, developing well, fairly powerful and assertive. 2004-2020. IWC 92 (8/2000): Nose shows pungent aromas of fruit salad, flowers, coconut and oak spices, and a honeyed ripeness. Supersweet, highly concentrated and strong in extract, given clarity by fresh acids. Racy botrytis tones of honey and licorice. Finishes firm, long and complex. WS 90 (1/2000): An outstanding Sauternes, with wonderful aromas of cream, caramel and honey. Full-bodied, with a light sweetness and a long vanilla and fruit finish. A beauty. Best after 2001.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauSuduiraut.aspWS 93 (3/2008): Shows dried pineapple, honey, pear, caramel and piecrust aromas. Full-bodied and very sweet, with spice, coconut, tropical fruit and apple tart flavors. Long and dense, yet lively. Best after 2013. 6,500 cases made.IWC 92 (8/2008): Medium yellow-gold. Incredibly sweet aromas of apricot, acacia honey and marzipan. Supersweet, round and fat, but with enough ripe acidity to leaven the wine's huge impression of volume. A powerfully fruit-driven Sauternes with superb depth, but it's almost too rich today. Finishes with palate-staining sweetness and length and surprisingly fresh acidity (I suspect the actual acid number is low). I'd give this 15 years in the cellar. This is carrying a high 165 grams per liter of residual sugar, and the percentage of new oak was raised from a normal 35% to 65% for this vintage, and yet the wine does not come across as woody.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauSuduiraut.aspMB ***** (3/1999): Consistently good since the mid-1970s. Most recenty: now medium deep, with a lovely gradation to an almost tawny rim; intriguing bottle-aged bouquet, givier, liquorice and, after 90 minutes, a delicate, floral fragrance; sweet, nice weight, good acidity, masked tannin. A charmer.WA 85 (1/1998): One would naturally expect the 1961 Talbot to completely overwhelm the 1962. When tasted side by side, the wines are more similar than not, a trait that is abnormal given the different styles of these two vintages. The 1961, like the 1962, is a bit austere and lean, has medium to full body, a rather stern, unyielding texture, and good, rather than excellent, concentration. The wine lacks the color and richness of the best 1961s, but is still a good wine. In the context of the vintage, the 1961 Talbot must be viewed as a disappointment. Anticipated maturity: Now-may be in decline.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauTalbot.aspMB **** (5/1999): I have a love-hate relationship with Talbot. It has such a rustic farmyard character, mainly on the nose. But I can't help liking the '85. I thought it had reached its plateau of - if not perfection- easy, charming drinkability on its tenth birthday (at a Christie's wine dinner in Hong Kong): deliciously deep, velvety looking; soft, sweet, ripe. Drink now-2010.WS 90 (4/1994): Big, ripe, raisiny, earthy fruit bomb. Full-bodied with loads of flavor and tannins. Long and rich. Better after 1997.WA 89 (4/1990): The 1985 Talbot is a down-sized version of their 1982, and is now flattering to taste and drink. Very deep in color, with a ripe, rich, berry-like fragrance, this supple, fleshy, medium-bodied wine has loads of fruit, a smooth, graceful finish, and excellent balance. Anticipated maturity: Now-2000.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauTalbot.aspWS 90 (3/2004) Very perfumed with blackberry and light wet earth. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long, long finish. Rich and generous for the vintage. Much better than from barrel. Best after 2007. 25,000 cases made.WA 89 (6/2004) This may be the largest vineyard in the Medoc, with nearly 300 acres under vine. There was a period in the nineties where Talbot seemed to be a bit off form, but quality over recent vintages has displayed considerable promise. This estate is capable of producing very special wines, as anyone who has tasted their 1986 or 1982 can easily attest. The 2001, which represents only 50% of the production, is a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Franc. A dense saturated ruby/purple color is followed by notes of smoked herbs, licorice, cedar, incense, plums, and black currants. The wine is medium-bodied and moderately tannic for a 2001, with good depth as well as power. Give it 2-3 years of cellaring and consume it over the following 12-14 years.IWC 87-89 (6/2002) Medium ruby. Sappy black fruit aromas complicated by leather, dark chocolate and menthol. Fresh and primary but quite firm, even a bit austere, in the middle palate. Offers moderate density and finishes with slightly tough tannins. A more classic but also somewhat harder style of wine than the 2000.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauTalbot.aspWS 90 (3/2004) Very perfumed with blackberry and light wet earth. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long, long finish. Rich and generous for the vintage. Much better than from barrel. Best after 2007. 25,000 cases made.WA 89 (6/2004) This may be the largest vineyard in the Medoc, with nearly 300 acres under vine. There was a period in the nineties where Talbot seemed to be a bit off form, but quality over recent vintages has displayed considerable promise. This estate is capable of producing very special wines, as anyone who has tasted their 1986 or 1982 can easily attest. The 2001, which represents only 50% of the production, is a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Franc. A dense saturated ruby/purple color is followed by notes of smoked herbs, licorice, cedar, incense, plums, and black currants. The wine is medium-bodied and moderately tannic for a 2001, with good depth as well as power. Give it 2-3 years of cellaring and consume it over the following 12-14 years.IWC 87-89 (6/2002) Medium ruby. Sappy black fruit aromas complicated by leather, dark chocolate and menthol. Fresh and primary but quite firm, even a bit austere, in the middle palate. Offers moderate density and finishes with slightly tough tannins. A more classic but also somewhat harder style of wine than the 2000.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauTalbot.aspWS 91 (3/2006): Aromas of blackberry, currant and mineral follow through to a full-bodied palate, with fine tannins and a chocolate and light vanilla aftertaste. Subtle and long. Caressing texture. Hard not to drink now. Best after 2010. 31,785 cases made. WA 90 (4/2006): From bottle the 2003 is showing as well as can be expected. A soft, sexy, near-term style of claret with a deep plum/ruby/purple-tinged color, a big, sweet nose of anise, creme de cassis, smoke, Provencal herbs, and some spice box, it is opulent, fleshy, not profoundly concentrated, but rich enough. Everything is nicely balanced with silky tannin and low acidity. Drink it over the next 12-14 years as this is a seductive wine.IWC 86-89 (6/2004): Medium red-ruby. Aromatic nose combines currant, kirsch, licorice and fresh herbs, lifted by exotic oak spices. Supple and moderately ripe, with slightly medicinal, minty flavors and good breadth. Not especially gripping wine but finishes with reasonably ripe tannins and good length. Margauxhttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauTalbot.aspWA 90 (1/1998): The 1985 Le Tertre-Roteboeuf has an astonishing level of richness, a perfume of a wine costing three to four times as much, full body, an opulent texture that recalls a great 1982, and a penetrating fragrance and taste that are top class. Anticipated maturity: Now-2000.WS 89 (6/1988): Focused and flavorful, with lots of fruit and the structure to hold it. Ced ar, anise, plum and black cherry flavors are accompanied by full, chewy tan nins, firm acidity and a long-lasting finish.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauTertreRoteboeuf.aspWA 90 (4/1999): The 1996 Le Tertre-Roteboeuf is less sumptuous out of bottle than it was from cask. Nevertheless, this is an outstanding wine produced in the tell-tale style of this well-placed hillside vineyard. The color is a deep ruby, and the nose offers up hedonistic notes of smoky, creme brulee, roasted coffee, and chocolate-covered cherries. This medium-bodied wine is exhibiting more structure, muscle, and tannin than I remember from cask. In fact, after the sweet aromatics and initial blast of fruit on the attack, the wine seems to close down, revealing moderate tannin in the very good finish. Unlike most vintages of Le Tertre-Roteboeuf, which can be drunk immediately, the 1996 requires 2-3 years of cellaring, and should keep for 15-16 years.WS 88 (12/2007): Aromas of toasted oak, cedar and cigar, with hints of fruit. Medium-bodied, with silky tannins and a light finish. Drying out a bit.--'95/'96 Bordeaux retrospective. Drink now.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauTertreRoteboeuf.aspWA 100 (6/1997): I have applauded recent efforts of this estate, which goes to unprecedented lengths as well as labor to produce the most amazing sweet wines I have ever tasted. Their two new vintages include a perfect 1995 Cuvee Madame and a totally profound regular cuvee of 1995 Monbazillac. I recently had the 1993 Cuvee Madame next to an exceptional bottle of 1989 Chateau d'Yquem. Everyone at the table went ballistic over the 1993 Cuvee Madame. They loved the Yquem, but thought Tirecul la Graviere's 1993 Cuvee Madame to be the superior wine. Perhaps the tasting should be repeated in 20-30 years to determine if the results would be similar. That being said, there is no doubt in my mind that the 1995 Cuvee Madame is as profound a sweet wine as I have ever tasted. Made from 80-year old vines, harvested grape by grape, and with yields of 12 hectoliters per hectare (under one ton of fruit per acre), this wine boasts a glorious nose of apricot jam, tangerine essence, and subtle spicy oak. With its profound richness, blazingly vivid definition, huge body, viscous thickness (with no heaviness), and finish that lasts for nearly a minute, this nectar constitutes one of the most extraordinary sweet wines I have ever tasted. As is the case with so many of the world's greatest wines, the production is insignificant. Only 50 six-bottle cases are being imported to the United States.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauTireculLaGraviere.aspWS 91 (8/2000): Lively 1990. Medium ruby-garnet color. Pretty cherry, berry and spices on nose. Full- to medium-bodied, with silky tannins and a fresh finish.--1990 Bordeaux retrospective. Drink now. 2,500 cases made.WA 85 (6/2009): A disappointing example of this wine, the 1990 exhibits a smoky, herbaceous character, medium body, and neither the depth nor richness of La Tour Haut Brions made in the forties, fifties, sixties, seventies, and the monumental 1982. The 1990 needs to be drunk up as it is not likely to get any better. The color is already showing considerable amber and brick at the edge. The wine is somewhat superficial, but it offers complex aromatics of roasted herbs, meat, smoke, and spice. Release price: ($410.00/case)http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauLaTourHaut-Brion.aspWA 89 (4/1999): I am pleased with the way this wine has turned out. The ferocious tannin has been slightly tamed now that the wine is in bottle. Still a backward style of Troplong-Mondot, it will require 6-7 years of cellaring. The wine exhibits a deep ruby/purple color, and a powerful nose of licorice, black currants, and spicy new oak. There is sweet fruit on the attack and medium body, but the firm tannin gives the wine grip and delineation, as well as a certain austerity. This wine does possess the requisite depth to support its tannic clout, but patience is required. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2019.IWC 89 (6/1999): Good full red-ruby color. Redcurrant, raspberry, plum, tobacco, spice and mint on the nose. Sweet on entry, then firm and nicely delineated thanks to lively acids. Finishes with firm tannins and sneaky length. More Medoc in style than usual for this chateau; more marked by the cabernet-but this is still about 75% merlot. WS 88 (1/1999): Plenty of crushed berry and spice on the nose. Full-bodied, with full, slightly drying tannins, but good berry and chocolate flavors on the finish. Perhaps slightly overwooded. Best after 2001.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauTroplongMondot.aspWA 93 (4/2001): A fabulous effort, this sleeper of the vintage may turn out to be the finest Troplong-Mondot since the 1990. The black/purple-colored 1998 exhibits floral, blueberry, blackberry, licorice, vanillin, and truffle-like aromas (or is it charcoal/graphite?). Dense, full-bodied, and pure, yet extremely fresh and elegant, this beautifully focused wine needs 3-5 years of cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2025.WS 93 (1/2001): Intense aromas of ripe berries, tobacco and toasted oak with mineral. Full-bodied, with well-integrated, superfine tannins and a long, long finish. Extremely sexy, yet elegant. Best after 2008. 6,665 cases made. IWC 90+ (6/2001): Bright medium ruby. Spicy aromas of raspberry, currant, red licorice, smoke, leather and melting toffee. Bright and tight but with good density. Flavors of dark berries and lead pencil. Nicely delineated but currently dominated by its firm acids and tannins. This has excellent intensity and grip, but the firm tannic spine will require at least six or seven years of patience.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauTroplongMondot.aspWA 93 (6/2004): This estate continues to merit substantial praise. Let’s hope in the upcoming revised Classification of the Wines of St.-Emilion, Troplong Mondot merits elevation to Premier Grand Cru Classe, which it has deserved for some time. Not far off the pace of the spectacular 2000, the 2001 is performing even better from bottle than it was from cask. A gorgeous perfume of plum jam, creme de cassis, flowers, licorice, black fruits, a hint of graphite, and well-integrated wood notes is followed by a medium to full-bodied St.-Emilion with superb texture, great flavor purity, and tremendous harmony as well as elegance. Remarkably approachable despite its impressive concentration and well-concealed tannin, this is a beauty. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2017.WS 91 (3/2004): This is a dark and rich red with lovely spice, berry and dark chocolate character. Slightly overextracted, but there is a good core of fruit and silky tannins. Give it time in the bottle. I like it as much as the 2000, though it's slightly sleeker in style. Best after 2007. 5,415 cases made.IWC 89 (6/2004): Deep red. Very ripe nose features dark berries, cocoa powder and brown spices. Rich, fat, sweet and densely packed; really spreads out to cover the palate. Lush flavors of plum and smoke. Ultimately less sweet than the 2003, but wonderfully thick and creamy for the vintage. Finishes with strong but ripe tannins and a slight dryness.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauTroplongMondot.aspMB **** (9/1987): Marvellous wine. Packed with fruit but well ordered and fragrant.WA 85 (1/1998): I am beginning to wonder when this still-tannic, tough, and closed-in wine, which remains impressively colored and concentrated, will open up. It is a big, brawny Trotanoy that may very well lose its fruit before its tannin. Anticipated maturity: Now.WS 85 (5/1994): Light, refined and polished, with delicately spicy flavors running through the supple black currant and cedar core. Could stand to lose some tannins, but drinkable.--Trotanoy vertical.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauTrotanoy.aspWA 95 (4/2001): This structured, formidably-endowed, deep ruby/purple-colored, full-bodied, super-rich wine exhibits notes of toffee, truffles, and abundant blackberry, cherry, and currant fruit. It cuts a large swath across the palate, and possesses copious but sweet tannin as well as a chewy, muscular mid-palate and finish. This is a compelling effort from one of the great vineyards of Pomerol. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2030.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauTrotanoy.aspWA 90 (2/1993): Sweet, just short of syrupy, with honey, spice and fig aromas and flavors extending into a long finish. Has all the pieces to develop well, but it needs time to lose its overt sweetness. Best after 1995. 500 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauTrotteVieille.aspMB **[**] (5/1997): Three notes. On Christmas Day in 1996 despite double-decanting, 'needed air'. It certainly got it, for it was next drunk picknicking with the family at Badminton. A fairly decent, drinkable wine, no more. WA 88 (2/1993): The 1990 is at least very good. A backward, oaky, tannic wine in need of some bottle age, this full-bodied St.-Emilion exhibits plenty of power and guts. Anticipated maturity: 1996-2005.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauTrotteVieille.aspWA 91 (4/1999): This 1996 Valandraud has firmed up significantly since bottling. Unfined and unfiltered, this viscous wine displays the tell-tale thickness of color (saturated dark ruby/plum/purple). The wine's exotic bouquet is just beginning to form, offering up notes of iodine, roasted coffee, jammy black fruits, and pain grille. In the mouth, it is medium to full-bodied, with sweet tannin, terrific texture, and outstanding purity and length. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2018.IWC 91-92 (6/1998): Saturated ruby-red color. Lively aromas of black raspberry, black plum and smoky, spicy oak. Supple and very intensely flavored; not as fleshy or fat as the '95 but seamless. Again, has plenty of firming acidity. Finishes with tongue-dusting tannins and persistent spicy flavor. From a just-racked barrel: More precise nose hints at violet. Lush and suave in the mouth; seems fatter but every bit as fresh. WS 88 (1/1999): A solid red, with good fruit, but slightly one-dimensional and hollow in the midpalate. Aromas of blackberries and raspberries, and hints of new wood. Medium-bodied, with good, ripe berry flavor, medium tannins and a vanilla, tobacco aftertaste. Lots of wood here. Best after 2000. 600 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauValandraud.aspWS 89 (9/1998): Blackberry and cherry aromas and flavors, with a hint of raisin. Medium- to full-bodied, with medium tannins and a ripe finish. Slightly rustic, but very good richness.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauRolValentin.aspWS 94 (3/2007): Fabulous aromas of crushed berries, vanilla and chocolate, with pure fruit. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long, caressing finish. All in texture. A gorgeous and seductive young wine. This is 25 percent Cabernet Franc (normally it's 15 percent). Best after 2009. 4,585 cases made.WA 93+ (6/2007): This stunning blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc boasts a dense ruby/purple color along with a big, sweet bouquet of black cherries, licorice, roasted herbs, smoke, and cassis. Elegant, medium to full-bodied, pure flavors reveal moderately high tannin, but superb concentration and richness. Vieux Chateau Certan should be one of the longer-lived and most complex wines of the vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2025.IWC 93 (6/2007): Good red-ruby. Highly complex, cabernet franc-dominated aromas of berries, dark chocolate, leather, tobacco and spices. Dense and fat but with a firm edge of acidity leavening the wine's layered texture. A lush and creamy wine with terrific spine. Classic VCC, finishing with outstanding spicy persistence. It's hard to find this style of right-bank Bordeaux today. I've had a letch for this wine since the outset.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/VieuxChateauCertan.aspWA 86-87 (4/1996): A Merlot-based wine, the 1994 exhibits good ripeness, an attractive deep ruby/purple color, plenty of flesh, and an opulently-textured, long, gutsy finish. It should drink well for 8-9 years. This small 15-acre estate possesses an excellent situation on the Pomerol/St.-Emilion border, facing La Dominique and Cheval Blanc.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauVieuxFortin.aspWS 89 (3/2003): A solid red, with interesting aromas of crushed berries and black olives, with hints of earth. Medium- to full-bodied, with good fruit and a silky, vanilla and chocolate aftertaste. Best after 2006. 1,040 cases made.IWC 85-88 (6/2001): Medium ruby. Floral aromas of black raspberry, violet and bitter chocolate. Sweet and pliant on the attack, then a bit musclebound in the middle, with flavors of dark chocolate and mint. Somewhat tough tannins and a hint of finishing bitterness suggest a rather energetic extraction. Best today on the front half.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauVieuxMaillet.aspWA 93 (4/2008): This is the first release of a special project of Jeremy Renard and the proprietor of Chateau d’Arsac in Margaux. Under Renard’s guidance, each year a single vineyard parcel from Chateau d’Arsac is completely controlled by a single, world-renowned winemaker. Michel Rolland launched the project, and he has been followed by other luminaries in the wine world. Rolland had the good fortune to benefit from an excellent vintage, and the result is a 5,000-case lot of sensational wine. The 2005 possesses a forward, voluptuous style, so it will have early appeal, but don’t discount its potential to last 15-20 years. It offers a dense ruby/purple hue along with a smoky perfume of sweet cherries, blackberries, roasted coffee, and a hint of tobacco leaf. There is a seamless integration of acidity, tannin, and wood in this complete, full-bodied wine. The finish lasts for 35-40 seconds. This beauty can be drunk now or cellared for 15-20 years.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/WinemakersCollection.aspMB *** (9/1998): Picked 9 September- 26 October. A dozen notes, four in the 1960's, starting creditably in 1964. 'Packed with flavour, needs time' in 1967. Contrasting notes in the mid- to late 1970s, 'rather hard and ungracious' then 'full, rich, concentrated'. Somewhere in between about right! Caramel and barley sugar noted fairly consistently fromt 1987 to the present day. Also sweet, rich, powerful, with dry finish. At Rodenstock's Yquem tasting, bottle variations, one with singed raisin taste and very dry acidic end, the second crisp, attractive, not great. Frankly a mixed bunch of notes, possibly bottle variations. WA 84 (4/1982): The year 1961 was only a mediocre vintage for Barsac and Sauternes; however, the sales of these wines have long been helped by the greatness of this vintage for the red wines of Bordeaux. I have consistently found Yquem's 1961 to be a muscular, out of balance wine, with a burnt character to the bouquet, and overly oaky, aggressive flavors that lack this estate's ripeness and great richness. The wine is now beginning to dry out and become more awkward. Drink it up. Anticipated maturity: Now.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateaudYquem.aspMB **** (9/1999): Picking 15 September - 9 November. A dozen notes, beginning with a cask sample in October 1967: showing well, rich, beautifully balanced. For me its prime feature, 'balance', appeared in my notes in 1972 but subsequent comments somewhat variable. The problem with Sauternes is that it is so often served with killingly rich desserts. In the mid-1970s I noted some sharpness (acidity) yet one 'lacking zest and finesse'. But good notes through the 1980s, a slight but noticeable deepening of colour, lovely classic honeyed 'barley sugar' bouquet, quite assertive, somehow managing to be plump as well as lean. More recently, overpowering and caramelly after tasting a string of Ch. Lafaurie-Peyragueys (1994), distinctly overtaken by the 1967 at Rodenstock's Yquem tasting (1998), and losing some of its initial sweetness. Most recently, noting its surprisingly deep orange-amber colour; caramelised barley sugar bouquet; rich flavour. Perfect with the terrine of foie gras at Hal Lewis' 'Mr. Gourmet' Investiture dinner at the Peabody Hotel, Memphis.WA 85 (1/1982): The 1966 is a very good wine, but for Yquem it is mediocre. Not nearly as rich and intense as one would expect, this wine is still big, a trifle clumsy, and too oaky, but enjoyable. Anticipated maturity: Now-2000.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateaudYquem.aspMB **** (9/1999): Picking 15 September - 9 November. A dozen notes, beginning with a cask sample in October 1967: showing well, rich, beautifully balanced. For me its prime feature, 'balance', appeared in my notes in 1972 but subsequent comments somewhat variable. The problem with Sauternes is that it is so often served with killingly rich desserts. In the mid-1970s I noted some sharpness (acidity) yet one 'lacking zest and finesse'. But good notes through the 1980s, a slight but noticeable deepening of colour, lovely classic honeyed 'barley sugar' bouquet, quite assertive, somehow managing to be plump as well as lean. More recently, overpowering and caramelly after tasting a string of Ch. Lafaurie-Peyragueys (1994), distinctly overtaken by the 1967 at Rodenstock's Yquem tasting (1998), and losing some of its initial sweetness. Most recently, noting its surprisingly deep orange-amber colour; caramelised barley sugar bouquet; rich flavour. Perfect with the terrine of foie gras at Hal Lewis' 'Mr. Gourmet' Investiture dinner at the Peabody Hotel, Memphis. WA 85 (1/1982): The 1966 is a very good wine, but for Yquem it is mediocre. Not nearly as rich and intense as one would expect, this wine is still big, a trifle clumsy, and too oaky, but enjoyable. Anticipated maturity: Now-2000.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateaudYquem.aspMB **** (9/1999): Picking 15 September - 9 November. A dozen notes, beginning with a cask sample in October 1967: showing well, rich, beautifully balanced. For me its prime feature, 'balance', appeared in my notes in 1972 but subsequent comments somewhat variable. The problem with Sauternes is that it is so often served with killingly rich desserts. In the mid-1970s I noted some sharpness (acidity) yet one 'lacking zest and finesse'. But good notes through the 1980s, a slight but noticeable deepening of colour, lovely classic honeyed 'barley sugar' bouquet, quite assertive, somehow managing to be plump as well as lean. More recently, overpowering and caramelly after tasting a string of Ch. Lafaurie-Peyragueys (1994), distinctly overtaken by the 1967 at Rodenstock's Yquem tasting (1998), and losing some of its initial sweetness. Most recently, noting its surprisingly deep orange-amber colour; caramelised barley sugar bouquet; rich flavour. Perfect with the terrine of foie gras at Hal Lewis' 'Mr. Gourmet' Investiture dinner at the Peabody Hotel, Memphis.WA 85 (1/1982): The 1966 is a very good wine, but for Yquem it is mediocre. Not nearly as rich and intense as one would expect, this wine is still big, a trifle clumsy, and too oaky, but enjoyable. Anticipated maturity: Now-2000.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateaudYquem.aspMB *** (9/1998): A cask sample taste in April 1973: pale, lemon-tinged, though rich, a touch of bitterness in the finish. However it rounded out in the mid- to late 1970s with a ripe lanolin-like nose, richness and balance. It deepended in colour in the 1980s, but despite its overall harmony it lacked botrytis. In 1990 I first used the expression 'four-square', 'very good though uninspired'. A magnum in 1996 assertive but drying out at the end. A similar note in Miami a year later. Most recently, amber-gold, still fairly sweet, hefty, alcoholic, touch of caramel. Drink soon.WA 90 (11/1984): Somewhat less evolved than the 1971, and for me always a shade less interesting and complex, the 1970 Yquem is a large-scaled, rich, full-bodied, fairly alcoholic Yquem with significant flavor interest as well as crisp acidity. Unlike the 1971, which is close to peak maturity, this wine has a long way to go and is impressive, but not yet revealing all of its potential. Anticipated maturity: Now-2025.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateaudYquem.aspMB *** (9/1998): A cask sample taste in April 1973: pale, lemon-tinged, though rich, a touch of bitterness in the finish. However it rounded out in the mid- to late 1970s with a ripe lanolin-like nose, richness and balance. It deepended in colour in the 1980s, but despite its overall harmony it lacked botrytis. In 1990 I first used the expression 'four-square', 'very good though uninspired'. A magnum in 1996 assertive but drying out at the end. A similar note in Miami a year later. Most recently, amber-gold, still fairly sweet, hefty, alcoholic, touch of caramel. Drink soon.WA 90 (11/1984): Somewhat less evolved than the 1971, and for me always a shade less interesting and complex, the 1970 Yquem is a large-scaled, rich, full-bodied, fairly alcoholic Yquem with significant flavor interest as well as crisp acidity. Unlike the 1971, which is close to peak maturity, this wine has a long way to go and is impressive, but not yet revealing all of its potential. Anticipated maturity: Now-2025.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateaudYquem.aspMB *** (9/1998): A cask sample taste in April 1973: pale, lemon-tinged, though rich, a touch of bitterness in the finish. However it rounded out in the mid- to late 1970s with a ripe lanolin-like nose, richness and balance. It deepended in colour in the 1980s, but despite its overall harmony it lacked botrytis. In 1990 I first used the expression 'four-square', 'very good though uninspired'. A magnum in 1996 assertive but drying out at the end. A similar note in Miami a year later. Most recently, amber-gold, still fairly sweet, hefty, alcoholic, touch of caramel. Drink soon.WA 90 (11/1984): Somewhat less evolved than the 1971, and for me always a shade less interesting and complex, the 1970 Yquem is a large-scaled, rich, full-bodied, fairly alcoholic Yquem with significant flavor interest as well as crisp acidity. Unlike the 1971, which is close to peak maturity, this wine has a long way to go and is impressive, but not yet revealing all of its potential. Anticipated maturity: Now-2025.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateaudYquem.aspWS 98 (4/1995): Super-intense and full-throttled, elegant and stylish. Dark amber in color and rich in complexity, this '83 coats your mouth with butterscotch, dried apricot, fig and spice flavors. Made to age for decades.WA 96 (8/1993): The 1983 ranks among the most concentrated wines from this property over the last 25 years, with a staggering display of extract and a mind-boggling amount of glycerin. The vintage commenced early for d'Yquem, beginning on September 29th and finishing on November 18th. The 1983 is enormous, with huge, honeyed, pineapple, coconut, and caramel flavors, massive extract, and an unctuous quality barely framed by acidity and new oak. The wine has changed little since bottling. Anticipated maturity: 2000-2050. Last tasted, 7/93.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateaudYquem.aspWS 98 (4/1995): Super-intense and full-throttled, elegant and stylish. Dark amber in color and rich in complexity, this '83 coats your mouth with butterscotch, dried apricot, fig and spice flavors. Made to age for decades.WA 96 (8/1993): The 1983 ranks among the most concentrated wines from this property over the last 25 years, with a staggering display of extract and a mind-boggling amount of glycerin. The vintage commenced early for d'Yquem, beginning on September 29th and finishing on November 18th. The 1983 is enormous, with huge, honeyed, pineapple, coconut, and caramel flavors, massive extract, and an unctuous quality barely framed by acidity and new oak. The wine has changed little since bottling. Anticipated maturity: 2000-2050. Last tasted, 7/93.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateaudYquem.aspWA 99 (4/1999): 1990: An extraordinary effort, Yquem's 1990 is a rich and fabulously superb, sweet wine. This wine also possesses lots of elegance and finesse. The wine's medium gold color is accompanied by an exceptionally sweet nose of honeyed tropical fruits, peaches, coconut, and apricots. High quality, subtle toasty oak is well-integrated. The wine is massive on the palate, with layers of intensely ripe botrytis-tinged, exceptionally sweet fruit. Surprisingly well-integrated acidity, and a seamless, full-bodied power and richness have created a wine of remarkable harmony and purity. Certainly it is one of the richest Yquems I have ever tasted, with 50-100 years of potential longevity. An awesome Yquem! Anticipated maturity: 2003-2050+.WS 95 (8/2000): Truly superb. Yellow with a gold hue. Intense spice, honey and dried orange peel aromas.Full-bodied, very sweet and very alive. Vibrant Sauternes that goes on and on on the palate. Doesn't get much better than this. Beautiful now,but wait.--1990 Bordeaux retrospective. Best after 2010. 18,750 cases made. IWC 94+ (8/1998): Full-blown aromas of caramel, toffee, honey, white chocolate and damp earth; slightly Tokaj-like. Hugely concentrated and layered in the mouth; extraordinary sweetness cut by harmonious acidity. As with the best vintages of Yquem, the finish goes on for a minute or more. Stains, and stuns, the palate. A huge wine, surprisingly extravagant on the nose (earlier bottles have been far more restrained) but completely unevolved and a bit musclebound on the palate. May ultimately merit a higher score.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateaudYquem.aspWA 96 (4/2003): A sensational Yquem, 1997 may be this estate's finest effort since 1990 (although I would not discount the 1996 turning out to be nearly as good). The 1997's light gold color is accompanied a gorgeous perfume of caramel, honeysuckle, peach, apricot, and smoky wood. Full-bodied and unctuously-textured, with good underlying acidity as well as loads of sweetness and glycerin, it looks to be a great vintage for this renowned Sauternes estate. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2055.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateaudYquem.aspWS 96 (7/2006): Beautiful apple, vanilla and honey aromas, with just the right amount of new wood. Full-bodied, medium sweet, with lots of pretty pineapple and honey. Long and refined. A beautifully silky and balanced Sauternes. Lots of intensity and well-knit. Unrivaled in this vintage. Best after 2009. 6,500 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateaudYquem.aspWS 98 (12/2006): Subtle and racy, with lemon rind, vanilla cream and dried pineapple. Very spicy and intense. Full-bodied, with great length and flavor. Electrified yet refined, with medium sweetness and a wonderful finish. I love the class of this, and the length. Has afterburners. Best after 2010.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateaudYquem.aspWS 95-100 (6/2005): Wonderful aromas of pineapple, apple and lemon, with loads of botrytis. Full-bodied, but very refined, superfresh and racy. Goes on and on. Fabulous. Incredible purity and brightness. Like a perfectly cut diamond. Pierre Lurton, the manager of Yquem as well as Cheval-Blanc, really wanted to mark his arrival at the legendary estate, so he went to draconian lengths to deliver something superb in 2004. (He reduced the crop by half, so probably fewer than 75,000 bottles will be produced).http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateaudYquem.aspWS 95-100 (6/2005): Wonderful aromas of pineapple, apple and lemon, with loads of botrytis. Full-bodied, but very refined, superfresh and racy. Goes on and on. Fabulous. Incredible purity and brightness. Like a perfectly cut diamond. Pierre Lurton, the manager of Yquem as well as Cheval-Blanc, really wanted to mark his arrival at the legendary estate, so he went to draconian lengths to deliver something superb in 2004. (He reduced the crop by half, so probably fewer than 75,000 bottles will be produced).http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateaudYquem.aspWS 95-100 (6/2006): Floral, lemon, apple and cream with dried pineapple and apricot. Full-bodied, but very focused and refined. It starts slowly and then, wham! It goes on and on. Spicy, dried fruits and spices. Full-bodied, medium-sweet. So long and exciting. It is very close to 2001. We will see.WA 95-98 (4/2008): No tasting note given.JR 19/20 (9/2008): Wonderful deep tawny. Deep caramel colour. Dried fruit notes on the nose, with a suggestion of candied nuts. Lovely dried fruit finish. Currants and very, very fresh and lively. Very, very fresh. (So fresh I wrote it twice.) Creamy. Deep-flavoured and quite amazingly long.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateaudYquem.aspWS 92-94 (12/2007): Has lovely vanilla and tropical fruit character. Full, rich and long, yet elegant and racy, with dried pineapple and white peach. Gorgeous. This is two-thirds Sauvignon and one-third Semillon. Score range: 92-94http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateaudYquem.asp