Fine Wine > France > 95-99 Pts

Cellar/Tasting Notes
"One of the outstanding successes of the 2009 vintage, this may surpass the superlative 2007. It has a more understated nose at the moment, but is very well defined with honey, white peach, orange peel and crushed stones. The palate has a viscous entry, is very well balanced, very powerful with..

Cellar/Tasting Notes
"The Coutet 2009 is a sensational effort from Philippe Baly and his team. It has a fragrant nose of honey, vervain tea, pineapple, frangipane and apple-blossom, well defined if needing a little more vigour at the moment. The palate is vibrant on the entry, informed by touches of apricot and orange..

Cellar/Tasting Notes
A brilliant effort from well-known oenologists Dany and Michel Rolland, the 2009 Bon Pasteur is dominated by Merlot, with a touch of Cabernet Franc included in the blend. It reveals textbook notes of mocha, tobacco leaf, blackberries, black cherries, roasted coffee and wood smoke. Full-bodied and..

Cellar/Tasting Notes
"One of the top wines in this portfolio is the 2009 Hermitage Marquise de la Tourette. Aged in 50% new oak, it exhibits abundant aromas of creme de cassis as well as hints of acacia flowers, crushed rocks and graphite along with massive concentration, full body, a dense style, a boatload of tannin..

Cellar/Tasting Notes
"One of the old, historic vineyards in St.-Emilion, owned by a family that goes back to the 1400s, this wine has gone from strength to strength over the last decade. Cropped at 33 hectoliters per hectare in 2009, during a harvest that took place between September 29 and October 9, the final blend..

Cellar/Tasting Notes
"Composed of 80% Grenache, 12% Syrah, 4% Mourvedre and 4% miscellaneous varietals, the 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Reservee tips the scales at 14.8% alcohol, which is slightly lower than the 2009. It reveals a deep ruby/purple color along with wonderful sweetness and lots of roasted meat..

Cellar/Tasting Notes
"The 2002 Brut La Grande Annee is marvelous. The 2002 is an understated Grande Annee that caresses the palate with layers of effortless, weightless fruit. The mousse is exceptionally fine, which adds to the impression of total elegance. This is a relatively bright, floral Grande Annee with plenty..

Cellar/Tasting Notes
"Bright purple. Captivating bouquet combines blackberry and blueberry liqueur, mocha, bitter chocolate and pipe tobacco, plus an exotic suggestion of incense. Compellingly rich and expansive, with vibrant black and blue fruit flavors and a strong floral quality. The smoky, spicy, very long..

Cellar/Tasting Notes
"A 100% Merlot cuvee from the plateau of Pomerol, the 2009 La Fleur de Gay exhibits striking floral, blueberry, black raspberry, graphite, and subtle oak, charcoal, and camphor notes. This fleshy, full-bodied wine possesses outstanding purity, exceptional body, and admirable opulence as well as..

Cellar/Tasting Notes
"The minerality and stoniness really comes through on the nose of this Rieussec, more than the 2007. The palate is very well balanced with superb acidity, real tension, steely with great precision with notes of apricot, white peach and honey on the beautifully defined finish. Probably the best..