Premier Cru - Bordeaux RSS/RDF Feed http://www.premiercru.net/premier/jsp/xml/premiercrubordeaux.php 96 points Parker: "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.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=95B03 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=42017 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=42016 Upgraded to 95-97 points Parker: "A spectacular Pomerol from Helene Garcin, this blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc emerges from a 15-acre vineyard planted on the plateau of Pomerol. The 2005 ranks alongside the estate?s greatest efforts to date, the 2001, 2000, and 1998. An extraordinary perfume of creme brulee interwoven with chocolate, mocha, blackberries, and sweet kirsch soars from the glass. With superb intensity, sweet tannin, stunning opulence, and fabulous texture and purity, this is a compelling example of the appellation as well as the vintage. It should be approachable in 3-4 years, and last for two decades or more. If you can find it, buy it by the caseload. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2030." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=34682 95 points Parker: "A stunning effort from Alexander Thienpont, the 2005 Vieux Chateau Certan (a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc) reveals an inky/blue/purple color along with a rich, sumptuous perfume of black olives, lavender, roasted herbs, licorice, pain grille, and oodles of truffles as well as creme de cassis. In the mouth, hints of chocolate and charcoal also make an appearance along with good acidity, fabulous purity, and a full-bodied, powerful mouthfeel. In keeping with the style of this terroir, the wine is reserved and restrained, but deep. It should develop magnificently, and age for 30-40 years. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2035." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=34930 95-98 points Parker: "This is a perennial superstar thanks to the efforts of proprietor Philippe Cuvelier and the estate?s manager, Tony Ballu. This beautifully-situated, nearly 48-acre vineyard, high on the clay and deep limestone plateau just adjacent to the town walls of St.-Emilion, was harvested between September 28 and October 13, with yields of 34 hectoliters per hectare. The natural alcohol turned out to be 14%. A magical wine, it may have a hard time eclipsing the 2005, but it is another prodigious effort in its own right. The dense purple color offers up notes of white chocolate, blueberry, blackberry, crushed rock, and white flowers. Textured, full-bodied, enormously pure, and voluptuously textured, it is nearly too easy to drink because of the exquisite balance and seamless integration of all its component parts. This is a killer Clos Fourtet that should drink well young yet evolve for 20+ years. (Tasted five times.)" http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41582 98-100 points Parker: "Thirty-five percent of the crop went into the 2009 Chateau Margaux, composed of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. The alcohol level of 13.3% is high, but not excessively so. A wine such as this is like the quintessence of terroir. A super, uber-concentrated perfume of creme de cassis and flowers cascades across the palate with a lightness of being despite massive concentration, a sumptuous personality, and an unctuous texture. I have never tasted a Chateau Margaux quite like this. It should be relatively drinkable at an early age, yet will last for 50-100 years. Oh my! (Tasted once.)" http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41772 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41765 95-97+ points Parker: "The 2009 Ausone, was produced at probably twice the yields of the absolutely remarkable 2008, but is another profound effort from Vauthier. Dense purple in color, with an almost liqueur of limestone intermixed with acacia flowers, blueberry, raspberry, and boysenberry fruit, the use of 100% new oak is completely concealed by the wealth of fruit and the lavish richness this wine exhibits. Nevertheless, there is a striking precision, minerality, and purity to Ausone. This wine might be far more drinkable in 7-8 years than the 2005 or 2008 will be with the same amount of aging. Nevertheless, any person lucky enough to latch on to one of the 1200 or so cases of this wine should realize it is going to evolve for 20-50 years. (Tasted once.)" http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41771 96-100 points Parker: "Harvested between September 17 and the beginning of October, the 2009 Petrus reminds me of what the 1982 tasted like at a similar age. Sweet tannins along with extraordinarily pure mulberry and black cherry fruit intermixed with hints of licorice and truffle are found in this 2009 in addition to a voluptuous mouthfeel, an unctuous texture, and, for Petrus, relatively high alcohol of 14.2%. Stuffed, rich, and creamy-textured with a full-bodied, powerful, exuberant personality, it should be approachable in a decade, and last for 40-50 years. (Tasted once.)" http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41815 98 points Parker: " Lets all stand and applaud proprietor Alain Vauthier. For the fourth straight vintage, he has produced one of the most compelling wines of the year. The "wine of the vintage", this inky/purple colored 2001 boasts a provocative, floral perfume of crushed stones, raspberries, blackberries, crème de cassis, licorice, and smoke. What makes it so sensational are the layers of flavor and nuances that unfolds as the wine sits in the glass as well as on the palate. An extraordinary intense effort, but remarkably elegant and well balanced, it ideally needs another decade of cellaring; it should last for 4-5 decades! Alain Vauthier is a perfectionist, which is evidenced by what he has produced over the last half dozen vintages at Ausone. Kudos to readers lucky enough to find a bottle or two, and live long enough to enjoy them in their prime. Anticipated maturity: 20012-2050+." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=24593 95 points Parker: "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. Last tasted 9/97." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=28442 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=RO739 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=C1032 94-96 points Parker: "The 2008 is a marvelous effort from this property situated adjacent to Petrus and only a stone?s throw from l?Evangile. An amazing effort, the wine exhibits an inky/ruby/purple color, wonderful concentration, a beautifully sweet perfume of caramels, mocha, jammy black currants, and smoky blackberries, a full-bodied mouthfeel, a layered, skyscraper-like texture, and sweet but elevated tannins. Overall, it displays gorgeous freshness and delineation. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2025." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=39976 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=39224 93 points Parker: "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.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=38294 92-94 points Parker: "While some octogenarians may argue that 1900 is better, this is the finest d?Issan I have ever tasted. The 2005 boasts a deep plum/ruby color as well as a beautiful projected bouquet of flowers, licorice, sweet currants, plums, cherries, and smoke. There is lovely purity in the mouth as well as an etched, precise character, stunning concentration, decent acidity, and an impressive finish that lasts nearly 45 seconds. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2025+." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=35358 98 points Parker: "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." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=34945 94 points Parker: "As usual, this superb Pauillac possesses an inky/blue/black color in addition to a big, sweet nose of graphite, charcoal, burning embers, black currant liqueur, and toasty vanillin from new oak casks. Full-bodied with high but sweet, well-integrated tannins, the 2005 Pichon Baron is more backward than the blockbuster 2003 or prodigious 2000. Nevertheless, it is a superb effort whose power, length, and tannic structure suggest it should be at its peak between 2015-2035." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=34870 90-93 points Parker: "Boyd-Cantenac's tannic, pure 2005 may be the finest wine I have yet tasted from this estate. Like so many Margaux cru classes, it performed extraordinarily well in this vintage. An inky/purple color accompanies sweet blueberry and cassis fruit, floral, licorice, and wet steel-like characteristics. Deep, full-bodied, powerful, structured, and tannic, it is a classic, long-lived effort to consume between 2011-2030+." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=34757 Upgraded to 93-95 points Parker: "A magnificent effort, the 2005 is the greatest Brane-Cantenac I have tasted. Even more compelling than it was last year, it admirably demonstrates why this was such a highly regarded property in the middle of the 19th century. Boasting a dense purple color, stunning sweetness, and a glorious perfume of spring flowers, lead pencil shavings, black cherry jam, and blackberries, it is an elegantly styled wine with gorgeous concentration, superb harmony, beautifully integrated tannin and acidity, and an expansive, long finish. Yet, the overall impression is one of finesse, elegance, and serious flavor concentration. While it will undoubtedly last 30 years or more, it is hard to know whether it will close down or become more drinkable. I recommend giving it 3-4 years of bottle age and drinking it over the following two and a half decades." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=34806 91 points Parker: "This outstanding effort is slightly lighter, more streamlined and delicate than followers of Lynch Bages have come to expect after such great vintages as 1982, 1989, 1990, 1996, and 2000. A deep ruby/purple hue is accompanied by a classic Medoc nose of tapenade, roasted herbs, licorice, cedar, black currants, and damp earth. Medium-bodied with moderate tannin, sweet fruit, and surprising softness as well as forwardness for a 2005 northern Medoc, it can be drunk now and over the next 20+ years." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=34814 95 points Parker: "One can?t say enough about the accomplishments the Cathiards have achieved at this property since 1990. Prior to their purchase of the property, appallingly diluted, vegetal, fruitless, charmless wines were produced, but they have turned Smith-Haut-Lafitte into a showcase Pessac-Leognan. The inky/blue/purple-tinged 2005's extraordinary nose reeks of charcoal, incense, scorched earth, abundant blackberry, blueberry, and cherry fruit, toast, and spice. Good acidity, huge but sweet tannin, and fabulous precision as well as definition characterize this full-bodied, super-concentrated effort. It should prove to be among the longest-lived wines yet made by the Cathiards. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030+." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=34825 92-95 points Parker: "Proprietor Alain Raynaud has produced a beautifully elegant, noble, racy 2005 Quinault l'Enclos that ranks alongside his 1998, 2000, and 2001. A blend of 77% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon (the average age of the vines is 50 years), it was cropped at 32 hectoliters per hectare, and receives the Burgundian treatment of malolactic in barrel, aging on its lees for 6-10 months, and no filtering at bottling. The inky/blue/purple-tinged 2005 reveals a pure nose of charcoal, spring flowers, sweet raspberries, black cherries, and cassis. The wine is gorgeously textured, medium-bodied, and elegant yet intensely flavored with a power and texture that build on the palate. The tannin is sweet, but noticeable, and the finish is long. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2030." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=34421 89 points Parker: "Reignac is the poster child for a modern-styled, ?better than its pedigree? Bordeaux Superieur. The wine?s high quality is a testament to the exceptional commitment demonstrated by proprietor Yves Vatelot. This large (125 acres) hillside vineyard, planted in gravelly/clay soils, is composed of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon. Yields are often lower than many classified growths." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=32760 94+ points Parker: "This is a brilliantly run property year in and year out, and especially since the mid- to late 1980s has produced one of the top four or five wines made in Pauillac in virtually every vintage. With 13.4% alcohol, the 2003 is one of the most powerful efforts this chateau has ever made. Its dense purple color is accompanied by sweet, jammy creme de cassis notes intermixed with roasted herbs, smoked meats, and chocolate. Although ripe, dense, full-bodied, and moderately tannic, it is silky (because of its low acidity and high glycerin) as well as accessible. It should firm up in the bottle, and be at its peak between 2008-2025." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=30056 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=25187 93 points Parker: "Complex aromas of scorched earth, minerals, black fruits, lead pencil, and subtle wood accompany this classic, full-bodied, La Mission. It boasts superb purity, an expansive, concentrated mid-palate, and sweet tannin in the long, muscular yet refined finish. This superb La Mission-Haut-Brion, which requires 6-7 years of cellaring, gets my nod as one of the finest La Mission's produced." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=12303 97-100* points Parker: "I don?t know what the 1961 Trotanoy tasted like in its youth, but the 2009 unquestionably surpasses the 1982 (which was the finest effort since the 1961) and eclipses anything made since. By far the greatest Trotanoy of my professional career, the 2009 boasts a dense plum/purple color as well as a meaty, earthy nose buttressed by enormous quantities of black fruits, cherries, and spice. Abundant glycerin, viscosity, purity, and elegance are all part of this massive, exuberant, powerful Trotanoy. One of the most prodigious wines of the vintage, it should come into its own in 8-10 years, and last 30-40 years thereafter. (Tasted once.)" http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41970 97-100* points Parker: "I don?t know what the 1961 Trotanoy tasted like in its youth, but the 2009 unquestionably surpasses the 1982 (which was the finest effort since the 1961) and eclipses anything made since. By far the greatest Trotanoy of my professional career, the 2009 boasts a dense plum/purple color as well as a meaty, earthy nose buttressed by enormous quantities of black fruits, cherries, and spice. Abundant glycerin, viscosity, purity, and elegance are all part of this massive, exuberant, powerful Trotanoy. One of the most prodigious wines of the vintage, it should come into its own in 8-10 years, and last 30-40 years thereafter. (Tasted once.)" http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41971 95-97+ points Parker: "The 2009 Ausone, was produced at probably twice the yields of the absolutely remarkable 2008, but is another profound effort from Vauthier. Dense purple in color, with an almost liqueur of limestone intermixed with acacia flowers, blueberry, raspberry, and boysenberry fruit, the use of 100% new oak is completely concealed by the wealth of fruit and the lavish richness this wine exhibits. Nevertheless, there is a striking precision, minerality, and purity to Ausone. This wine might be far more drinkable in 7-8 years than the 2005 or 2008 will be with the same amount of aging. Nevertheless, any person lucky enough to latch on to one of the 1200 or so cases of this wine should realize it is going to evolve for 20-50 years. (Tasted once.)" http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41813 98-100 points Parker: "The harvest for the 2009 Cheval Blanc began in mid-September and finished on October 8. One of this estate?s greatest wines, the 2009 (58% Merlot and 42% Cabernet Franc) came in at 13.5% natural alcohol (some lots were as high as 14.5%). The wine exhibits sumptuous aromatics of subtle menthol intermixed with caramel, black raspberries, mulberries, kirsch, and cassis. With a stupendous opulence and a fleshy mouthfeel, but no heaviness or fatigue, this dense wine is staggeringly concentrated, very full-bodied, powerful, and silky smooth. Irresistible already, it is almost frightening to think how compelling this beauty should be in a few years. (Tasted once.) Anticipated maturity: 2015-2050. " http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41738 98-100 points Parker: "The harvest for the 2009 Cheval Blanc began in mid-September and finished on October 8. One of this estate?s greatest wines, the 2009 (58% Merlot and 42% Cabernet Franc) came in at 13.5% natural alcohol (some lots were as high as 14.5%). The wine exhibits sumptuous aromatics of subtle menthol intermixed with caramel, black raspberries, mulberries, kirsch, and cassis. With a stupendous opulence and a fleshy mouthfeel, but no heaviness or fatigue, this dense wine is staggeringly concentrated, very full-bodied, powerful, and silky smooth. Irresistible already, it is almost frightening to think how compelling this beauty should be in a few years. (Tasted once.) Anticipated maturity: 2015-2050. " http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41739 '97-100* points Parker: "The greatest Clinet since the incredible duo produced by the late Jean-Michel Arcaute in 1989 and 1990, the 2009 (tasted on 4 separate occasions) was off the charts in terms of quality and potential. Yields of 47 hectoliters per hectare were not particularly low, and the fruit used in the final blend (87% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon; 14% natural alcohol) was all harvested between September 21 and October 7. The wine boasts an opaque black/purple color in addition to a gorgeous bouquet of truffles, charcoal, asphalt, blackberries, blueberries, and meaty, smoky notes. This dense, unctuously-textured Pomerol is built like a skyscraper with multiple layers, sweet tannins, and enormous concentration as well as length. The good news is there will be 4,000 cases of this modern day legend in the making. It should drink well for 30-35 years. While it?s hard to eclipse a 100-point wine (1989), the 2009 appears to be the finest Clinet has ever made. (Tasted four times.)" http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41629 98-100* points Parker: "The 2009 Cos d?Estournel is one of the greatest young wines I have ever tasted ... in the world! An extraordinary effort I tasted on two separate occasions, this blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest primarily Merlot with a dollop of Cabernet Franc has a whopping 14.5% alcohol, but a remarkably normal pH of 3.69. Kudos to Jean-Guillaume Prats and owner Michel Reybier for this amazing wine made from yields of 33 hectoliters per hectare. It will be a legendary claret that should last for 50-60 years. A black/purple color is accompanied by aromas of graphite, ink, creme de cassis, blackberries, cedar, and incense. Full-bodied and unctuously textured, with an ethereal personality, tons of nuances, and a burgeoning complexity, it is an enormously well-endowed, fresh, perfectly balanced tour de force in winemaking. As mentioned above, it should drink well for 50-60 years. This wine possesses this vintage?s classic characteristics of enormous power, massive fruit, and extraordinary freshness and precision - largely unprecedented, particularly for Cabernet-based wines in the Medoc. (Tasted two times.) " http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41709 98-100 points Parker: "There are 10,500 cases of the 2009 Haut-Brion, from a blend of 46% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 14% Cabernet Franc. For technicians, the highest ever natural alcohol, 14.3%, was achieved, with a pH of 3.9, which is about the same as the 1989 and 1990, as well as 1959. This is the kind of wine to send chills even up my spine, and I have been tasting here for nearly 30 years. An extraordinary nose of plum, blueberry, raspberry, crushed rock, and that intriguing floral as well as unsmoked cigar tobacco note (a classic sign of this terroir) is followed by a wine of creamy unctuosity reminiscent of 1989, but there is a freshness, vibrancy and precision that is historic and possibly unprecedented. Some graphite emerges as the wine sits in the glass, but the wine is very thick while at the same time precise and elegant. This is the quintessential expression of one of the greatest wine terroirs of the world. To reiterate, the good news is that there are going to be 10,500 cases of Haut-Brion in 2009, which is about 1,500 more cases than the 9,000 produced in 2005. This wine will probably need 7-8 years of cellaring when released and evolve as well as the 1959 has (which is still a perfect wine today), so we?re realistically talking 50-75 years when stored in a cool cellar. (Tasted once.) " http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41744 98-100 points Parker: "There are 10,500 cases of the 2009 Haut-Brion, from a blend of 46% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 14% Cabernet Franc. For technicians, the highest ever natural alcohol, 14.3%, was achieved, with a pH of 3.9, which is about the same as the 1989 and 1990, as well as 1959. This is the kind of wine to send chills even up my spine, and I have been tasting here for nearly 30 years. An extraordinary nose of plum, blueberry, raspberry, crushed rock, and that intriguing floral as well as unsmoked cigar tobacco note (a classic sign of this terroir) is followed by a wine of creamy unctuosity reminiscent of 1989, but there is a freshness, vibrancy and precision that is historic and possibly unprecedented. Some graphite emerges as the wine sits in the glass, but the wine is very thick while at the same time precise and elegant. This is the quintessential expression of one of the greatest wine terroirs of the world. To reiterate, the good news is that there are going to be 10,500 cases of Haut-Brion in 2009, which is about 1,500 more cases than the 9,000 produced in 2005. This wine will probably need 7-8 years of cellaring when released and evolve as well as the 1959 has (which is still a perfect wine today), so we?re realistically talking 50-75 years when stored in a cool cellar. (Tasted once.) " http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41745 98-100* points Parker: "A blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, this is one of the more ethereal and compelling efforts of the vintage. The 2009 Hosanna possesses great intensity, extraordinary balance, purity, and density, and a remarkable perfume of licorice, black fruits, spring flowers, incense, and Christmas spices. The wine hits the palate with full-bodied power, displaying silky texture, viscous, opulent mid-palate, high levels of glycerin, and considerable, but well-concealed tannins. In many ways, this is what some of the greatest 1982s tasted like (the tannins were virtually impossible to find at this stage). It should last 25-30 years. Kudos to Christian Moueix! (Tasted once.)" http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41364 98-100 points Parker: "The 2009 l?Eglise Clinet may eclipse some of the other efforts made by proprietor Denis Durantou over the years. Harvested between September 14 and 28, this blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc is a powerful, almost uber-concentrated wine that tastes like an elixir of Pomerol with an incredibly unctuous feel. This dense purple-colored 2009 (which achieved 14.5% natural alcohol) is extremely powerful, but that power is concealed beneath a mountain of glycerin, fruit, concentration, and body. The purity and richness are off the charts, and the silkiness of the tannins is ethereal. This extraordinary wine possesses extremely high levels of tannin, but according to Durantou, they have almost disappeared because of the wine?s amazing depth and richness. It will undoubtedly need a decade of aging after bottling, but it should last for 50+. It is a modern day legend in the making. (Tasted two times.)" http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41790 96-100* points Parker: "The prodigious 2009 l?Evangile may be the greatest wine made at this estate during my 30+ years of tasting Bordeaux. Yields were 39 hectoliters per hectare, and the harvest was relatively long, with everything being picked at perfect maturity between September 11 and October 7. The estate is doing malolactic in barrel (a la Burgundy), and the final blend (95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc) achieved 14.5% natural alcohol. Amazingly, this cuvee is aged in 100% new oak barrels, yet no oak is present in the aromas or flavors. Readers should think of it as a better, richer, fuller, more alcoholic version of the 1982 l?Evangile. Dense, full-bodied, and opaque purple-hued, it boasts an extraordinary bouquet of spring flowers, blueberries, blackberries, and boysenberries. A blue and black mountain fruit character suggests coolness, but an intensity and voluptuous texture present the paradox of 2009. The wine has all the characteristics of a hot vintage in terms of power, texture, and richness as well as elements of a cool vintage in its precision, elegance, freshness, and vibrancy. Make no mistake about it, this is an enormous wine that is incredible to taste. Frankly, I could have drunk the entire barrel sample if it hadn?t been my first appointment of the day (at 8:15 a.m.)! This wine should drink well for 30-40 years. Bravo! (Tasted once.) " http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41830 98-100 points Parker: "The 2009 Lafite Rothschild is a candidate for ?wine of the vintage.? Although the 2003 was powerful (12.9% alcohol), the 2009 came in at 13.4% alcohol. It is a blend of 82.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot. Only 45% of the crop went into the grand vin, which may be the most concentrated Lafite I have ever tasted. There is not a hard edge to be found in this inky/purple-colored wine displaying notes of charcoal, incense, black currants, and licorice. In the mouth, it represents a liqueur of black fruits offered in a remarkably full-bodied, incredibly elegant, lush style. Expansive, savory, staggeringly concentrated, and voluptuous as well as wonderfully precise with a hint of minerality, this sensational wine?s technical numbers are off the charts. Is this a replay of the 1959? Although it will be surprisingly approachable in its youth, this is a 50-100-year wine. (Tasted once.)" http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41769 98-100 points Parker: "The 2009 Latour has off the charts concentration in addition to the highest level of tannin ever measured at the estate. The final blend was somewhat unusual in that it consists of 91.3% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8.7% Merlot, and clocked in at 13.7% alcohol (even higher than the 2003). Possibly a 100-year wine, it boasts an inky/black/purple color as well as an extraordinary perfume of super-intense blue and black fruits, graphite, and a liqueur of rocks-like minerality. Enormously full-bodied yet at the same time incredibly fresh, vibrant, and precise, it coats the mouth, and builds incrementally to skyscraper-like texture, and a whopping finish that lasts over a minute. This remarkable wine reveals a certain accessibility already, yet one senses that it will be even richer, more nuanced, and fuller by the time it is bottled in mid-2011. A monumental wine from a monumental vintage in the Medoc, this is our children's children's children's elixir. (Tasted once.)" http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41831 95-98 points Parker: "From a 5-acre parcel cropped at 20 hectoliters per hectare, the 2009 La Plus La Fleur de Bouard (400-500 cases of 100% Merlot) boasts an inky/blue/purple color as well as a gorgeous nose of incense, graphite, blueberries, blackberries, ink, and spring flowers, awesome concentration, and sweet tannins. This is an enormously endowed, multi-layered effort of extraordinary intensity and length. It is a reference point for what can be achieved by a wine visionary in an appellation with little prestige. It should drink well for 20-25 years. (Tasted three times.)" http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41969 94-96+ points Parker: "The highest levels of polyphenols ever measured at Lynch Bages (20% higher than any prior vintage) are found in the 2009, which achieved 13.4% natural alcohol, and a normal pH of 3.64. Composed of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, it is the greatest Lynch Bages since the outstanding duo of 1989 and 1990. The black/purple-tinged 2009 exhibits a glorious perfume of graphite, black currants, and subtle smoke, powerful, thick, unctuously textured flavors, huge yet sweet tannins, fabulous purity, and a finish that lasts 40-45 seconds. Five to eight years of patience will be required, but this is a 30-40-year wine from this popular estate run by the affable and highly respected Cazes family. (Tasted three times.)" http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41565 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41764 96-100 points Parker: "Harvested between September 17 and the beginning of October, the 2009 Petrus reminds me of what the 1982 tasted like at a similar age. Sweet tannins along with extraordinarily pure mulberry and black cherry fruit intermixed with hints of licorice and truffle are found in this 2009 in addition to a voluptuous mouthfeel, an unctuous texture, and, for Petrus, relatively high alcohol of 14.2%. Stuffed, rich, and creamy-textured with a full-bodied, powerful, exuberant personality, it should be approachable in a decade, and last for 40-50 years. (Tasted once.)" http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41828 97-100* points Parker: "I don?t know what the 1961 Trotanoy tasted like in its youth, but the 2009 unquestionably surpasses the 1982 (which was the finest effort since the 1961) and eclipses anything made since. By far the greatest Trotanoy of my professional career, the 2009 boasts a dense plum/purple color as well as a meaty, earthy nose buttressed by enormous quantities of black fruits, cherries, and spice. Abundant glycerin, viscosity, purity, and elegance are all part of this massive, exuberant, powerful Trotanoy. One of the most prodigious wines of the vintage, it should come into its own in 8-10 years, and last 30-40 years thereafter. (Tasted once.)" http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41509 94-98* points Parker: "This has been a fabulous wine over recent vintages, but I do not think many consumers have caught on. Of course, there is far less of this classified-growth St.-Julien than of any of the Leovilles, Beychevelle, Talbot, Gruaud Larose, or Branaire Ducru. Unbelievably powerful, rich, and impressive, this may be the finest St.-Pierre ever made. An inky/purple color is followed by notes of creme de cassis, spring flowers, and forest floor, a layered, full-bodied, powerful mouthfeel, perfect balance, and extraordinary richness, purity, and unctuosity. This great St.-Julien should hit its peak in 7-10 years, and last for 30-50. Bravo! (Tasted two times.)" http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41963 94-98* points Parker: "This has been a fabulous wine over recent vintages, but I do not think many consumers have caught on. Of course, there is far less of this classified-growth St.-Julien than of any of the Leovilles, Beychevelle, Talbot, Gruaud Larose, or Branaire Ducru. Unbelievably powerful, rich, and impressive, this may be the finest St.-Pierre ever made. An inky/purple color is followed by notes of creme de cassis, spring flowers, and forest floor, a layered, full-bodied, powerful mouthfeel, perfect balance, and extraordinary richness, purity, and unctuosity. This great St.-Julien should hit its peak in 7-10 years, and last for 30-50. Bravo! (Tasted two times.)" http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41964 94-98* points Parker: "This has been a fabulous wine over recent vintages, but I do not think many consumers have caught on. Of course, there is far less of this classified-growth St.-Julien than of any of the Leovilles, Beychevelle, Talbot, Gruaud Larose, or Branaire Ducru. Unbelievably powerful, rich, and impressive, this may be the finest St.-Pierre ever made. An inky/purple color is followed by notes of creme de cassis, spring flowers, and forest floor, a layered, full-bodied, powerful mouthfeel, perfect balance, and extraordinary richness, purity, and unctuosity. This great St.-Julien should hit its peak in 7-10 years, and last for 30-50. Bravo! (Tasted two times.)" http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41965 94-97 points Parker: "The 2009 Lafleur?s harvest began on September 16 and finished on September 28. Interestingly, the Guinaudau family said this vintage reminds them of the 1989. At nearly 14% alcohol, the 2009 is a potent effort revealing some characteristics of the 1982, but there is more structure in the 2009. The pH is only 3.6, which is a lot lower than the 1982, and the final blend was 53% Cabernet Franc and 47% Merlot. The wine exhibits a deep ruby/purple color, beautiful purity, sweet mulberry, boysenberry, kirsch, licorice, and stony notes, full body, an unctuous texture, a fresh, lively personality, and tannins that are more noticeable than in some of its neighbors. The oak component is completely concealed by the wine?s extravagant richness and intensity. The structure suggests it will require a decade of cellaring, and it should last 40-50 years. (Tasted once.) " http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41859 97-100* points Parker: "I don?t know what the 1961 Trotanoy tasted like in its youth, but the 2009 unquestionably surpasses the 1982 (which was the finest effort since the 1961) and eclipses anything made since. By far the greatest Trotanoy of my professional career, the 2009 boasts a dense plum/purple color as well as a meaty, earthy nose buttressed by enormous quantities of black fruits, cherries, and spice. Abundant glycerin, viscosity, purity, and elegance are all part of this massive, exuberant, powerful Trotanoy. One of the most prodigious wines of the vintage, it should come into its own in 8-10 years, and last 30-40 years thereafter. (Tasted once.)" http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41471 96-98+* points Parker: "A mind-boggling effort, this is the finest La Fleur Petrus I have ever tasted. Layers and layers of black raspberry and black currant fruit intermixed with licorice, truffles, and earth are found in this dense ruby/purple-colored elixir. With extraordinary purity, decent acidity, melted tannins, and massive fruit along with elegance and precision, it should drink well for three decades or more. It is an amazing effort! Bravo to Christian Moueix and his team. (Tasted once.)" http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41353 92 points Parker: "Reminiscent of a grand cru Burgundy, La Fleur de Gay?s 2005 exhibits pure black raspberry fruit intermixed with truffle and kirsch notes. As the wine sits in the glass, toast and charcoal aromas also emerge. This opulent, medium to full-bodied, exceptionally pure Pomerol boasts laser-like precision and finesse. Give it 7-8 years of cellaring and drink it over the following 25 years." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=34526 Save over $100.00 on the 4 bottle set!! Contains a magnum each of 2009 La Lagune (RP 94-96), Cantenac Brown (RP 94-96), Domaine de Chevalier (RP 94-96) and Gazin (RP 94-96) http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41944 Save $140.00 on the 4 bottle set!! Contains a magnum each of the 2009 Malescot St Exupery (RP 95-97), Smith Haut Lafitte (RP 96-98+), Lynch Bages (RP 94-96+) and Branon (RP 96-98+) http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41942 Save $50.00 on the 4 bottle set!! Contains a bottle each of 2009 La Lagune (RP 94-96), Cantenac Brown (RP 94-96), Domaine de Chevalier (RP 94-96) and Gazin (RP 94-96) http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41943 Save $70.00 on the 4 bottle set!! Contains a bottle each of the 2009 Malescot St Exupery (RP 95-97), Smith Haut Lafitte (RP 96-98+), Lynch Bages (RP 94-96+) and Branon (RP 96-98+) http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41941 Save $175.00 on the 4 bottle set!! Contains a magnum each of 2009 Beausejour Duffau (RP 96-98+), Troplong Mondot (RP 94-97), Gracia (RP 96-98) and Clos Fourtet (RP 95-98) http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41934 Save $95.00 on the 4 bottle set!! Contains a bottle each of 2009 Pontet Canet (RP 97-100), Clinet (RP 97-100), Leoville Poyferre (RP 97-100) and Montrose (RP 96-100) http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41937 Save $190.00 on the 4 bottle set!! Contains a magnum each of 2009 Pontet Canet (RP 97-100), Clinet (RP 97-100), Leoville Poyferre (RP 97-100) and Montrose (RP 96-100) http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41938 Save $158.00 on the 4 bottle set!! Contains a bottle each of the 2009 Angelus (RP 96-100), Cos d'Estournel (RP 98-100), Leoville las Cases (RP 96-100) and Pavie (RP 96-100) http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41939 Save $325.00 on the 4 bottle set!! Contains a magnum each of the 2009 Angelus (RP 96-100), Cos d'Estournel (RP 98-100), Leoville las Cases (RP 96-100) and Pavie (RP 96-100) http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41940 Save $85.00 on the 4 bottle set!! Contains a bottle each of 2009 Beausejour Duffau (RP 96-98+), Troplong Mondot (RP 94-97), Gracia (RP 96-98) and Clos Fourtet (RP 95-98) http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41933 Save over $400.00 on the 5 bottle set. Contains a magnum each of 2009 Leoville las Cases (RP 96-100), Leoville Poyferre (RP 97-100), Cos d'Estournel (RP 98-100), Ducru Beaucaillou (RP 96-98) and Montrose (RP 96-100) http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41928 Save over $200.00 on the 5 bottle set. Contains a bottle each of 2009 Leoville las Cases (RP 96-100), Leoville Poyferre (RP 97-100), Cos d'Estournel (RP 98-100), Ducru Beaucaillou (RP 96-98) and Montrose (RP 96-100) http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41927 Save $1550.00 on the 5 bottle set!! Contains a magnum each of 2009 Lafite, Latour, Margaux, Mouton and Haut Brion http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41924 Save $775.00 on the 5 bottle set!! Contains a bottle each of 2009 Lafite, Latour, Margaux, Mouton and Haut Brion http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41923 Save $195.00 on the 5 bottle set!! Contains a magnum each of 2009 Haut Bailly (RP 96-98+), Smith Haut Lafitte (RP 96-98+), Branon (RP 96-98+), Pape Clement (RP 95-97+) and Domaine de Chevalier (RP 94-96) http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41930 Save almost $95.00 on the 5 bottle set!! Contains a bottle each of 2009 Haut Bailly (RP 96-98+), Smith Haut Lafitte (RP 96-98+), Branon (RP 96-98+), Pape Clement (RP 95-97+) and Domaine de Chevalier (RP 94-96) http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41929 Save $230.00 on the 3 bottle set! Contains a magnum each of 2009 Angelus (RP 96-100), Pavie (RP 96-100) and Bellevue Mondot (RP 95-100) http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41932 Save $113.00 on the 3 bottle set! Contains a bottle each of 2009 Angelus (RP 96-100), Pavie (RP 96-100) and Bellevue Mondot (RP 95-100) http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41931 Save almost $800.00 on the 2 bottle set!! Contains a magnum each of 2009 Ausone and Cheval Blanc http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41926 Save almost $400.00 on the 2 bottle set!! Contains a bottle each of 2009 Ausone and Cheval Blanc http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41925 94-97 points Parker: "The 2009 Lafleur?s harvest began on September 16 and finished on September 28. Interestingly, the Guinaudau family said this vintage reminds them of the 1989. At nearly 14% alcohol, the 2009 is a potent effort revealing some characteristics of the 1982, but there is more structure in the 2009. The pH is only 3.6, which is a lot lower than the 1982, and the final blend was 53% Cabernet Franc and 47% Merlot. The wine exhibits a deep ruby/purple color, beautiful purity, sweet mulberry, boysenberry, kirsch, licorice, and stony notes, full body, an unctuous texture, a fresh, lively personality, and tannins that are more noticeable than in some of its neighbors. The oak component is completely concealed by the wine?s extravagant richness and intensity. The structure suggests it will require a decade of cellaring, and it should last 40-50 years. (Tasted once.) " http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41913 94-97 points Parker: "The 2009 Lafleur?s harvest began on September 16 and finished on September 28. Interestingly, the Guinaudau family said this vintage reminds them of the 1989. At nearly 14% alcohol, the 2009 is a potent effort revealing some characteristics of the 1982, but there is more structure in the 2009. The pH is only 3.6, which is a lot lower than the 1982, and the final blend was 53% Cabernet Franc and 47% Merlot. The wine exhibits a deep ruby/purple color, beautiful purity, sweet mulberry, boysenberry, kirsch, licorice, and stony notes, full body, an unctuous texture, a fresh, lively personality, and tannins that are more noticeable than in some of its neighbors. The oak component is completely concealed by the wine?s extravagant richness and intensity. The structure suggests it will require a decade of cellaring, and it should last 40-50 years. (Tasted once.) " http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41912 98-100 points Parker: "The 2009 Latour has off the charts concentration in addition to the highest level of tannin ever measured at the estate. The final blend was somewhat unusual in that it consists of 91.3% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8.7% Merlot, and clocked in at 13.7% alcohol (even higher than the 2003). Possibly a 100-year wine, it boasts an inky/black/purple color as well as an extraordinary perfume of super-intense blue and black fruits, graphite, and a liqueur of rocks-like minerality. Enormously full-bodied yet at the same time incredibly fresh, vibrant, and precise, it coats the mouth, and builds incrementally to skyscraper-like texture, and a whopping finish that lasts over a minute. This remarkable wine reveals a certain accessibility already, yet one senses that it will be even richer, more nuanced, and fuller by the time it is bottled in mid-2011. A monumental wine from a monumental vintage in the Medoc, this is our children's children's children's elixir. (Tasted once.)" http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41835 96-100 points Parker: "The 2009 is one of the greatest Leoville Las Cases I have ever tasted, which is saying something given the many compelling wines that have been made at this estate. A final blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, and 9% Cabernet Franc has resulted in a wine that appears to be a hypothetical blend of the 1982, 1986, and 1996. Its 13.8% alcohol is perhaps the only thing that sets it apart from those vintages, which had nearly a full percentage point less. The high alcohol is barely noticeable in this 2009, which boasts an inky/purple color, monumental concentration, and great clarity and purity of creme de cassis, black cherry, spice box, graphite, and wet rock characteristics. Extremely full-bodied with a boatload of sweet tannin nearly concealed by the wine-s power, glycerin, and awesome fruit concentration, this intense effort never tastes heavy or tiring. This remarkable St.-Julien should be accessible in 3-4 years, and will evolve for 40-50. (Tasted once.)" http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41719 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41668