1 | Wine | Bordeaux, 2009 | Page 3

"Opaque purple-colored, this is a relatively structured, tightly knit wine that offers up notes of crushed rocks, black raspberries and hints of black currant and underbrush. It is structured, masculine and medium to full-bodied, with some moderate tannins that still need to be resolved."-Robert Parker

"Showing a little more tannic than it was prior to bottling, this blend of 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc is one of the consistently well-made over-achievers in Bordeaux. There are some nice underbrush and loamy soil notes intermixed with red and black cherries as well as currants in this medium-bodied, elegant wine, but it still has some tannins to resolve."-Robert Parker

"It is certainly a good wine, with notes of chocolate, mocha and espresso as well as hints of mulberries and black cherries, but it is nowhere near the level of concentration the barrel sample had suggested. This blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc is medium-bodied deep plum/ruby in color, and best drunk over the next 7-8 years." -Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, 89 pts.

"Lighter-bodied, with a racy edge to the Damson plum and bitter cherry notes, flecked with grilled herb and framed by judicious toast. A touch loose in the end." Wine Spectator, 88 pts.

"A big-time sleeper of the vintage, this inky purple wine has a beautiful nose of creme de cassis, incense and acacia flowers. Some subtle barbecue smoke is also present in this full-bodied wine, which is the best of all the Jean Guyon estates in 2009. For the statisticians out there, it is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and the rest Petit Verdot. Drink it over the next decade."
-Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, 90 pts.

"Offers a solid core of mineral, berry and light vanilla aromas and flavors. Full and racy, with a long finish. Well done."

"Juicy and very lively, with lots of briar, currant, cherry, toasty spice and anise notes all framed by bright floral and iron hints. The long finish has excellent cut and drive."

"A ripe, broad style, with salted butter and blanched almond notes leading the way, followed by candied lemon peel, shortbread and white peach notes. Stays fresh through the finish."-Robert Parker

"A strong effort from proprietor Emmanuel Cruse, d’Issan’s 2009 was fashioned from minuscule yields of 18 hectoliters per hectare, and its 13.7% natural alcohol set a record at this estate. Composed of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon and 38% Merlot, it exhibits a classic Margaux fragrance of acacia flowers/violets, blueberries, cassis, licorice and camphor. Opulent and full-bodied with silky tannins as well as a rich, dense style, it will be interesting to compare the 2009 with the brilliant 2000 and 2005 over the next two to three decades."-Robert Parker

"The 2009 is possibly the best Cap de Faugeres yet made, a sleeper of the vintage, and a realistically priced one at that. A blend of 85% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon that hit 14% natural alcohol, the wine displays loads of charcoal, blackberry, espresso roast and white chocolate. It is full-bodied, unctuously textured, with very sweet tannin and stunning purity, texture and length. This is a super-duper wine, bottled unfined and unfiltered under the guidance of the consultant Michel Rolland. Drink it over the next 10+ years."-Robert Parker