4 | Wine | Saint Emilion, 86 to 90

"Sweet red and black currant fruit, spice box and herb aromas jump from the glass of this dark plum/garnet-hued 2008. As in most vintages, this is an equal part blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Soft and complex, it should be consumed over the next 5-6 years." -Robert Parker

"Much like the 2010, this blend of 70% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Cabernet Franc, with a little Malbec thrown in, exhibits a dark plum color and notes of raspberries, roasted herbs, incense, wet rocks and herbs. It is a medium-bodied, very evolved, elegant wine to drink over the next 8-9 years." Reviewed by Robert Parker.

"Sweet red and black currant fruit, spice box and herb aromas jump from the glass of this dark plum/garnet-hued 2008. As in most vintages, this is an equal part blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Soft and complex, it should be consumed over the next 5-6 years." -Robert Parker

"This is rock-solid, with cocoa, fig and blackberry notes rolled together, framed by dense but polished structure and all weaving nicely through the lightly grippy finish."

"Performing slightly better this year than last, the soft, plum/purple-hued 2003 possesses an attractive nose of charcoal-infused blackberries, a corpulent texture, fine density, concentration, and length, low acidity, and a plump, up-front style." 89-92 pts.

"The 2003 is a soft, relatively evolved style of wine. Up-front and forward, with a complex, perfumed (smoke, incense, fruitcake) style, it offers creme de cassis, cherry, plum, fig, incense, and cedar characteristics on the palate. The round, opulent attack quickly fades in the finish. Nevertheless, it possesses plenty of appeal, and is the most accessible Canon-La-Gaffeliere I have tasted." Reviewed by Robert Parker.

"This powerful, tannic, structured effort from Mouton-Rothschild’s stable is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Its dense ruby/purple color is followed by an earthy nose dominated by black currants and toasty, smoky oak. Medium to full-bodied with relatively high tannin, decent acidity, and a fine finish." Reviewed by Robert Parker.

"Features a bright feel, with bergamot, raspberry and cherry pit notes. Slightly sinewy through the finish, but hints at fine length and good fruit in reserve."
Reviewed by: Wine Spectator - 88 to 91 pts

"Copious aromas of Christmas fruitcake, cedar wood, underbrush, incense, black currants and black cherries emerge from this sexy, medium-bodied, lush, fruit-forward St.-Emilion. It should be enormously appealing to consumers over the next 10-12 years." -Robert Parker

"The 2012 offers up a beautifully fragrant nose of mocha, coffee beans, black cherries, black currants, spring flowers and forest floor. The complex aromatics are followed by a medium to full-bodied St.-Emilion with beautiful density and purity as well as a touch of toasty oak. Barde-Haut has been an over-achiever since the Garcin-Leveque family acquired it. Bravo!"
Reviewed by: Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate - 90 to 93 pts

"This has a bold, spicy lead, with flashes of anise, cocoa and cinnamon giving way to lightly mulled cherry, raspberry and plum fruit. Delivers a velvety feel on the finish, showing good cut."

"The basic cuvee of 2012 Faugeres is a stunner as well. Made primarily from Merlot blended with some Cabernet Franc, it exhibits plenty of black currant, black cherry, charcoal, graphite and fudge-like notes in addition to a medium to full-bodied, lush, round, generously styled personality. Drink it over the next 7-8 years." -Robert Parker