4 | Wine | Pauillac, 86 to 90

"The second wine of Pichon Baron, the Les Tourelles de Longueville, is the best second effort I have tasted from this estate. An equal part blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine is very seductive, with loads of black fruits, an almost caramelized note, low acidity and voluptuous texture."-Robert Parker.

"A classic Pauillac as well as a sleeper of the vintage, the 2008 is even better from bottle than I predicted from cask. It boasts a dense purple color along with an impressive display of black currants, licorice, forest floor and graphite, medium to full body, a hefty personality, plenty of pure, sweet fruit, an enticing texture and a long finish with supple tannins. It is ideal for drinking now and over the next 15+ years." 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.

"The spicy, peppery bouquet reveals aromas of dried herbs and red currant fruit. Medium-bodied, austere, but youthful, vigorous, and concentrated." Reviewed by Robert Parker.

"Melon, grapefruit and lemon zest notes are present in this medium-bodied, dry, refreshing white." -Robert Parker

Limit 6 bottles per customer
"Exhibiting a deep ruby/purple color, lots of crushed rock, red and black currant, forest floor and underbrush characteristics, moderate tannin and medium body, it is built somewhat along the lines of the 1999 and 2001. It should be a 20- to 25-year wine, but it is not at the level of the 2008, 2009 and 2010. Fresh acids give the wine a somewhat more clipped feeling than most great Lafites have exhibited. Nevertheless, there is a lot of freshness and vibrancy to this vintage."-Robert Parker

"Features a solid core of anise and plum, with a briary frame and light tobacco shading that should emerge with time. Shows good substance and weight."

"The 2011 Carruades de Lafite is composed of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Soft berry fruit, underbrush, fresh herb and bay leaf characteristics as well as soft tannins, a velvety texture, and a medium-bodied, slightly superficial, but satisfying style suggest this 2011 should be consumed over the next 10-15 years."
-Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, 87 to 89 pts.

"This has a richness that stands out for 2011, delivering roasted fig and plum flavors, with good smoldering tobacco and black tea notes, before the tangy damson plum and iron elements more typical of the vintage finally start to emerge on the finish. Tasted non-blind."

"A strong effort from this property situated between Pontet-Canet and Mouton Rothschild, d’Armailhac’s blend of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot and the rest mostly Cabernet Franc and a touch of Petit Verdot was harvested between September 14-24. Its deep ruby color is accompanied by abundant aromas of black fruits, white chocolate, licorice and flowers. Medium-bodied, expressive, savory, pure and long with sweet tannins, it should drink well for 15+ years."
-Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, 90 to 92 pts.

"Bright and racy, with pronounced acidity giving nice cut to the red currant, plum and cherry notes. A singed wood hint slides in on the finish, adding length and definition. Not massive, but pure and precise."

"Tart acids give this dark ruby/purple-tinged wine a crunchy, fresh, lively feel on the palate. Composed of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot, this medium-bodied 2011 reveals loads of finesse and purity, but is slightly superficial compared to recent vintages such as 2009 and 2010. It should drink well for 10-15 years."
-Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, 89 to 91 pts.

"Shows high-toned cherry, tobacco leaf, grilled herb and lightly mulled spice notes. Very formed already, with a lingering dusty finish as the herb note peeks out more and more with air. Tasted non-blind."