Bordeaux By Derek Smedley MW. Last Updated 6/11/2016

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1 Bordeaux 1999 By Derek Smedley MW Last Updated 6/11/2016 Derek Smedley MW, Rectory Cottage, Lilley, Hertfordshire, LU2 8LU.

2 August 20, 2012 BORDEAUX 1999 Tasting notes from the following growers: Contents St. Estèphe... 4 Pauillac... 7 Saint-Julien Margaux Moulis Listrac Haut-Médoc Médoc Pessac-Léognan Pessac-Léognan Blanc Graves Rouge Pomerol Lalande de Pomerol Saint-Emilion Montagne Saint-Emilion Puisseguin Saint-Emilion Canon-Fronsac Côtes de Castillon er Côtes de Blaye Côtes de Bourg Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 2

3 BORDEAUX 1999 August 20, 2012 Côtes de Franc Bordeaux Supérieur Bordeaux Rouge Bordeaux Blanc Sauternes Barsac Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

4 August 20, 2012 BORDEAUX 1999 Bordeaux 1999 Tasted in Bordeaux En-Primeur - March 2000 Tasted on other occasions see date & place in italics The winter months were full of contrast alternating between mild temperatures and hard frosts and this led into a warm wet April and May. Whilst it boosted the vines energy it favoured the spread of mildew which luckily could be controlled by spraying. The rain stopped at the end of May so the flowering took place under ideal conditions. The start of June was unusually cool affecting the set of some Cabernet, July was warm and damp with rain during the first 10 days of August but the weather improved with some sunny hot days and the high temperatures allowing the grapes to gain concentration. The September 5 th hail storm caused a lot of damage especially in Saint-Emilion the damage so bad some growers decided to pick the next day. The rains continued through September with only 1 dry day and the downpour on the 20 th was so severe (the tail end of Hurricane Floyd) that Christian Moueix declared killed the quality. Claret 7/10 Drink Now Sauternes 8/10 Drink Now St. Estèphe Château Le Bosq Firm on the nose the start of the palate is tight but there is mid sweetness more depth of fruit all very black fruit in character. The tannins are firm but not aggressive and it fills out at the back with the richness of ripe black cherry Château Calon-Ségur 3eme Cru The nose has a mix of fragrances with bramble and bilberry and the start of the palate is fresh. Sweeter in the middle the fruit is underpinned by firm tannins that hold back the fruit and tend to shorten the finish. Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 4

5 BORDEAUX 1999 August 20, 2012 Tasted at Bordeaux Index June There is a lot of fruit on the nose, all very black fruited, cassis backed by sloe. The tannins are evident but as they feel ripe that add to the feeling of richness. Behind the black fruit mix is some dark chocolate and coffee beans. Tasted in London at the Carlton Club July Lots of power shows on the nose, the mix of cassis and bilberry is backed by cedar wood. It feels dry and lacks weight of fruit towards the back. When the tannins soften there will not be enough fruit to give any richness. Château Cos d Estournel 2eme Cru The nose is closed the start of the palate firm the mid palate has obvious tannins. There is more depth at the back rich black cherry and cassis and the finish has depth black fruits and liquorice. Tasted at Bordeaux Index June The mix of black fruits gives an exciting complexity to both nose and palate. Blackcurrant is enriched by dark chocolate, fleshed out by damson and given power by the sloe that shows through towards the finish. Château Cos Labory 5eme Cru Cassis and black cherry the nose has fair depth but the start of the palate is tight the mid tannins firm. Richer at the back the finish has bramble and bilberry freshness herbal and peppery. Tasted at the UGC tasting Merchant Taylors Hall May Tasted at the MW tasting Royal Festival Hall November Château Le Crock Firm on the nose the start of the palate is tight with obvious tannins. Sweeter in the middle a mix of cassis and black cherry and although there is rich fruit at the back the finish is a bit attenuated and tight. La Dame de Montrose Depth on the nose power on the palate the rich fruit is supported by firm but ripe tannins. Brooding depth in the middle but it is lighter at the back a bramble and cassis mix on the finish. Château Haut-Beausejour Tasted at the MW tasting Royal Festival Hall November 2003 There is depth and richness on the nose the start of the palate has sweet ripe cassis backed by firmer black cherry. The tannins in the middle are very firm a bit coarse holding back the fruit but it does fill out towards the back and has fair weight of fruit on the finish. 5 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

6 August 20, 2012 BORDEAUX 1999 Château Lafon-Rochet 4eme Cru The nose is fresh the start of the palate tight with bilberry and black cherry. There is more depth at the back slightly riper fruit but firm tannins overshadow the fruit and shorten the finish. Château Montrose 2eme Cru There is a lot of power on the nose, rich black fruits, cassis, bramble and sloe. The weight of flavour is evident on the palate, the richness lightened a little by some red cherry and bilberry. Structured tannins tend to hold back full fruit expression at the moment. Tasted at the MW tasting Royal Festival Hall November Tasted in Rome March The power of the fruit, a hallmark of the château is apparent on both nose and palate. Multilayered flavours first blackcurrant, then bilberry and then sloe give complexity, all are supported by firm but ripe tannins. The richness of the fruit fills the mouth Tasted at the Carlton Club December The fruit is backed by an earthiness, a touch of old leather and cedar wood. There is depth and weight to the black fruit dominated mix that fills out the palate, layers of flavour all adding to the complexity. The tannins are firm yet have roundness and do tend to hold back fruit expression at the moment. It is a good but not great example of the Montrose style. Tasted in London at the Mercers May The nose is uncharacteristically light, very red fruited. There is more depth of fruit at the start of the palate but towards the middle its lightness is very apparent. There is some complexity but not much concentration light but fragrant towards the finish. Tasted at the Carlton Club March Tasted in Whitwell October was not amongst the top ranking years not a blockbuster yet wines like Montrose still needed time and some thirteen years on patience has been rewarded. The mix of black fruits on the nose is quite sweet and there is richness on the palate from the cassis, dark chocolate and coffee bean mix. The tannins although in evidence are not aggressive not holding back the fruit on the back palate. Care though the depth of flavour might overpower lighter meats. Tasted at Lincoln s Inn April Depth on the nose the palate has sweetness with a complex mix of black fruits bramble and bilberry underpinned by rich ripe cassis and black cherry. The mid suppleness is balanced by freshness but it fills out at the back with meaty richness the finish has depth a powerful mix of rich fruits. Château Les Ormes de Pez Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 6

7 BORDEAUX 1999 August 20, 2012 The nose has sweetness the start of the palate is fleshy with cassis and black cherry. Lighter in the middle a slight hollow and although it fills out at the back the finish is a bit dry and lacking in length. Tasted at the UGC tasting Merchant Taylors Hall May Tasted at the MW tasting Royal Festival Hall November Pagodes de Cos d Estournel nd wine of Château Cos d Estournel The fruit is fresh the nose fragrant but light and the start of the palate lacks richness. The sweet fruit in the middle tends to be overshadowed by the tannins the finish is dry and quite short. Château de Pez Tasted at the MW tasting Royal Festival Hall November 2003 The fruit is dry the nose tight and the palate lacks generosity and sweetness. A touch of black cherry at the back but the tannic firmness dominates there is not much charm Château Phélan-Ségur Smoky the nose has a mix of fragrances the start of the palate quite light and fresh. There is more depth and richness in the middle the black fruits supported by firm but ripe tannins and it finishes with depth of flavour. Tasted at the UGC tasting Merchant Taylors Hall May Château Valrose Black fruits the nose has fair depth the palate lighter with firm tannins and a lack of richness in the middle. It does fill out on the back palate a mix of black cherry and cassis and the finish has fair depth of flavour. Pauillac Château d Armailhac 5eme Cru There is not a lot of fruit on the nose and the start of the palate is tight the tannins firm yet not bitter. Richer and sweeter at the back a mix of red and black fruits and the finish has depth and sweetness. Tasted at the MW tasting Royal Festival Hall November The nose is closed the start of the palate tight but it fills out in the middle with some ripe black cherry and cassis. The mid tannins are firm but not aggressive and there is fair depth of fruit on the finish. 7 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

8 August 20, 2012 BORDEAUX 1999 Tasted in Rome March The fruit on the nose is upfront and ripe, an attractive mix of blackcurrant and bilberry with some red fruits showing behind. The palate has structure, the firm but ripe tannins giving support to the mix of flavours. Château Batailley 5eme Cru Tasted at the MW tasting Royal Festival Hall November 2003 The nose is fresh perfumed smoky the palate starts light with a bramble cassis mix. Slightly more depth and sweetness in the middle but it closes down on the finish the tannins are firm and slightly dry. Carruades de Château Lafite nd wine of Château Lafite The nose has depth but the palate is lighter fragrant bramble and bilberry. Sweeter towards the back a nice depth of flavour the tannins firm but not aggressive and the finish has depth of fruit. Château Clerc-Milon 5eme Cru The nose has depth sweet fruit and the start of the palate has a rich mix of cassis and black cherry. The tannins give support but feel ripe rich at the back the fruit underpinned by dark chocolate the finish has black truffles peppery and spicy Tasted at the MW tasting Royal Festival Hall November Violets the nose is fragrant the palate quite light and fresh at the start. Sweet in the middle ripe fruit a mix of black fruits the black cherry and blackcurrant underpinned by dark chocolate with a hint of black truffle. The finish is lighter and has good length. Tasted in Rome March It is remarkably perfumed, violets backed by black truffle and blackcurrant. The fruit on the palate is sweet, chocolate richness on the mid palate but some red fruit acidity refreshes and lightens the finish. Château Croizet-Bages 5eme Cu The nose is closed the start of the palate tight with high acidity and aggressive tannins. There is a hint of sweetness in the middle but the tannins are drying and it closes down on the finish. Tasted at the UGC tasting Merchant Taylors Hall May Tasted at the MW tasting Royal Festival Hall November Château Duhart-Milon 4eme Cru Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 8

9 BORDEAUX 1999 August 20, 2012 The nose has a mix of fragrances the palate starts with freshness a bramble and bilberry mix. The mid palate is sweet with ripe fruit chocolate coffee beans. The tannins are firm but not aggressive the back palate has sweetness. Tasted at the MW tasting Royal Festival Hall November Fragrant floral spring violets the nose has charm and the start of the palate has mix of fresh black fruits. There is mid sweetness richer black cherry a hint of chocolate but tannic firmness takes over the finish quite short and dry. Les Forts de Latour nd wine of Château Latour Brooding and rich the nose has depth the palate is meaty with concentration a powerful mix of cassis and black cherry. Liquorice on the mid palate adds to the richness and although firm at the back the finish has sweet fruit. Tasted at Bordeaux Index June There is a mass of fruit filling out the nose and giving flesh on the palate. Blackcurrant and sloe are very much in evidence backed by liquorice and coffee. The fruit feels ripe and the tannins although firm are not aggressive allowing the black fruited power to fill out the finish. Château Grand-Puy-Ducasse 5eme Cru Firm on the nose the start of the palate is fresh. Slightly more depth in the middle the fruit is quite ripe but the tannins at the back are hard and they tend to close down the finish. Tasted at the MW tasting Royal Festival Hall November Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste 5eme Cru The black fruit mix is overlaid with a pine needle character that adds to complexity. Rich blackcurrant is balanced by bilberry giving some freshness but behind this coffee beans and dark chocolate enrich and fill out the back palate. Tasted at the MW tasting Royal Festival Hall November Tasted at Boodle s (Farr Vintners) March This more difficult year has been well managed. The nose has lots of black fruits and these come through on the palate as well. Cassis intermingled with bilberry give good complexity. Although this is still quite firm, there is sweetness coming through on the finish. Tasted at the Guildhall September There is a touch of maturity about the black fruits on the nose. The palate has lovely ripe fruit balanced by fresher bilberry and red cherry. There are complex layers of flavour, a touch of cedar wood and a nice weight of blackcurrant and sloe. Tasted at Guildhall July Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

10 August 20, 2012 BORDEAUX 1999 Behind the sweet fruit on the nose there is freshness a mix of bilberry and bramble. The palate has the same mix of rich fruit mid sweetness yet freshness yet at the back the cassis and black cherry mix is enriched by dark chocolate. The finish is long stylish elegant. Château Haut Bages-Averous Sweet on the nose the palate starts with a mix of rich black fruits the fruit backed and enriched by dark chocolate. The tannins at the back are more obvious the finish is tight at the moment. Château Haut-Bages-Libéral There is not a lot of fruit showing on the nose and the start of the palate is tight. The mid tannins are firm but it does fill out a bit at the back with firm black cherry on the finish. Tasted at the UGC tasting Merchant Taylors Hall May Château Haut-Batailley 5eme Cru The nose has fragrant charm the palate is concentrated with rich black fruits. The tannins are tight tending to hold back some of the fruit the mid palate lacks a bit of depth and although meatier at the back the finish is quite light and fresh. Tasted at the MW tasting Royal Festival Hall November The nose is light but fragrant with spring violets and perfumed black fruits but the start of the palate has depth the fruit ripe and sweet. The tannins are obvious firm the mid palate tight and although there are some sweet fruit at the back it finishes quite firm Château Lafite 1er Cru Rich and ripe on the nose the palate has depth of fruit sweet cassis some black cherry all backed by chocolate and coffee beans. Slightly lighter at the back the finish has length a stylish elegance. Tasted at the MW tasting Royal Festival Hall November The nose has depth but the start of the palate is quite light with a mix of fresh black fruits. Serious and deep in the middle the black fruits backed by dark chocolate rich at the back then bramble and bilberry comes through giving a light bright more elegant feel to the finish. Tasted at Bordeaux Index June The richness of the black fruit mix fills out the nose and gives flesh to the palate. Blackcurrant is very much in evidence enriched by dark chocolate and coffee beans. Lighter bilberry and bramble appear on the mid palate lightening the richness, adding complexity and giving an attractive elegant feel to the finish. Château Latour 1er Cru Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 10

11 BORDEAUX 1999 August 20, 2012 Brooding depth the nose has powerful black fruits the palate is concentrated and rich. Black cherry and cassis are underpinned by chocolate and liquorice a complex mix of flavours the tannin is firm but ripe. There is harmony and balance. Tasted at the MW tasting Royal Festival Hall November The nose is closed the start of the palate tight but there is a brooding depth powerful black fruits in the middle black cherry and sloe backed by liquorice. The tannins are firm but not aggressive supporting but not overshadowing the fruit and it fills out at the back yet the finish has bilberry freshness. Tasted at Bordeaux Index June There is real power on the nose all very black fruited. Blackcurrant and sloe dominate the palate enriched by liquorice, dark chocolate and mocha coffee. The tannins although structured and firm are ripe and help to give a suppler feel to the mid palate. The powerful mix is lightened by some bilberry and black cherry giving a brighter feel to the finish Château Lynch-Bages 5eme Cru There is a green edge to the black fruits on the nose but this herbal freshness is soon overtaken by ripe blackcurrant and sloe. The mid palate has power and flesh enriched by chocolate, liquorice and coffee. Powerful fruit packs out the finish. Tasted at the MW tasting Royal Festival Hall November Château Lynch-Moussas 5eme Cru Tight on the nose the start of the palate lacks richness. More depth in the middle a mix of cassis and black cherry but tannic firmness takes over the back palate closed and the finish lacks length. Tasted at the UGC tasting Merchant Taylors Hall May Tasted at the MW tasting Royal Festival Hall November Château Mouton-Rothschild 1er Cru Fresh fragrant the nose is light but the start of the palate has more depth sweet black fruits. Lighter in the middle with bramble underpinned by firm but fine tannins, the fruit at the back is sweet the finish has good depth. Tasted at the MW tasting Royal Festival Hall November Fragrant spring violets the nose has lots of charm the start of the palate light with a mix of red fruits and bramble. There is mid depth the power of black cherry and cassis backed by dark chocolate rich fruit at the back but it finishes with a fragrant charm. Tasted at Bordeaux Index June Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

12 August 20, 2012 BORDEAUX 1999 The nose has the richness of black fruit but on the palate there is more of a red fruit influence lightening the black fruited power. The tannins are firm holding back some of the fruit and giving a dryness towards the back. More fruit does show right on the back palate and there is quite good length of flavour on the finish. Tasted in Bordeaux April There is a lot of rich fruit on the nose cassis and black cherry but behind there is the freshness of red fruits. The richness on the palate is nicely balanced by fresh red cherry that gives lighter more elegant feel on the finish. Tasted at Château Clerc-Milon September Rich fruit depth the nose has sweetness the start of the palate the fleshy richness of ripe fruit. Rounded fine tannins add to the mid suppleness the back palate packed with cassis and black cherry. It is lighter at the back style, length and elegance. Pauillac de Latour Rich black fruits the nose has depth and the start of the palate black cherry and sloe. The mid palate is meaty and rich a powerful mix of black fruits all supported but not overpowered by the tannins. The finish has depth and nice length. Château Pibran There is not a lot of fruit on the nose and the start of the palate is tight with aggressive slightly green tannins. The finish is tight slightly dusty and lacks length. Tasted at the MW tasting Royal Festival Hall November There is not a lot of fruit on the nose and the palate is lean the fruit rather overpowered by hard tannins. A touch sweeter at the back but it lacks weight of the fruit the finish is lean and dry. Château Pichon-Longueville Comtesse 2eme Cru Rich black fruits the nose has depth the start of the palate is rich and ripe. Firm tannins give structure but they feel ripe the back palate has black cherry and dark chocolate the finish though is lighter with fragrance and freshness. Tasted at the UGC tasting Merchant Taylors Hall May Tasted at the MW tasting Royal Festival Hall November 2003 The nose has a brooding depth and the start of the palate has black fruited richness. The tannins are firm but ripe the sweet fruit at the back balanced by bramble and bilberry freshness the finish has elegance and length. Tasted at Bordeaux Index June Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 12

13 BORDEAUX 1999 August 20, 2012 There are lots of black fruit influences but behind them are fresher reds fruits giving a lighter more floral character. Blackberry intermingles with blackcurrant, lots of complexity; then fresher red cherry and raspberry push through ensuring a lighter racier more elegant end. Château Pichon-Longueville Baron 2eme Cru Depth of fruit on the nose the palate has a mix of black fruits the sweetness of the cassis backed by firmer black cherry. The concentrated flavours are underpinned by freshness bramble and bilberry the finish has an elegant charm. Tasted at the UGC tasting Merchant Taylors Hall May Tasted at the MW tasting Royal Festival Hall November Tasted at Bordeaux Index June There are a lot of powerful flavours showing on the nose. The richness of the fruit fills out the palate, cassis intermingles with sloe all enriched by liquorice and coffee. Towards the back bilberry and hints of red cherry add freshness and give a lighter more elegant feel to the finish. Château Pontet-Canet 5eme Cru Depth on the nose a rich mix of black fruits and the palate has concentration and power. There are enough fresh fruits to balance slightly lighter at the back but it fills out on the finish with sweet fruit. Tasted at the UGC tasting Merchant Taylors Hall May Tasted at Bordeaux Index June There is a lot of fruit but full expression is held back by very firm tannins. The fruit feels ripe and this helps to flesh out the mid palate, cassis and black cherry are backed by dark chocolate. Although the tannins tend to close down the fruit towards the back with time the fruit will win through. Tasted in Bordeaux April Power on the nose, the blackcurrant is very dominant. Touch firm and green plum in the middle but has richness coming through towards the back. Tasted in Rome March The black fruits on the nose have power and richness refreshed by the hints of red fruits hiding behind the cassis and sloe. Lots of flavour on the palate, the fruit is layered all adding to the complexity, the sweet black fruit mix is enriched with dark chocolate. Tasted in London at the Dyers October Rich ripe fruit shows on the nose and the palate starts with sweet flavours. There is a fleshy richness from the black fruits, a mix of bilberry and bramble. Slightly firmer towards the back and it lacks a bit of weight on the finish. Tasted in London at the Mercers May Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

14 August 20, 2012 BORDEAUX 1999 The oak is quite prominent at the moment but as the cassis and sloe are very rich they come through and take over from the oak. The mid-palate has richness and depth, the black fruits fleshed out by dark chocolate. The back palate is still quite tight. Tasted at the Royal College of Physicians September The nose has lots of black fruits and the oak does not really show on either nose or palate. The mid palate is profound and deep full of rich cassis and sloe and although there is structure the richness of the fruit comes through fleshing out the finish. Tasted at Royal College of Physicians September There are a lot of powerful flavours on the nose all mainly black fruit in character. The chocolate and liquorice middle is given an extra richness by rounded tannins yet there is a good structure. The hints of bramble and bilberry give a fresher slightly lighter feel to the finish. Les Tourelles de Longueville nd wine of Château Longueville Baron Fragrant the nose is bright bramble fresh the palate sweeter the start has ripe cassis and black cherry. Firm and dry in the middle the fruit hidden by the tannins and the finish is firm and tight. Saint-Julien Château Beychevelle 4eme Cru Fragrant a bilberry and cassis mix the palate is richer sweet and ripe in the middle concentration and depth. The sweetness is balanced by freshness at the back the finish slightly lighter and quite firm. Tasted at the UGC tasting Merchant Taylors Hall May Tasted at the MW tasting Royal Festival Hall November Tasted at Bordeaux Index June It has black fruit but is light and slightly attenuated on both nose and palate. There is more of a red fruit influence in the middle and as the tannins are firm they hold back the fruit leaving it feeling rather hollow and dry on the finish. Château Branaire-Ducru 4eme Cru Fresh black fruits the nose is quite light and tight the palate richer with sweet cassis and ripe black cherry. There is an underlying freshness lighter at the back but it finishes with the richness of ripe fruit. Tasted at the UGC tasting Merchant Taylors Hall May 2001 Tasted at the MW tasting Royal Festival Hall November Tasted at Bordeaux Index June Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 14

15 BORDEAUX 1999 August 20, 2012 The nose is a bit tight and closed on the nose but on the palate there are sweet black fruits that begin to show themselves. Although cassis dominates behind it is some blackberry and bilberry that adds to the complexity. There is sweetness to the fruit but the tannic firmness asserts itself holding back the fruit so that the finish feels quite tight and short. Clos du Marquis nd wine of Château Léoville Las Cases Tasted at the MW tasting Royal Festival Hall November 2003 Light, fresh the nose has a mix of black fruits the start of the palate lots of bramble and bilberry. There is some mid sweetness but the tannins are hard the back palate tight and the finish firm. Château Ducru-Beaucaillou 2eme Cru Depth on the nose the palate has mix of black fruits rich and ripe in the middle. There is a balancing freshness a complex mix of flavours the ripe cassis backed by bramble and bilberry. Richer at the back the finish has depth of flavour. Tasted at Bordeaux Index June Hints of maturity overlay the fruit mix on the nose. The palate starts very black fruited but behind this are red fruits that add freshness. The rich mix of blackberry, sloe and black cherry comes through on the back palate giving it some weight. Tasted at the Château April The mix of fruits on the nose has power and the fruits feel ripe. The palate starts with richness a good mix of black fruits but towards the back fresher red fruits appear giving a lighter feel. There is just a hint of maturity beginning to show on the finish. Château du Glana There is not a lot of fruit showing on the nose but the start of the palate has more depth a mix of black fruits. Firm tannins hold back the fruit the mid palate is hollow and the finish lacks length and sweetness. Château Gruaud-Larose 2eme Cru Rich and ripe the nose has depth and the palate is fleshy and ripe. There is mid freshness bilberry and bramble but it fills out at the back concentration and depth with lots of rich black fruits on the finish. Tasted at the UGC tasting Merchant Taylors Hall May Tasted at the MW tasting Royal Festival Hall November Tasted at Bordeaux Index June Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

16 August 20, 2012 BORDEAUX 1999 The nose has a powerful mix of flavours all savoury and meaty. Blackcurrant is refreshed by raspberry and given complexity by cedar wood and coffee beans. The fruit ripeness ensures suppleness enhanced by ripe tannins. Under the lushness is a good structure that will hold the fruit together over the years. Tasted in London at the Mercers May The black fruits give a rich feel on the nose but behind there are lighter red flavours. The mix on the nose is there on the palate ensuring real complexity. The tannins are still firm holding back fruit expression and shortening the finish at the moment. Tasted at Mercers Hall May Cassis tends to dominate both nose and palate quite rich the flavours balanced by bilberry freshness. The mid palate is firm the tannins tend to hold back some of the fruit but towards the back it feels sweeter with rich black cherry and a touch of liquorice. Château Lagrange 3eme Cru It is very black fruit dominated with blackcurrant to the fore. The fruit feels ripe enriching the palate the fleshiness helped by ripe tannins. Under the chocolate richness there is bilberry freshness that gives a bright feel to the finish. Tasted at the UGC tasting Merchant Taylors Hall May Tasted at the MW tasting Royal Festival Hall November Château Langoa-Barton 3eme Cru The ripeness of the black fruits on the nose gives it sweetness. Ripe blackcurrant and black plum enrich the mid palate but behind the richness are firm tannins that tend to hold back fruit expression at the moment. There is enough sweet fruit to win through and overcome the tannic firmness. Tasted at the UGC tasting Merchant Taylors Hall May Tasted at the MW tasting Royal Festival Hall November Tasted at the Mansion House September Attractive fruit the black fruits interspersed with some red. The palate lacks a bit of depth but there is sweetness coming through towards the finish. It is quite firm at the back and lacks a bit of sweetness and weight. Tasted in London at the Mercers May It is very blackcurrant dominated with powerful flavours, sloe pushing through towards the back. The chocolate richness is balanced by some redder fruit freshness all rather held back at the moment by the firmness of the tannins. An attractive weight of black fruit does show behind the tannic gate. Tasted at Leathersellers November Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 16

17 BORDEAUX 1999 August 20, 2012 It is full of sweet ripe fruits a mix of fleshy strawberry and cassis. The palate is full and quite lush with lovely sweet fruit and chocolate richness. The tannins are there but rounded emphasising the fleshiness. Black fruits pack out the back palate. Château Léoville-Barton 2eme Cru Black fruit power gives the nose richness and depth. On the palate it is very blackcurrant and sloe dominated with blackberry and bilberry showing in the background. The fruit is spiced up by cedar wood, enriched by liquorice and given a touch of elegance by black cherry. Tasted at the UGC tasting Merchant Taylors Hall May Tasted at the MW tasting Royal Festival Hall November Tasted in Bordeaux April The richness of black fruits that is found on the nose is there on the palate. The flavours are quite concentrated at the start of the palate but lighter in the middle and towards the finish it lacks a bit of complexity. Tasted in Bordeaux November There is lots of rich fruit on the nose first cassis then some sloe and black cherry. The fruit on the palate is concentrated and rich the sweetness balanced by the tannins but they are not aggressive allowing the sweetness of the fruit to enrich the back palate. Tasted at the Château May The nose has the richness of black fruits and the start of the palate is fleshy and sweeter. There is a firmer feel on the mid palate but as the tannins feel ripe they do not hold back fruit expression. The back palate has fair depth with a mix of cassis and chocolate. Château Léoville-Poyferré 2eme Cru Some red fruits are there behind the black giving a leaner feel. The tannic structure holds back fruit expression and although behind there is richness depth of fruit, black cherry, blackcurrant and sloe it will take a bit of time for it really to show. Tasted at the UGC tasting Merchant Taylors Hall May Tasted at the MW tasting Royal Festival Hall November Tasted at Boodles December The nose has a lovely mix of black and red fruits, the richness of the black refreshed by some red cherry. The tannins are ripe and sweet allowing the fruit to show. There is good depth of flavour a lovely complex mix blackcurrant and sloe with fresher bilberry and bramble behind. The flavours linger on the longer finish. Château Léoville-Las-Cases 2eme Cru Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

18 August 20, 2012 BORDEAUX 1999 There is an attractive fragrance on the nose with blackcurrant, blackberry and black cherry very much in evidence. The richness of the black fruits fills out the palate an attractive mix of flavours. The fruit is ripe the mid palate lush the suppleness helped by rounded tannins. There is enough structure to give support to the rich sweet fruit. Tasted at the MW tasting Royal Festival Hall November Château Talbot 4eme Cru The fruit on the nose is quite sweet the start of the palate has depth but the mid tannins are firm slightly tight at the back but it does fill out on the finish with ripe black cherry and blackcurrant. Tasted at the UGC tasting Merchant Taylors Hall May Tasted at the MW tasting Royal Festival Hall November Margaux Château d Angludet Both nose and the start of the palate are firm the fruit fresh and the tannins are quite hard. Sweeter in the middle a cassis and black cherry mix but the tannin takes over at the back closing down the finish. Tasted at the UGC tasting Merchant Taylors Hall May Château Brane-Cantenac 2eme Cru The black fruits on the nose have a green herbal edge which also comes through on the palate. Blackcurrant and sloe are sweet at the start but the firm tannins tend to dry the fruit and hold back full expression. The finish is a bit tight but there is sweet fruit right at the back. Tasted at the UGC tasting Merchant Taylors Hall May Tasted at the MW tasting Royal Festival Hall November Tasted in Rome March The bramble and cassis on the nose are ripe giving it a fleshy feel. Sweetness is in evidence on the palate enriching it and enhancing the suppleness. The mix of fruits has complexity but towards the back the tannins seem slightly aggressive tending to repress the richness. Château Boyd-Cantenac 3eme Cru Tasted in Rome March 2008 It is closed on the nose the fruit that is there has no real substance. This lack of concentration is apparent on the palate giving a hollow feel in the middle and shortening the finish. Tasted in Bordeaux April Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 18

19 BORDEAUX 1999 August 20, 2012 It appears very black fruited on the nose but behind are red fruits that lighten both nose and palate. There is quite sweet fruit at the start of the palate but towards the back the tannins push through dominating and holding back the fruit on the finish. Château Cantenac-Brown 3eme Cru Fresh black fruits dominate the nose the start of the palate is tight with obvious tannins. It does fill out a bit in the middle but the back palate lacks generosity and it finishes quite short. Tasted at the UGC tasting Merchant Taylors Hall May Tasted at the MW tasting Royal Festival Hall November Château Dauzac 5eme Cru The nose is closed the start of the palate hard with tough tannins and a lack of real charm. There is slightly more depth at the back slightly sweeter fruit but the acidity and tannin dominates the finish short and quite dry. Tasted at the MW tasting Royal Festival Hall November Château Desmirail 3eme Cru Tasted in Rome March 2008 The nose is a bit misleading as it seems very rich with depth of flavour. The palate starts lighter fresher with red fruits behind the black yet it fills on the back palate quite meaty and rich. Château Durfort Vivens 2eme Cru The nose is a bit tight but there is sweetness on the palate a mix of cassis and black cherry. The mid tannins are firm but feel ripe sweet fruit gives richness and depth on the finish. Tasted at the UGC tasting Merchant Taylors Hall May Château Ferrière 3eme Cru Rich and ripe on the nose the start of the palate has depth of flavour. Lighter in the middle more of a bramble and bilberry character the firm tannins tend to hold back the fruit on the finish. Tasted at the UGC tasting Merchant Taylors Hall May Tasted in Rome March The nose is packed with ripe cassis and sloe giving it richness. These concentrated flavours fill out the mid palate, all sweet and ripe but there is a tannic backbone that tends to shorten and slightly dry the finish. Château Giscours 3eme Cru Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

20 August 20, 2012 BORDEAUX 1999 Sweet and ripe on the nose the start of the palate is fleshy with a rich mix of black fruits. Closed in the middle the tannins are firm but it does fill out at the back with depth of fruit on the finish. Tasted at the UGC tasting Merchant Taylors Hall May Tasted at the MW tasting Royal Festival Hall November Château Kirwan 3eme Cru Sweet black fruits the nose has depth but the start of the palate is tight with hard tannins holding back the fruit. Sweeter at the back yet the finish is short dry slightly green. Tasted at the UGC tasting Merchant Taylors Hall May Tasted at the MW tasting Royal Festival Hall November Château d Issan 3eme Cru Tasted at the MW tasting Royal Festival Hall November 2003 Firm and tight on the nose but the palate has more depth sweet fruit in the middle with cassis and black cherry. Fresh at the back the tannins are obvious a bit tight but it does fill out on the finish with sweet black fruit. Château Labégorce The nose is closed the start of the palate tight the tannins are hard and slightly bitter. It has more mid depth with sweeter fruit at the back but it finishes dry and slightly dusty. Tasted at the UGC tasting Merchant Taylors Hall May Château Labégorce-Zédé The fruit feels ripe the nose and start of the palate sweet. The mid palate is firmer the tannins quite hard but it does fill out at the back and finishes with the sweetness of ripe black fruits. Château Lascombes 2eme Cru Tasted at the UGC tasting Merchant Taylors Hall May 2001 Firm on the nose the start of the palate is tight but it fills out in the middle with some ripe cassis. It is still quite closed on the back palate and the finish lacks a bit of length. Château Malescot-Saint-Exupery 3eme Cru Depth on the nose the palate has rich black fruits cassis and black cherry backed by dark chocolate. Bramble freshness helps to balance and although the tannins at the back are firm there is sweetness and depth on the finish. Tasted at the UGC tasting Merchant Taylors Hall May Tasted at the MW tasting Royal Festival Hall November Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 20

21 BORDEAUX 1999 August 20, 2012 Tasted at the Devonshire Arms Hotel Bolton Abbey September The nose is very black fruit dominated with the sweetness of cassis. Black cherry gives a firmer start to the palate but the middle is sweet lush with liquorice and dark chocolate yet there is an underlying freshness more of a bramble character and this gives a slightly lighter feel at the back. The finish is rich deep lovely and supple. Château Margaux 1er Cru Red fruits black fruits the nose has a complex mix of flavours the palate layers of fruit. The mid freshness gives way to sweetness at the back the fruit supported by fine tannins. The finish is lighter fragrant stylish and long. Tasted at the MW tasting Royal Festival Hall November There is a lot happening on the nose fragrant with red fruits and black fruits layers of interest. The fruit on the palate is sweet and ripe a fleshy mix the tannins rounded and fine but there is a balancing freshness slightly lighter at the back the finish stylish and long Tasted at Bordeaux Index June The nose has real charm fragrant red fruits backed by lighter black bilberry and black cherry. The palate is fleshy full of sweet fruit, the suppleness helped by ripe and rounded tannins. Red fruits vie with the black for dominance winning towards the back ensuring a lovely elegance. Tasted in Mercers Hall May There are red fruits on the nose lovely and fragrant with behind deeper richer flavours more black fruit in character. The tannins are ripe and rounded adding to the fleshy sweetness in the middle but towards the back the red fruits dominate refreshing giving a lighter more elegant feel to the finish. MW Diamond Jubilee Banquet Banqueting House September Although the nose is fragrant and red fruited there is an attractive sweetness with black fruits tending to show on the palate and dominate. The tannins are ripe the mid palate rich fleshy supple a lovely depth of flavours. There is a red fruited freshness towards the back that gives a lighter elegant length on the finish. Marojallia Depth on the nose the palate has sweetness black fruits the tannins feel ripe. Under the sweetness there is bramble freshness but it does fill out at the back the finish sweet with rich black fruits. Château Marquis de Terme 4eme Cru The fruit on the nose is sweet but the palate quite tight with firm tannins and quite high acidity. The sweeter fruit at the back is masked by the tannins and the finish is firm tight and dry Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

22 August 20, 2012 BORDEAUX 1999 Château Montbrison The nose is sweet with mainly black fruits the start of the palate has good depth the rich fruit underpinned by firm but fine tannins. Slightly lighter and fresher at the back but it fills out with depth on the finish. Château Palmer 3eme Cru Tasted at the MW tasting Royal Festival Hall November 2003 The fruit on the nose is rich the palate has depth sweet black fruits all backed by dark chocolate and coffee beans. Rounded tannins the mid palate has a supple richness and although firmer and fresher at the back there is depth sweetness on the finish. Tasted at Bordeaux Index June The nose is packed with fruit first ripe blackcurrant then blackberry and black plum compote of flavours. The fruit power enriches the mid palate all supple and fleshy rich chocolate and liquorice behind the fruit. The tannins are firm giving structure but as they are ripe so there is no feeling of aggression. Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux The nose has a red fruited fragrant charm and the start of the palate is light the red fruits backed by fresh black. Sweet in the middle there is depth richness all supported by fine tannins. It fills out at the back with chocolate richness and finishes with sweetness. Tasted at the Chirnside Hall Hotel Berwickshire August The nose is lovely and rich sweet black fruits with cassis and black plum very much to the fore. The palate has a lovely mix of cassis and plum given an added lushness by dark chocolate. There are some fresher red fruits and bramble at the back all adding to the complexity. The finish is sensuously rich. Château Prieure-Lichine 4eme Cru Black fruits dominate the nose the start of the palate is fresh with more of a red fruit influence. The tannins are firm tending to hold back the fruit and although it fills out a bit on the back palate the finish is tight and a quite short. Tasted at the UGC tasting Merchant Taylors Hall May Tasted at the MW tasting Royal Festival Hall November Château Rauzan-Gassies 2eme Cru The nose is closed but there is a sweet start to the palate some ripe black fruits in the middle. Tough tannins hold back the fruit the back palate is quite dry and the finish lacks length. Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 22

23 BORDEAUX 1999 August 20, 2012 Tasted at the UGC tasting Merchant Taylors Hall May Tasted at the MW tasting Royal Festival Hall November Château Rauzan-Ségla 2eme Cru The nose has depth sweet fruit and the palate has a mix of black fruits cassis and black cherry. Depth in the middle the fruit backed by dark chocolate and although firmer and fresher at the back the finish has depth and sweetness. Tasted at the MW tasting Royal Festival Hall November Tasted at Bordeaux Index June There is a lovely sweetness to the nose stemming from the ripeness of the fruit. The palate is fleshy packed with cassis and blackberry enriched by coffee beans and dark chocolate. Although the palate is packed with sweet fruit there is an underlying freshness from the hints of raspberry and red cherry. Tasted at Lincoln s Inn June Sweet on the nose the palate has lots of cassis, chocolate and liquorice all underpinned by fresher bramble. Although rich on the back palate the finish is lighter with fresher black fruits hints of red the flavours lingering on the finish. Château Siran The nose lacks fruit and the start of the palate is tight the mid tannins firm. Slightly sweeter at the back but it is lacking in generosity the fruit drying on the finish. Château du Tertre 5eme Cru Tasted at the MW tasting Royal Festival Hall November 2003 Light on the nose flowery and red fruited the start of the palate is fresh. There is mid sweetness a nice depth of fruit a strong black fruit influence but at the back it feels fresher lighter the fruit lingering on the finish. Moulis Château Chasse-Spleen The nose is quite closed but the palate has depth black fruited richness. Black cherry and cassis in the middle are backed by bilberry an underlying freshness then it fills out at the back and there is depth of fruit on the finish. Tasted at the UGC tasting Merchant Taylors Hall May Château Poujeaux Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

24 August 20, 2012 BORDEAUX 1999 Tasted at the UGC tasting Merchant Taylors Hall May 2001 Sweet on the nose the start of the palate has depth. Red fruits in the middle give freshness and the back palate is quite light but it fills out on the finish with ripe black fruits. Tasted at Bordeaux Index June The fruit on the nose has a hint of maturity and this combined with rather dry tannins tends to hold back fruit expression. The mix of blackberry and cassis is underpinned by some red cherry giving a lighter feel to the finish. Listrac Château Clarke The nose is sweet but the palate very fresh the tannins firm a lack of balance. Slightly richer and sweeter at the back but it finishes quite short and dry. Château Fourcas-Dupré Tasted at the Thorman Hunt tasting London September 2010 The nose is showing quite advanced maturity but the palate is fresher with some bramble and cassis in the middle. Hints of vanilla are much in evidence towards the back and the tannins that are still quite firm cut short the finish. Château Fourcas-Hosten The nose is light lacking fruit and the start of the palate is very firm the tannins obvious and slightly bitter. Cassis at the back gives a little more depth but it finishes firm, tight and dry. Haut-Médoc Château Beaumont Fair depth on the nose the palate has blackcurrant and black cherry richness in the middle. It feels fresher at the back and although the fruit feels ripe the finish is fresh and quite tight. Château Belgrave 5eme Cru The mix of black fruits feels ripe the start of the palate sweet. The mid tannins are firm and tend to hold back the fruit but there is sweetness more depth on the finish. Tasted at the UGC tasting Merchant Taylors Hall May Tasted at the MW tasting Royal Festival Hall November Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 24

25 BORDEAUX 1999 August 20, 2012 Château Bernadotte The nose is oak dominated the start of the palate light with fresh black fruits. Richer and sweeter in the middle powerful flavours and depth but the tannins at the back are firm the finish tight and slightly lacking in length. Tasted at Bordeaux Index June The nutty edge of maturity is there on the nose and quite evident on the palate. The sweet cassis that shows early on is soon over powered by firm and rather drying tannins leaving the finish quite short. Tasted in London at The Bunch Tasting September It seems to be very mature and this tends to overpower some of the fruit on both nose and palate. Blackcurrant and blackberry are there behind the mature character but their freshness is over taken by the rather drying tannins. Château de Camensac 5eme Cru Tasted at the MW tasting Royal Festival Hall November 2003 The nose is closed the start of the palate very firm and although it fills out a bit in the middle the hard tannins tend to hold back the fruit dry and shorten the finish. Château Cantermerle 5eme Cru Fragrant on the nose a mix of bramble and red cherry the palate though has depth sweet fruit good concentration. The tannins are firm but ripe and there is sweet fruit on the finish Tasted at the UGC tasting Merchant Taylors Hall May Tasted at the MW tasting Royal Festival Hall November Tasted at Boodle s (Farr Vintners) March Despite the difficulties of the year, careful selection has produced fragrant ripe flavours. Bilberry and cassis are very much in evidence, with refreshing red fruits underneath giving an added complexity. Ready to drink and will be very enjoyable over the next three to four years. Château Coufran The nose is tight the start of the palate fresh. Sweeter in the middle more depth of fruit but tannic firmness takes over the finish is quite short and dry. Château La Lagune 3eme Cru A rich mix of black fruits the nose has depth and the palate sweetness at the start. The tannins are quite hard the mid palate firm but it does fill out at the back some rich fruit on the finish. Tasted at the MW tasting Royal Festival Hall November Master of Wine: Derek Smedley