Bordeaux 2006 Pomerol Lalande de Pomerol Saint-Emilion Saint-Emilion Satellites Other Regions

Transcription

1 Bordeaux 2006 Pomerol Lalande de Pomerol Saint-Emilion Saint-Emilion Satellites Other Regions By Derek Smedley MW Last Updated 12/3/2016 Derek Smedley MW, Rectory Cottage, Lilley, Hertfordshire, LU2 8LU.

2 August 20, 2012 BORDEAUX 2006 Tasting notes from the following growers: Contents Pomerol... 4 Lalande de Pomerol Saint-Emilion Montagne-Saint-Emilion Puisseguin-Saint-Emilion Premières Côtes de Bordeaux Canon-Fronsac Fronsac Côtes de Castillon Côtes de Bourg Côtes de Francs Bordeaux Supérieur Bordeaux Loupiac Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 2

3 BORDEAUX 2006 August 20, Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

4 August 20, 2012 BORDEAUX 2006 Bordeaux 2006 Pomerol / Lalande de Pomerol / Saint-Emilion / Saint-Emilion Satellites / Other Regions Tasted in Bordeaux En-primeur April 2007 Tasted on other occasions see date & place in italic Pomerol Château Bellegrave There is not much sweetness apparent on the nose although there is a riper feel on the palate. It is very hollow; the fruit towards the back has a metallic twist. Château Beauregard The freshness of the black fruits is rather held back by the dollop of oak and this tends to obscure the real fruit character on the palate. The tannins towards the back are firm but they feel ripe not dusty dry. Tasted in London at UGC Tasting October There is still oak in evidence but it is much better integrated than it was en-primeur. Sweet black plum comes through on the mid-palate fleshing it out and leaving the finish quite rich, it just lacks a bit of complexity. Château Bourgneuf-Vayron The plum on the nose has sweetness and this feeling of ripe fruit shows on the palate. There is an attractive weight of flavour on the mid palate; the red fruits that show towards the back give a lighter fresher feel to the finish. Château La Cabanne Tasted in London at UGC Tasting October Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 4

5 BORDEAUX 2006 August 20, 2012 The mix of black fruits has sweetness that gives some weight at the start of the palate. The tannins are though still very firm and tend to hold back fruit expression and tighten up the finish. Tasted at the UGCB tasting London October The nose has a fragrant mix of mainly black fruits giving it a lighter feel. Black plum enriches the palate the sweetness showing despite the quite firm tannins and fresher bilberry. There is a good mix of flavours on the back palate. Château Certan de May There is a savoury character about the black fruits on both nose and palate. Quite rich on the mid palate with a leaner slightly dry feel towards the back; some ripe chocolate does come through right on the finish Château Certan Marzelle Plums, ripe black fruits are the feature of both nose and palate. The sweet flavours are balanced by mid freshness ensuring there is nothing jammy about the fruit. There is a lighter feel towards the finish; it just lacks the depth suggested by the nose. Tasted in Lilley December Tasted at the Farr tasting Boodles April Tasted at Farr Vintners April Autumn leaves the forest floor the nose has charm an exotic herbal character. Rich and juicy on the palate fleshy damsons, cassis, chocolate and liquorice the fruit is supported by fine silky tannins. The depth of flavour the richness on the back palate is balanced by the underlying bilberry freshness. Château La Clémence Packed full of oak, the fruit has a very over extracted character. There is a sweeter feel to the palate, more ripe black plum but it shows some green characters and too much oak on the finish. Château Clinet The palate is much leaner than the nose would suggest and much of the fruit is over dominated by oak; all a bit tight and one directional. Tasted in London at UGC Tasting October Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

6 August 20, 2012 BORDEAUX 2006 The fruit on the nose is fragrant, violets and black plum. The palate starts light, the fruit still rather held back by the oak and the firmness of the tannins. More though does come through lending more weight to the finish. Tasted at Bordeaux Index London February The black fruits on the nose are backed by floral fragrances lots of violets in evidence. There is sweetness to the fruit on the palate giving richness in the middle and more weight towards the back. Balancing the richness of fruit is the freshness of bilberry. Hints of oak are there on the back palate but they add some spice rather than overwhelming the fruit. Tasted at Farr Vintners April Woodland violets the nose is fragrant the start of the palate has bilberry freshness. Rich and ripe in the middle sweet fruit depth of flavour the back palate fleshy the finish sweet and rich. Clos L Eglise Rich ripe black plum fleshes out the nose and fills the start of the palate. The mid flavours are bright and the mid freshness gives a lighter more fragrant feel; attractive length Tasted at Farr Vintners April Rich ripe black fruits the nose has depth and the start of the palate has the fleshiness of ripe black plum. There is mid freshness brighter and lighter at the back but it fills out on the finish with depth of flavour. Clos René There is a good weight of ripe plum but both nose and palate have an earthy character that overpowers the fruit freshness. Dryness on the mid palate carries through firming up the finish Château La Conseillante Very rich on the nose, the mass of black fruit, black plum and currant is sweet and although the tannins are ripe and rounded it is not overly jammy; the touch of mid acidity giving freshness. Tasted in London at UGC Tasting October Black plum intermingles with blackcurrant and fresher bilberry to give lots of complexity on both nose and palate. The tannins are ripe giving fleshiness but there is enough freshness to brighten and to ensure that it is not overly jammy. Tasted at Farr Vintners April Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 6

7 BORDEAUX 2006 August 20, 2012 The nose has a brooding richness the palate is fleshy with ripe black plum depth of flavour. There is balance the sweet Damson plum underpinned by bilberry fresher at the back yet it fills out on the finish ripe fruit fleshy and rich. Château La Croix de Gay Rather light on the nose but the palate has more depth with a mix of black plum and bilberry. The acidity is very much in evidence and this firms up and closes down the finish. Château La Croix Taillefer Lots of squashy black plum on the nose and this plumpness comes through on the palate. There is not much complexity but easy fleshy flavours. Château l Eglise Clinet Lots of concentrated flavours, the black plum are overlaid with bramble and bilberry. The richness of the fruit is balanced by firmer tannins ensuring that the sweetness is not overly sticky but it finishes with ripe sweet black plum. Tasted at Farr Vintners April Concentrated and rich on the nose the start of the palate is fleshy and sweet. Lighter in the middle the fruit is fresh the tannins firm and although there is the richness of ripe black plum at the back the finish just lacks a bit of generosity. Château L Enclos There was little charm apparent on the first sample; the second has sweetness of black plum, a rather firm middle, just a touch green, but riper black plum showing on the finish. Château L Enclos de Beau-Père Over fat and sticky sweet on the nose, the black plum on the palate has a metallic character which dominates the finish Château L Evangile Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

8 August 20, 2012 BORDEAUX 2006 The nose is lush packed with black plum and bilberry. The rounded tannins give flesh to the palate but there is a fresh streak ensuring brightness and allowing the fruit to shine. Lovely rich flavours fill the finish with real balance between suppleness and brightness. Château Feytit-Clinet Lots of perfume comes out on the nose giving fragrance to the black plum and sloe. The palate has depth and there is enough mid freshness to brighten and slightly lighten the fruit; has balance and good length. Château La Fleur Tasted at Farr Vintners April 2016 Black plums the nose has sweetness the start of the palate rich quite fleshy. Firm at the back the tannins are tending to overshadow the fruit but it does fill out on the finish with rich ripe fruit. Château La Fleur Gazin The mix of red and black fruit is sweet, a feeling of ripeness on the nose. Although the palate starts full the mid palate has a drier feel but towards the back it fills out leaving a good weight of black plum in the mouth. Château La Fleur Petrus Rich, meaty quite modern nose, the plum on the palate is fleshy given a suppler feel by the ripe tannins. Towards the back it is lighter with attractive fragrant bramble. Tasted at Farr Vintners April Behind the sweet fruit on the nose there is bramble and bilberry freshness. The palate has ripe fruit fleshy and rich in the middle but the tannins are still obvious the back palate a bit tight and the finish lacking a bit of generosity. Fugue de Nenin Lots of red fruits come out on the nose all feeling sweet and fat. The palate has a firmer character towards the middle but sweetness re-emerges and fills out the finish. Château Le Gay Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 8

9 BORDEAUX 2006 August 20, 2012 The nose has a rich feel with powerful black fruit, all a bit misleading as the palate is very fresh with quite high acidity; more weight of fruit comes through towards the back. Tasted in Bordeaux March The sweet mainly black fruit on the nose is refreshed by the red fruits that lie beneath. There is flesh on the palate with the lush fruit nicely balanced by some tannic firmness then behind this the sweetness of black fruits comes through enriching the finish. Tasted at the Château March Rich on the nose the palate starts with the sweetness of ripe fruit fleshy and supple. It feels fresher towards the back a mix of bramble and bilberry and the finish although long is quite light. Château Gazin Lots of black fruit comes out on the nose with this power being repeated on the palate. The tannins feel ripe so although there is structure there is nothing aggressive allowing fleshy plum to fill out the finish. Tasted in London at UGC Tasting October There is richness on the nose and ripe black plum on the palate. Behind the sweetness is blackcurrant backed by slightly herbal green pepper that brightens the fleshy fruit. The finish has a nice weight of flavour. Tasted in Bordeaux April The mix of black plum, sloe and bramble is rich giving flesh on the nose and depth of flavour on the palate. The sweetness is balanced by freshness, some herbal green pepper and red fruits. Lots of fruit is there on the finish giving it power and richness. Tasted at Farr Vintners April Rich ripe fruit on the nose the start of the palate has sweet fruit ripe fleshy plum, cassis and black cherry. The mid palate has depth the fruit supported by ripe tannins yet under the fleshy richness bramble refreshes the back palate lighter the finish though sweet fruited rich and ripe. Château La Grave Cherry mixed with some black plum gives complexity on the nose and this mix of fruits shows through on the palate. The middle is firm and the fruit closes down towards the back detracting from the depth. 9 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

10 August 20, 2012 BORDEAUX 2006 Château Guillot-Clauzel There are always exciting surprises and this small property is one of them. It has a very appealing mix of fruits on the nose, lighter black cherry backed by ripe black plum. The palate has voluptuous depth, rich and supple, more fragrant towards the back giving real elegance and charm. Château Hosanna Packed with power the black fruits are rich and deep with fleshy ripeness. The palate is lighter, the mineral streak adding brightness to the fruit. Ripe black plum and sloe comes through on the finish L Hospitalet de Gazin Tasted in Bordeaux April 2009 Although there are black fruited fragrances on the nose it is very light. The palate starts with more weight but the middle lacks substance and the finish is a touch short. Château Latour Surprisingly firm on the nose and tight on the palate, some black fruits peep through but at the moment they are overwhelmed by the mid acidity. Perhaps the addition of Vin de Presse will fill it out. Château Moulinet Sweetness on the nose gives the feeling of ripe fruit and although this comes through on the palate, there is a lack of real complexity and depth; pleasant but lacking in excitement. Château Nenin Concentrated ripe fruit fleshes out both nose and palate, the black plum is backed by bilberry and bramble. The palate has attractive weight of fruit and hints of spice showing towards the back. Tasted at Farr Vintners April Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 10

11 BORDEAUX 2006 August 20, 2012 The nose has a mix of fresh fruits and the start of the palate is brambly and fresh. There is more depth in the middle some fleshy black plum but the firmness of the tannins tend to over dominate the back palate lacks real depth and richness. Château Petit Eglise Although both nose and palate are very fleshy and supple, there is freshness and the tannins give structure. Big heart the black fruits backed by some mulberry adding to the complexity; ripe fruit towards the finish Château Petit Village Rich ripe flavours fill the nose and the sweetness of fruit is echoed on the palate. The tannins feel firm and this combined with acidity tighten the palate and slightly shorten the finish. Tasted in London at UGC Tasting October The nose is fleshy and sweet a richness of black fruit that lends some weight to the palate. The tannins although quite firm are ripe all adding to the plumpness. The richness and ripeness is not overly jammy Château Pétrus Savoury black plums give richness on the nose. The palate is lighter lacking the weight suggested by the nose but the roundness of the tannins gives more fleshiness to the finish. It could well be richer when bottled as the Vin de Presse is not usually added until that stage. Château Le Pin Set in the heart of Pomerol it is the very essence of the area. The ripe plum is rich and lush but there is a lighter feel, a flowing fragrance, the mix of red and black fruits ensures complexity and the mid freshness gives length. Tasted in Pomerol April The nose is rich and powerful but just a touch one dimensional. Black fruits are there refreshed by more red flavours, all so well balanced ensuring complexity and interest. Tannin is in evidence giving a backbone but as it feels ripe, the palate is supple, the roundness of the tannins helping to flesh out the finish. Tasted at Farr Vintners April Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

12 August 20, 2012 BORDEAUX 2006 The fruit on the nose is rich and sweet the palate has the fleshy suppleness of ripe black plum. There is mid freshness a lovely balance between the sweetness of the ripe plums and the bramble and red fruited freshness. The back palate is generous the finish has richness and depth. Château Plince Both nose and palate are surprisingly light given dryness by the very obvious acidity. Some sweet plum is there but it tends to fade leaving the finish a bit short. Château La Pointe It seems light on the nose but this is misleading as the palate is rich and has sweet black plum very much in evidence. A bit tight on the finish at the moment but there is more fruit to show. Tasted in London at UGC Tasting October The nose has filled out and the richness of fruit comes out on both nose and palate. The fleshy black plum is underpinned by fresher bilberry and redcurrant giving a brighter feel to the finish. Château Providence Much more of a red fruit nose with minerals showing but the ripe black plum comes out on the palate adding lushness. The lighter more mineral character is there adding to the length. Romulus It is very tight on the nose with not much to excite on the palate, a wine with little charm. The fruit has a dirty volatile character which one hopes is the sample!! Château Rouget The weight of black plum and bramble gives lushness to the nose and depth to the palate. It is sweet but not over ripe as the tannins firm up the mid palate and add structure to the finish. Château de Sales So often with this property the oak is dominant and obscures the sweetness of the fruit. It lacks the generosity that one hopes for in a Pomerol; rather dry finish. Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 12

13 BORDEAUX 2006 August 20, 2012 Château Trotanoy It is not showing the richness of some vintages but there is a lovely flowing elegance about the nose. The fruit is ripe and is, as the nose predicted, quite light, a wine with immense charm. Vieux Château Certan The nose has richness and depth of sweet fruit. Plum and bramble come through on the palate, rich and ripe giving suppleness. There is mid freshness that adds brightness and elegance to the finish. Tasted at the J & B tasting March Tasted at Farr Vintners April 2016 Sweet ripe black plum the nose has depth the palate fleshy suppleness. There is a hint of freshness some bramble but the tannins are ripe and rounded the back palate has sweetness and depth ripe fruits meaty and rich with lots of black plum on the finish. Château La Violette Tasted at Farr Vintners April 2016 Firm and tight there is not a lot of fruit showing on either nose or palate. The fresh fruits in the middle are backed by ripe plums but there is a lack of real generosity and the finish is lacking in sweetness and depth. Lalande de Pomerol Château Bonnes Rives The nose is very fleshy with lots of ripe red and black fruit. Sweet at the start of the palate, the firmer middle is not aggressive and there is lots of black plum at the back; not great complexity. Château Chenade Lots of squashy blackcurrant, bilberry and bramble come through on the nose and the start of the palate. The mid and end shows a freshness and a firmer structure giving a fresher feel to the fruit. Château Les Cruzelles Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

14 August 20, 2012 BORDEAUX 2006 Bramble sweet on the nose, the ripeness comes through on the palate, a supple fleshy mouthful of flavour. There is freshness towards the back ensuring no sticky jam but a lighter, brighter finish. Château Fleur de Boüard Fat fruit fills out the nose and gives plumpness to the palate. There is freshness showing towards the back which helps to gives brightness to the cassis dominated flavours Château Fleur de Boüard Le Plus The same jammy richness is there on nose and palate, lots of bramble jelly but the firmer more structured tannins gives support to the fruit and a more definite feel to the finish Domaine des Sabines Fat and over squashy black plum comes through on the nose. The apparent weight of fruit does not show on the palate which tends to be hollow and rather bitter towards the finish Château de Viaud There is a lot of upfront ripeness, the blackcurrant is very sweet. Juicy fruit towards the back and lacking structure Saint-Emilion (Based on the 1985 Classification) Château Angélus Grand Cru Classé Concentrated and dense, there is a rich mix of cassis and cherry on the nose. The palate has creamy supple flavours, lovely depth with a racy freshness showing on the finish. Tasted in Bordeaux April Lovely concentrated flavours flesh out the nose and lend weight to the palate. Complexity comes from the attractive mix of bramble, blackcurrant and cherry. There is a weight of fruit on the finish but it is well balanced by underlying freshness. Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 14

15 BORDEAUX 2006 August 20, 2012 Tasted at Farr Vintners April Rich and ripe on the nose black fruits appear to dominate. The start of the plate is sweet yet there is balance an underlying freshness lighter in the middle but at the back the ripeness of the fruit shows the finish ripe, rich and meaty. Château L Arrosée Grand Cru Classé Very rich but not over jammy, the red fruits have a smoky character adding to the complexity. The palate has lots of flavour, all flowing, sweet yet freshened by some mid acidity. Château Ausone 1 er Grand Cru Classé Red fruits intermingle with the black, all backed by a mineral smoky fragrance. The palate starts quite firm but the mid flavours have sweetness giving a richer feel. Good weight of fruit shows at the back. Tasted at Farr Vintners April The nose is bright smoky, fragrant with a strong red fruit influence the start of the palate light and fresh. Richer and sweeter in the middle the red fruits are underpinned by black with sweet ripe fruit giving fleshy richness on the finish. Château Balestard La Tonnelle Grand Cru Classé Tasted in London at UGC Tasting October 2008 There is lots of sweet fruit on the nose and this weight of flavour comes through on the palate. The tannins feel ripe adding to the ripe fleshy feel. Château Le Bienfaisance Grand Cru It is light, floral with a mix of raspberry and bramble. Ripeness on the mid palate gives weight to the fruits and a fuller, fatter feel to the finish; lots of charm Château Côte de Baleau The fruit is very dominated by oak and there is a lack of real weight; difficult to see real balance being achieved. Château Barde Haut Grand Cru Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

16 August 20, 2012 BORDEAUX 2006 Lean feel to the nose and the lack of sweet fruit on the palate gives a hardness that gives little charm. Some flowery raspberry tries to push through but is soon dominated by dry tannins Château Belair 1er Grand Cru Classé There is a complex mix of flavours on the nose, at first very red fruit dominates then bramble pushes through giving a sweeter feel. It is quite light with some nice fruit fragrances and length. Tasted in Bordeaux December Firm and black fruited on the nose the start of the palate is fresh with layers of fruit. Mid concentration the fruit is supported by firm but fine tannins the back palate has depth cassis and black cherry. It is slightly lighter on the finish with flavours that linger. Château Beau-Séjour-Bécot 1er Grand Cru Classé The nose has lovely fragrance, lots raspberries and mulberries, all fleshed out by ripeness giving a sweet feel to both nose and palate.; good weight of fruit towards the back. Tasted at Farr Vintners April The nose ahs a mix of black and red fruits quite fragrant but the palate has rich fruit, sweet and fleshy in the middle. The tannins are still firm the back palate lacks richness and it finishes with red fruited freshness. Château Beauséjour Duffau 1er Grand Cru Classé The ripeness of the fruit gives a fleshy feel to the palate and fills out the nose. Touch of spice on the fruit adds character but then towards the back the red fruits have a slightly confected feel. Tasted at Farr Vintners April Sweet fruit on the nose the palate has rich ripe black fruits the tannins fine and soft. Brighter and fresher at the back there is more of a red fruit influence the finish though firm with has a touch of spice. Château Bellevue Grand Cru Classé The fruit is over dominated by oak at the moment but underneath the flavours are ripe and there is more flesh towards the finish; should balance with time. Château Berliquet Grand Cru Classé Tasted in London at UGC Tasting October Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 16

17 BORDEAUX 2006 August 20, 2012 It is quite light but has attractive floral fragrances, lots of fresh raspberry. The mid-palate has a little more depth, the freshness adding brightness. Towards the back the tannins come through and close down the finish. Tasted at Farr Vintners April It has filled out on both nose and palate the fruit sweet and ripe. There is balance bramble and raspberry freshness under the sweet fruit and although quite light at the back the finish has generosity and sweetness. Château Canon 1 er Grand Cru Classé Fragrant red fruits show on the nose, a mix of strawberry, raspberry and cherry. The fruit is ripe and fills the mid palate with some lush flavours but there is a fresh, mineral streak that gives a lighter feel to the finish. Tasted in London at UGC Tasting October Although the fruit on both nose and palate feels ripe there is an underlying freshness emphasising the raspberry and cherry. The mid palate is lush packed with ripe fruit that fleshes out the finish. Tasted in Bordeaux April Although the mix of fruit on the nose is sweet and ripe it is well balanced by some underlying freshness. Cassis, sloe and dark chocolate flesh out the mid palate and give a sumptuous richness towards the back. There is though enough red fruit freshness to balance all the richness. Tasted at Somerset House April The nose has an attractive mix of black fruits, cassis and sloe giving richness with black plum giving flesh. Backing this sweet mix is the freshness of red cherry and raspberry all adding complexity. There is a fleshy feel to the back palate lifted and lengthened by an underlying mineral raciness. Tasted at Farr Vintners April Tasted at Cave D Ulysse Margaux May 2016 The nose has sweetness the palate starts with a mix of ripe fruit. Quite fleshy in the middle but there is freshness towards the back a mix of bramble and red cherry. It has closed down on the finish a bit tight and short Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

18 August 20, 2012 BORDEAUX 2006 Château Canon La Gaffelière Grand Cru Classé Powerful flavours show both on nose and palate. The red and black fruits are a bit jammy although the freshness in the middle does lighten and brighten the mix giving a better balance; good length. Tasted in Bordeaux April Lots of fragrance is apparent on the nose and shows through on the palate. The sweet fruit is a bit dominated by firm tannins at the moment but they feel ripe giving more flesh on the mid palate. There is the feeling of power towards the back, well balanced and complex. Tasted in London at UGC Tasting October The nose has richness and this is there on the palate. There are layers of flavour and although fresh red fruits are in evidence sweet slightly jammy black tend to dominate giving flesh towards the back. Tasted in Bordeaux April The fruit weight gives flesh on the nose and power on the palate. There are layers of flavour although the fresher red fruits tend to be overpowered by sweet blackcurrant and damson giving it a rather jammy character. Tasted at Somerset House April The fruit is sweet and gives richness on the nose and the start of the palate. There is a good mix of fruits, some bramble and bilberry underpinned by fresher raspberry and red cherry. The back palate though is a bit over sweet slightly jammy Château Cap de Faugeres Grand Cru Full of ripeness, the juicy black fruits dominate the nose. The palate is refreshed by some red fruits, raspberry and strawberry, ripe tannins add to the fleshiness; easy but not that complex. Château Cap de Mourlin Grand Cru Classé Tasted in London at UGC Tasting October 2008 There is not a lot of fruit on the nose and the palate, although quite fragrant is very light. The firmness of the tannins tends to overpower what fruit shoes leaving the finish short and dry. Chapelle d Ausone Grand Cru Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 18

19 BORDEAUX 2006 August 20, 2012 It has all the style that one would expect from this property. The mix of red and black fruits have complexity, sweetness is balanced by freshness giving a flowery elegance. Long and flowing, the firmness right at the back gives the structure needed for a long life Château Chauvin Grand Cru Tasted at the Carlton Club October 2014 The nose is still tight the start of the palate firm. There is more depth in the middle richer flavours lots of cassis. Towards the back the tannins show the fruit fresh lacking some generosity and the finish tight and quite short. Château Cheval Blanc 1er Grand Cru Classé The freshness of the fruit is apparent on the nose. The sweet mix of cassis and mulberry fleshes out the middle and the roundness of the tannins add a velvety touch. Supple and fleshy towards the back yet there is a mineral streak ensuring brightness. Tasted at Farr Vintners April Fresh and fragrant the nose is bright with red fruits and black fruits. Sweet in the middle some black cherry and ripe mulberry velvety and smooth. It is lighter and fresher at the back but finishes with sweetness. Clos Badon Grand Cru The richness of fruit has a squashy ripeness that fills out both nose and palate. The ripe mid palate is freshened by some acidity giving a lighter feel towards the back Clos Fourtet 1er Grand Cru Classé The richness of the fruit comes through on the nose and fills the palate with lots of raspberry and mulberry. More black fruits show on the palate, the mid palate has a chocolate richness but the sweetness is tempered by freshness Tasted in London at UGC Tasting October The power and ripeness of the fruit lends flesh to the nose and weight to the palate. The black fruits are dominant but underneath are brighter red, the chocolate richness balanced by the hints of green pepper that shows on the finish. Tasted at Farr Vintners April Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

20 August 20, 2012 BORDEAUX 2006 There is not a lot of fruit showing on the nose and the start of the palate is tight the fruit in the middle underpinned by firm tannins. It does fill out a bit on the back palate but finishes firm and lacking in real length. Clos de L Oratoire Grand Cru Classé The nose has the richness of ripe fruit. The mid palate is tight at the moment but towards the back it fleshes out with lots of squashy red fruits. Tasted in Bordeaux April Lots of fragrant fruit gives depth and interest to the nose. There is an attractive mix of flavours, first cherry and then bilberry backed up by some plum. The mix of fruits lasts well on the finish. Tasted in Bordeaux April Although the fruit is powerful and rich there is an attractive red fruited fragrance backing the mix of black fruits. The tannins are not aggressive allowing the sweetness of flavour to show to advantage. Tasted at Somerset House April The nose has all the freshness of red fruits, quite fragrant. The tannins although not aggressive are very much in evidence rather overpowering the sweet fruit that is there. It lacks a bit of length. Château La Commanderie Tasted in the Carlton Club November 2014 The nose is tight the start of the palate firm black fruit underpinned by hard tannins. It is slightly richer in the middle with a mix of cassis and black cherry but at the back the tannins takeover tending to dry the finish. Château Corbin-Despagne Grand Cru Tasted at Edward Parker Wines Norfolk August 2011 The nose appears to be quite rich with sweet black and red fruits. The palate starts with some rich flavours but it dries in the middle leaving a slight hollow and there is a lack of generosity due to the tannic firmness all a bit austere. Château Coutet Grand Cru Tasted in London May Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 20

21 BORDEAUX 2006 August 20, 2012 Lots of power, very black fruit dominated at the moment, bilberry and bramble. The flavours on the palate are rich and deep, lifted by the savoury truffle and brightened by the mid freshness. There is a touch of oak at the moment but the fruit is so rich it will soon be absorbed. Château La Couspaude Grand Cru Classé The fruit on the nose is tough with hints of greenness. Riper fruit at the start and then the hard, over extracted character returns and the dry tannins shorten the fruit on the finish. Tasted in London at UGC Tasting October Although the nose is still very firm sweet fruit is beginning to push through. A mix of black fruits is in evidence at the start of the palate, rather closed down and held back by the tannins at the moment but black plum is there right at the back. Château Dassault Grand Cru Classé Tasted in London at UGC Tasting October 2008 The nose is very closed, the hardness of the tannins tending to over dominate at this stage. The fruit on the palate is fresh more raspberry than strawberry but it is light and held back by the firmness of the structure. Château La Dominique Grand Cru Classé Dryness is very apparent on both nose and palate, some sweeter red fruits push through but they are then over powered by the firm tannins. Château Faugères Grand Cru Packed with ripe juicy fruit, the red fruits tend to show more than the underlying black. The ripeness of the tannins gives suppleness to the palate and ensures a rich feel towards the back Château Faugères Cuvée Spéciale Péby Grand Cru Rich nose with fat black and red fruits, all rather dominated by oak at the moment. There is a lot of weight on the palate, the fruit is hidden behind the oak but there is some fleshy fruit waiting to emerge. Château Figeac 1er Grand Cru Classé Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

22 August 20, 2012 BORDEAUX 2006 The nose has all the sweetness of fruit that one expects but on the palate the firmness tends to over dominate and overshadow the fragrances of the cherry and raspberry. Time will help but the concern is whether there is enough fruit weight. Tasted in London at UGC Tasting October The ripeness of the fruit gives richness on the nose and flesh on the palate. There are attractive layers of flavour; black fruit tend to be dominant adding the richness on the palate. It is still firm but the tannins feel ripe. Tasted at Farr Vintners April Black fruits dominate the nose sweet and the start of the palate fleshy. Layers of fruit give mid complexity a balance of sweetness and freshness. The back palate is tight and the finish firm and lacking a bit of depth and richness. Château La Fleur Cardinale Grand Cru Rich and fleshy on the nose, the sweetness of fruit is less evident on the palate as the tannins feel dusty. They surround and swamp the fruit giving concern about development and life. Château Fombrauge Grand Cru Grand Cru A bit disconnected at the moment, sweetness shows but the high acidity rather overpowers. The black fruits on the palate are ripe but the tannins at the back very firm Château De Fonbel Grand Cru The sweetness that is there on both nose and palate but it is over dominated by very firm tannins tending to dry the fruit and shorten the flavours. Château Franc-Mayne Grand Cru Classé Tasted in London at UGC Tasting October 2008 There is richness on the nose, very black fruited. On the palate there are some red fruits giving freshness underpinned by firm slightly aggressive tannins that dominate the finish. Château La Gaffelière 1er Grand Cru Classé Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 22

23 BORDEAUX 2006 August 20, 2012 The mix of red and black fruits has sweetness and ripeness, filling out both nose and palate. The mid palate is closed but behind the firmness there is lots of sweet cherry which should emerge with patience. Tasted in London at UGC Tasting October Although the fruit feels ripe the firmness of the tannins tends to hold the fruit back. More fruit is beginning to show on the palate, some cassis and bramble backed by sweet cherry and refreshed by bilberry. The finish is though very tough. Château La Gomerie Grand Cru It is very firm at the moment and the nose feels tight but there is some sweet fruit underneath that promises better things to come. Château Gracia The fruit has a ripe feel but lacks real depth and tends to be over dominated by very firm tannins. It might, with time, open up but will never have a great deal of charm. Château Grand Barrail Marzelle Figeac Grand Cru Classé The fruit feels ripe, lots of cherry and raspberry with underneath some black fruits. The sweetness of fruit is evident on the palate, fragrant flavours just lacking a bit of depth Tasted at France Under One Roof March Although it is red fruit dominated, lots of cherry and raspberry, there is some sweet blackberry underpinning. The fruit is given flesh by the ripeness of the tannins and this ensures that is quite lush in the middle. There is a fragrant charm although the back palate does lack real concentration and depth. Château Grand Mayne Grand Cru Classé Tasted in London at UGC Tasting October 2008 The weight of flavour on the nose is rather misleading as the palate is leaner and lacks weight of fruit. It does fill out towards the back more black fruited giving some richness on the finish. Château Grandes-Murailles Grand Cru Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

24 August 20, 2012 BORDEAUX 2006 The red fruits are underpinned by some bramble and show ripeness. The sweetness does come through on the palate fading towards the back and leaving a somewhat hollow feel; lacks real finish Château Grand Pontet Grand Cru Classé The nose has the harshness of over extraction; red fruit is there but dominated by a green wood character. Lacks depth on the palate and lacks length and any charm. Château Les Gravières Grand Cru Both nose and palate have lots of ripe red fruits. The fragrances are very raspberry, lighter in the middle and then filling out towards the back; not that complex but attractive. Château Larcis-Ducasse Grand Cru Classé The nose is very tight with the firm character showing on the start of the palate. Ripe feel, the red fruits push through and give more weight on the mid palate, dryness dominates the finish at the moment. Tasted in London at UGC Tasting October There is not a great deal of fruit apparent on the nose. More fruit is in though evidence on the palate but rather dominated by the firmness of the tannins so leaving the finish very tight. Tasted at Farr Vintners April The nose is light and fresh the start of the palate bright. Firm in the middle yet there is a sweeter feel on the back palate and the finish. Château Larmande Grand Cru Classé Tasted in London at UGC Tasting October 2008 The mainly black fruit feels sweet, a bit over fat on the nose and jammy on the palate. There are some brighter red flavours on the mid palate but the tannin firmness closes down the finish. Lynsolence Grand Cru The red fruits are backed by sweet bilberry giving complexity to both nose and palate. The ripeness of the fruit ensures that the tannins do not over dominate giving a fleshy feel towards the back. Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 24

25 BORDEAUX 2006 August 20, 2012 Château Magdelaine 1er Grand Cru Classé The fragrant red fruits on the nose have an underlying sweetness, both nose and palate are light although there is more weight of fruit towards the back; good length of flavour Château Magrez-Fombrauge Grand Cru The red fruits are over dominated by the tannins and although underneath there is the feel of ripeness there is a lack of real weight and length. Clos des Menuts Grand Cru Tasted at the Carlton Club July 2012 The red fruit mix on the nose is fresh and the palate lacks a bit of depth. Although slightly sweeter in the middle the back palate is quite lean and the fruit dries on the finish leaving it very short. La Mondotte Packed with power, the black fruits, plum and bramble tend to dominate the nose and come through on the palate. The flavours on the palate are brightened by some mid acidity and this brings out the herbal spice character; power on the finish Tasted in Bordeaux April The nose has an attractive weight of fruit, spicy black fruits, the cassis backed by bilberry and sloe. Freshness is in evidence, the cherry and mulberry mix adding to the brightness. There is a profound and serious feel to the mid palate and real power showing through towards the back. Tasted in Bordeaux April The richness of the fruit fleshes out the nose and gives weight of flavour on the palate. Black plum, sloe and bramble are all there with the plum tending to dominate. The mid palate is brightened and refreshed by some red fruited acidity. Tasted at Somerset House April There is sweet fruit on the nose but the palate feels a bit hollow with a tannic firmness that holds back the fruit. The mix of bramble and black cherry feels quite spicy underpinned and refreshed by the red fruits that show towards the back Tasted at Farr Vintners April Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

26 August 20, 2012 BORDEAUX 2006 Quite sweet on the nose but the palate is light and fresh still tight in the middle with tannic firmness. Light and bright at the back there is a lack of generosity and the finish is short. Château Monbousquet Grand Cru Sweet red and black fruit jam on the nose, the sweetness is there on the palate but it tends to be overcome by stalky tannins giving a green feel to the finish Château Moulin St Georges Grand Cru The nose has a light flowery raspberry character. The sweetness that is there on the nose comes out on the palate, not a heavy weight but attractive and with time the firmness towards the back will allow the fruit to really shine. Tasted at the J & B tasting March Fresh red fruits the nose is bright the start of the palate light. There is more mid depth a mix of black and red fruits with the sweet fruit giving way to freshness the back palate still firm and the finish a bit tight. Château Pavie 1er Grand Cru Classé It is very firm and closed at the moment but both on nose and palate there is richness of fruit. The tannins are grippy and although the fruit is ripe there is still that feel of over extraction Tasted at Farr Vintners April The nose has opened up the fruit sweet and the start of the palate has richness and depth of fruit. The tannins although still firm are less aggressive the sweetness underpinned by bramble freshness the back palate lighter the finish bright. Château Pavie-Decesse Grand Cru Classé It will need time for the fruit to emerge from the coral of tannins. The fruit has underlying ripeness but the tannin structure has a bitter character that tends to overpower and dominate the attractive fruit. Château Pavie-Macquin Grand Cru Classé The fruit is finding it difficult to show through the mix of oak and tough tannins. There is some sweetness on the mid palate but it is soon over dominated by hard rather dry tannins Tasted in London at UGC Tasting October Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 26

27 BORDEAUX 2006 August 20, 2012 Oak is still very much in evidence on both nose and palate. Black and red fruits are there all feeling quite sweet but as the tannins are firm and they hold back some of the fruit expression at the moment. Tasted at Farr Vintners April The nose is more fruit driven with less obvious oak the start of the palate has a mix of red cherry and bramble. Sweet in the middle but the tannins at the back are firm the finish a bit tight and short. Petit-Cheval Grand Cru Light, fragrant red fruits tinged with hints of spice give charm to both the nose and the palate. The flavours are ripe but the mid acidity lifts and brightens adding to the elegant feel. Château Puy-Blanquet Grand Cru Tasted at the Jean Pierre Moueix tasting London April 2015 Leafy on the nose hints of maturity and the palate is fresh red fruited and quite light. Richer in the middle the mainly red fruits feel ripe but at the back it is firm and tending to dry. Château Quinault L Enclos Grand Cru The fruit although sweet has a sweaty character; hints of caramel that over power the true fruit fragrances. Fruit richness does come through on the palate but is tends to have a heavy rather meaty character; lacks freshness. Château Roc de Candale Grand Cru Tasted at the Thorman Hunt tasting London September 2010 The red fruit mix on the nose is sweet but the freshness on the palate tends to overpower the sweetness. The mid palate lacks intensity and the finish is quite short and rather hard. Château Rol Valentin Grand Cru The fruit on the nose has an attractive peppery character giving a lift to the mix of plum and mulberry. Sweet fruit shows at the start of the palate but there is enough mid freshness to balance and add brightness to the fruit towards the back Saintayme Grand Cru Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

28 August 20, 2012 BORDEAUX 2006 Red fruits dominate the nose but behind these are tantalizing hints of bramble. The fruit is ripe, the tannins rounded giving suppleness, a fleshy mid palate but there is a firmer feel towards the back adding to the complexity. Château La Serre Grand Cru Classé The fragrance of red fruits, red currants and raspberries comes through on both nose and palate. Although light at the start, the mid palate has a fatter sweeter feel and the finish is easy, fragrant and not that complex. Château Simard Grand Cru The sweetness of the fruit has a jammy touch but on the palate there is enough mid acidity to freshen and brighten the flavours giving a more balanced feel to the finish Château Soutard Grand Cru Classé The red fruits are fresh on the nose with a sweeter fuller feel on the palate. More weight of fruit comes through on the mid palate whilst towards the back it is lighter, more fragrant. Château Tertre Daugay Grand Cru Classé The nose is firm and this structure over shadows the fruit. Some fleshier red fruits show towards the back but then dry tannins take over and close down the finish Château Tertre Roteboeuf Grand Cru This is perfect expression of the charm that can be achieved in Saint-Emilion. The fragrant ripe cherry is intermingled with raspberry, the sweetness is natural, not over jammy, giving a creamy depth to the palate; lovely flowing elegance. Tasted in Bordeaux April The nose is packed with fragrance, flowery woodland violets and herbal black fruits. Layers of fruit give a lovely complexity to the palate, blueberry and bilberry backed by some herbal red fruits. Rich ripe fruit is underpinned by racy mineral all adding to the freshness and elegance. Sweetness is there towards the back giving a lasting richness. Tasted at Farr Vintners April Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 28

29 BORDEAUX 2006 August 20, 2012 Bright fragrant woodland violets the nose has a strong ref fruit influence slightly herbal. The palate has complexity with layers of flavour rich ripe fruit flesh in the middle. It is lighter at the back bright red fruits, hints of minerals the finish long racy elegant. Château La Tour-Figeac Grand Cru Classé The heaviness of the nose gives the wine a rustic feel. Although there are sweet flavours at the start of the palate, the aggressive tannins tend to dominate and close down the finish. Tasted in London at UGC Tasting October There is weight of fruit on the nose and this richness shows at the start of the palate. The tannins are firm just a touch rustic but towards the back rich sweet flavours emerge and flesh out the back palate. Château Troplong Mondot 1er Grand Cru Classé Richness is the feature on both nose and palate; the ripe black and red fruits have that velvet touch giving suppleness and fleshiness. There is mid acidity and this lifts, brightens and lengthens the fruit giving a feeling of total harmony. Tasted in London at UGC Tasting October The mix of black fruits ensures that the nose has an attractive richness and they flesh out the palate. The rounded tannins add to the sweetness but although the ripe black fruits tend to dominate there is some raspberry pushing though giving freshness. Tasted at the Château May The nose has depth dark fruited and brooding and this mix gives richness on the start of the palate. The fruit is sweet and ripe the fleshy middle balanced by freshness towards the back. The tannins are a bit too obvious on the finish and tend to dry. Tasted at Farr Vintners April Rich and ripe on the nose the start of the palate is sweet the mid palate fleshy. Ripe rounded tannins add to the mid sweetness the back palate has depth with a strong black fruit influence. The finish though is lighter and still firm. Château Trottevieille 1er Grand Cru Classé Tasted in London at UGC Tasting October 2008 The weight of fruit gives richness to the nose and flesh at the start of the palate. The black fruit is dominated by fresh red and their acidity combined with firm tannins gives hardness on the finish Master of Wine: Derek Smedley