Bordeaux 2000 Médoc Pessac-Léognan Graves Sauternes

Transcription

1 Bordeaux 2000 Médoc Pessac-Léognan Graves Sauternes By Derek Smedley MW Last Updated 5/11/2017 Derek Smedley MW, Rectory Cottage, Lilley, Hertfordshire, LU2 8LU

2 August 20, 2012 BORDEAUX 2000 Tasting notes from the following growers: Contents Saint-Estèphe... 3 Pauillac... 5 Saint-Julien... 9 Margaux Moulis Listrac Haut-Médoc Médoc Pessac-Léognan Pessac-Léognan Blanc Graves Graves Blanc Sauternes Barsac Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 2

3 BORDEAUX 2000 August 20, 2012 Bordeaux 2000 Médoc / Pessac-Léognan / Graves / Sauternes / Barsac Tasted in Bordeaux En-Primeur March 2001 Date & place of tasting in italics The temperatures were warm throughout the year with mixed amounts of rainfall. April and May were wet with an unlucky spell of rain affecting some Cabernet during the flowering although for the most part it was normal. June and July were mixed but then from mid July the weather changed and the good conditions, except for a few storms, lasted through until 10 th October. The very hot days in mid August raised stress fears and some vines on the lighter soils suffered from the very dry conditions but the slightly cooler days in September allowed the vines to fully mature. Conditions during the harvest were excellent allowing healthy ripe grapes to be brought in with only the late picked Cabernet being affected by the showers around the 10 th October but as their skins were thick little damage was done. The August weather probably put the stamp on style but it was the wonderful September weather that ensured that it would turn out to be a vintage of good to excellent quality. With the reds it would seem that quality was not just limited to one part but is wide spread from the Médoc to the Côtes de Castillon. The weather throughout the year created reds with concentrated fruit, some firm tannins and an underlying freshness. The best wines have an excellent balance between all of these elements. Claret 9/10 Drink Now / Keep Sauternes 4/10 Drink Now / Past Best Saint-Estèphe Château Calon-Ségur 3eme Cru Tasted at Lincoln s Inn May 2011 The nose is very cassis driven and although quite firm at the moment there is a lot of fruit behind. The palate has a powerful mix of fruits blackcurrant and black cherry firmed up by sloe. Structured tannins are still holding back some of the fruit. Tasted at Mercers Hall September The nose is a bit tight black fruited quite fresh with the tannins tending to dominate the palate at the moment. The mid palate has depth firm black cherry lots of cassis with the rich flavours starting to come through and fill out the back palate. Tasted in Mercers Hall October Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

4 August 20, 2012 BORDEAUX 2000 Tasted at the Carlton Club Claret Dinner November 2014 The nose is a bit tight but there is more of an open feel at the start of the palate. Lots of black fruits in the middle the fruit is underpinned by liquorice richness. The tannins at the back are still firm the finish slightly closed with the feel of more fruit to show. Tasted in Mercers Hall October Tasted in Mercers Hall May 2017 Bramble fresh on the nose the palate is opening up with ripe cassis. The tannins support quite firm still but behind the fruit feels sweet the back palate has depth. The finish has a mix of fruits rich black cherry and fresher bilberry with hints of maturity. Château Cos d Estournel 2eme Cru Tasted at Bordeaux Index March 2010 It is very black fruited on both nose and palate. The fruit is ripe giving power on the nose and richness on the palate. Black cherry intermingles with cassis backed by fresher bilberry and bramble, despite the ripe power of the fruit there are layers of slightly fresher flavours all ensuring complexity. Château Cos Labory 5eme Cru The nose is a bit closed and the start of the palate firm with a mix of black fruits. Sweeter in the middle in the middle a cassis and black cherry mix and the back palate has fair depth of flavour Tasted at the Carlton Club February The nose has lots of powerful flavours all very black fruit dominated. Sloes, black cherry and blackcurrant give complexity on the palate and towards the back there is richness and depth of flavour. Château Haut Marbuzet Tasted in the Carlton Club November 2015 Cassis and black cherry the nose has depth but the start of the palate is lighter less concentrated with more bramble and bilberry. The fruit is ripe the mid palate rich and supple bitter chocolate and liquorice lots of complexity and interest. It is slightly lighter at the back yet the finish has rich fruit and depth of flavour. Château Lafon-Rochet 4eme Cru There are a lot of powerful flavours on the nose but the palate is firm in the middle with black cherry and sloe. There is sweetness at the back with rich fruit giving depth on the finish. Château Meyney Tasted at Farr Vintners May 2015 The nose is still tight the start of the palate firm but it does open up a bit in the middle a cassis and black cherry mix. The mid sweetness tends to be overtaken by firmness and there is a lack of real generosity at the moment. Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 4

5 BORDEAUX 2000 August 20, 2012 Château Montrose 2eme Cru Tasted at Bordeaux Index March 2010 There is a lot happening on the nose first black cherry seems to be dominant but then sloe takes over all underpinned by blackcurrant. The tannins are firm giving structure but as there is nothing aggressive they do not hold back the fruit allowing the rich mix of flavours to pack out the finish. Château Les Ormes de Pez The nose is closed but the palate has depth at the start a mix of black fruits sweet in the middle but firmer at the back. Tasted in Bordeaux April Black fruits are very much to the fore sweet and ripe giving richness on the nose and sweetness on the palate. Towards the back there are hints of maturity a nutty quality. Château Phélan-Segur Depth on the nose a strong black fruit character and the palate is quite sweet cassis and chocolate. The tannins show at the back a bit tight but is fills out on the finish with depth of fruit Pauillac Château d Armailhac 5eme Cru The nose is quite light with a mix of fragrances the start of the palate fresh. Richer in the middle a nice mix of black fruits but the tannins are firm the finish slightly short. Château Batailley 5eme Cru Tasted in Bradley Staffordshire June 2014 The nose has the sweetness of ripe black fruits and the palate is fleshy, supple with depth and the richness of cassis, black plum, liquorice and dark chocolate. There is enough bramble freshness at the back to balance and lighten but the finish has sweet fruited depth with lingering flavours. Carruades de Château Lafite nd wine of Château Lafite 1er Cru Tasted at the Mansion House September 2007 The nose is sweet and full, quite rich and ripe. Racy more refined flavours show on the palate with an attractive flowery fragrance. Sweet red plum with raspberry coming through then some black fruits lots of bramble. 5 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

6 August 20, 2012 BORDEAUX 2000 Château Clerc-Milon 5eme Cru Cassis and black cherry the nose has depth of fruit and the start of the palate sweet. There is a balancing freshness slightly lighter in the middle with rich fruit and chocolate on the finish. Château Croizet-Bages 5eme Cru There is not much fruit on the nose and the palate has tough tannins slightly green and bitter. There is sweeter cassis at the back but the tannins over power and shorten the finish. Les Forts de Latour nd wine of Château Latour Tasted at Bordeaux Index March 2010 There is a lot of power on the nose rich blackcurrant, firm sloe and lots of black cherry. The powerful mix of flavours gives a complex richness to the palate, coffee and dark chocolate adding layers of flavour. The back palate is packed with rich fruit. Tasted at Château Latour March The nose is rich and black fruited the palate has depth a mix of black cherry and cassis. Firm at the start but sweet and ripe in the middle the fruit backed by dark chocolate richness. The finish is long fragrant with a hint of maturity. Château Grand-Puy-Ducasse 5eme Cru The nose has a mix of fragrances the start of the palate has bilberry freshness. Richer in the middle sweet fruit depth of flavour but the tannins are firm and they tend to hold back the fruit on the finish Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste 5eme Cru Tasted at Bordeaux Index March 2010 The nose has a fragrant black berry and bilberry charm. The fruit on the palate is richer with cassis and black cherry coming through. The tannins give structure but are rounded allowing the fruit to show to advantage. Tasted at Boodle s St James s August Tasted at the Farr Vintners tasting Boodles April The nose has a mix of fragrances black fruits dominating and although the palate starts with fresh fruit some blackberry and bilberry the mid palate is rich, ripe, supple and fleshy the fruit backed by dark chocolate. The back palate has depth rich fruit the finish sweet plush long and lingering. Château Haut-Bages-Libéral 5eme Cru Sweet and ripe on the nose the palate has depth the sweet cassis underpinned by firm black cherry. The tannins are structured but feel ripe and although the back palate is a bit tight the finish has sweetness and depth. Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 6

7 BORDEAUX 2000 August 20, Château Lafite 1er Cru Tasted at Bordeaux Index March 2010 First black fruits are there o the nose, then fresher red appear ensuring an attractive complexity. The palate is packed out with cassis and black cherry, rich lush but their sweetness is balanced by the red fruited freshness. There is a lot of fruit showing towards the back, powerful yet with an underlying lighter charm Tasted at Château Latour March There is a fragrant charm on the nose and the start of the palate is light with a bramble bilberry mix. Rich in the middle supple and fleshy but at the back it is lighter with fresher black fruits the finish fine, long and elegant. Château Latour 1er Cru Tasted at Bordeaux Index March 2010 There is a lot of powerful fruit packing out the nose and giving richness on the palate. Black fruits dominate a mass of blackcurrant and sloe underpinned by damson and black cherry. Chocolate, liquorice and coffee beans are there adding to the complexity. Although the tannins are firm quite structured the ripeness of the fruit wins through giving a fleshy richness on the finish. Tasted at Château Latour March Tasted at the Château April 2016 The fruit on the nose is deep rich with brooding black fruits. Power and richness on the palate with black fruits dominating the blackcurrant and sloe is underpinned by damson and black cherry. At the back the fruit is enriched by chocolate, liquorice and coffee beans all adding to the complexity the finish has depth yet still showing remarkable youth. Château Lynch-Bages 5eme Cru The nose is closed and the start of the palate firm but it fills out in the middle with ripe fruit rich black cherry, liquorice and dark chocolate. The sweetness on the back palate tends to be held back by the tannins but the finish has a brooding depth. Tasted at Bordeaux Index March It seems very upfront sweet fruited with lots of black plum and blackcurrant. The mid palate has a fleshy sweetness ripe fruit enriched by dark chocolate. There is structure from the firm tannins and this tends to close down the finish at the moment. Tasted at the Château March Rich and ripe on the nose the palate is sweet and fleshy with cassis and black cherry underpinned by dark chocolate. The sweet rich fruit is supported by firm but fine tannins the back palate has depth the finish fleshy and supple. Château Lynch-Moussas 5eme Cru Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

8 August 20, 2012 BORDEAUX 2000 There is not a lot of fruit on the nose but the palate has more depth some rich cassis and black cherry. Firm tannins hold back full fruit expression and although richer at the back the finish is tight Château Mouton-Rothschild 1er Cru Tasted at Bordeaux Index March 2010 The nose is packed with sweet ripe black fruits and they give a supple lushness on the palate. There are tannins in evidence quite firm in the middle and tending to hold back the full fruit expression. Cassis shows itself on the back palate the sweetness nicely balanced by fresher bilberry and red cherry. Tasted at Château Latour March Sweet and ripe on the nose lots of black fruits and the palate has a mix of black cherry and bramble sweetness yet freshness. The fruit is ripe the mid palate supple and fleshy with at the back a firmer feel a supporting structure the finish lighter long, stylish and elegant. Château Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 2eme Cru The fruit feels ripe the nose has depth and the palate fleshy richness. The black fruits are enriched by dark chocolate yet the sweetness is balance by bramble freshness lighter at the back with sweet fruit on the finish depth of flavour. Tasted at Bordeaux Index March The sweetness of the ripe fruit gives fleshiness on the nose and richness on the start of the palate. Behind the sweet blackcurrant and cherry is fresher bilberry giving a lighter character in the middle and a lovely elegant feel on the finish. Château Pichon-Longueville Baron 2eme Cru Power and depth on the nose the start of the palate has rich fruit with ripe black cherry and black plum. Chocolate and liquorice richness in the middle the fruit supported by firm but ripe tannins the finish has good depth and length. Tasted at Bordeaux Index March The cassis and black cherry is backed by rich but quite firm sloe. There is a powerful mix of flavours on the mid palate with layers of black fruit enriched by liquorice and coffee beans. The touch of oak at the back adds to the complexity. Although it has the weight of fruit there is an underlying elegance. Château Pontet-Canet 5eme cru Rich fruit on the nose depth of flavour on the palate there is a strong black fruit character the firm black cherry backed by fresher bilberry. The tannins are firm but fine the back plate has depth and there is a lot of sweet fruit on the finish. Tasted at Leathersellers April Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 8

9 BORDEAUX 2000 August 20, 2012 The nose is very firm black cherry and sloe very much in evidence. The weight of fruit enriches the mid palate lots of cassis but slightly held back at the moment by tannic firmness. The richness is all there and the powerful mix shows it s the future potential. Tasted at the Château April The mix of black fruits on the nose is sweet lovely and ripe. It feels firmer on the mid palate with lots of black cherry, sloe and coffee beans and although the tannins are structured they are rounded so do not hold back the fruit. Tasted at Mercers Hall October The nose has the power rich black fruits lots of black cherry and sloe. The tannins are still quite firm but under the structure there is a mass of concentrated fruit lots of liquorice with powerful flavours filling out the back palate. Tasted at the Farr tasting Boodles April The nose has power and depth filled with rich black fruits and the palate has concentration with the sweetness of ripe cassis yet the firmness of black cherry. Layers of fruit give complexity the mid suppleness is underpinned by firm tannins but there is sweet fruit on the finish richness and black fruited power. La Reserve de La Comtesse nd wine of Château Pichon-Lalande Tasted in Bordeaux April 2012 Black cherry and cassis are backed by slightly fresher blackberry a lovely mix of flavours. The mid palate has a fleshy sweetness ripe feeling tannins and fruit power towards the back. There is complexity and a feeling of harmony. Tourelles de Longueville nd wine Château Pichon-Baron 2eme Cru Tasted at the Mansion House September 2007 Lots of black fruit show on nose and palate. Good weight of flavour with a sweetness beginning to come through on the mid palate and show towards the back. Has some of the Pauillac firmness but a mass of ripe bramble on the finish. Tasted at the Mansion House July Concentrated blackcurrant and sloe gives lots of power on the nose. There is real depth to the fruit mix on the palate, black fruits enriched by dark chocolate. Although surrounded by tannin they are ripe and this combined with the fruit richness means that with a little more time the fruit will show to advantage. Tasted at the Mansion House December Tobacco on the nose an attractive hint of maturity the palate starts with the same fragrance but it fills out in the middle depth and richness of flavour. There are layers of flavour mid richness suppleness with a lighter fresher more elegant feel to the finish. Saint-Julien 9 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

10 August 20, 2012 BORDEAUX 2000 Château Beychevelle 4eme Cru The fruit on the nose is rich the palate starts with depth and the sweetness of ripe cassis and black cherry. Firm tannins give structure but do not hold back the fruit and it finishes with sweetness and depth. Château Branaire-Ducru 4ème Cru The nose has a mix of black fruits and the start of the palate has good depth. Lighter and fresher in the middle a bramble and red fruit mix but it fills out at the back with rich sweet fruit. Tasted in Bordeaux April It has a remarkably mature nose. On the palate the first impression is sweet black fruit but underneath is freshness, redcurrant and cherry. It lacks a bit of depth although there is more weight right at the back. Tasted at Bordeaux Index March There is quite a good weight of fruit on the nose a mix of black cherry and bramble. The tannins are firm rather holding back the fruit although red fruits do win through giving a fresher feel on the finish. Tasted at Mercers Hall October Although the nose is quite firm there is sweet fruit behind. Black cherry seems to dominate but under it there are fresher red fruits some redcurrant and red cherry. The back palate and finish are rich with lots of cassis and black cherry. Clos du Marquis nd wine Château Léoville Las Cases 2eme Cru Tasted at the Mansion House September 2007 Good weight of fruit, sweetness on the nose and the start of the palate but closes down a bit on the mid and end palate. Lots of bramble and bilberry towards the back, plum sweetness mixed with bilberry freshness. Tasted at the Mansion House July The mix of blackcurrant and blackberry give an attractive complexity on the nose. Black fruits are very much in evidence on the palate but behind the black power is the lighter fragrant fresh mulberry. The sweetness of the year shows through right at the back. Tasted at Leathersellers April Fresh fragrant bilberry is there on the nose seemingly quite fresh but the palate is richer full of blackberry and plum, the sweetness giving flesh in the middle and depth of flavour towards the back. Tasted at Leathersellers November The black fruits on both nose and palate are ripe giving sweetness on the nose and fleshy depth on the palate. Cassis is backed by damson plum and black cherry the mid richness coming from the mix of liquorice and dark chocolate. Rounded tannins help the fleshy suppleness and although there is fresher bilberry at the back the finish is packed with sweet fruit. Tasted at the Mansion House July Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 10

11 BORDEAUX 2000 August 20, 2012 The fruit on the nose is rich and black fruited and there is a good weight of flavour on the palate. Black plum, liquorice and chocolate give a fleshy richness whilst the black cherry at the back is firmer. The tannins are supple but support and the finish is packed with rich flavours. Tasted in Leathersellers Hall May Rich and ripe on the nose the palate has a mix of sweet black fruits. Ripe tannins add to the fleshy suppleness yet there is enough bilberry freshness to balance. The finish has depth of flavour dark chocolate richness. Château Ducru-Beaucaillou Tasted at the WSDC Dinner Painters Hall September 2010 The fruit is ripe giving a lovely sweet rich feel to the nose. Black fruits dominate with blackcurrant very much to the fore but behind there is richer sloe and fresh bilberry, a mix of flavours that helps complexity. The sweetness is so well balanced by freshness and the back palate is packed with ripe flavours. Château Gloria Tasted at the Carlton Club December 2008 The fruit on the nose although concentrated is over dominated by oak at the moment. It lacks a bit of weight at the start although more sweet fruit does come through on the mid palate. Towards the back dry tannins and oak dominate at the moment and tend to close down the finish. With time the fruit will come through but it will never be more than average. Château Gruaud-Larose 2eme Cru Depth on the nose the fruit on the palate is sweet and ripe. Black fruits dominate a mix of flavours lots of complexity and although the tannins are firm the fruit at the back has richness and sweetness. Tasted at Bordeaux Index March Cassis tends to rule all feeling ripe enriching the nose. The palate has lots of fresh flavours giving a lighter character and this freshness combined with the tannic structure tends to hold back the fruit at the moment. There is much more weight and richness on the back palate. Château Lagrange 3eme Cru Rich on the nose the fruit is sweet the palate has depth. There is a balancing freshness the ripe cassis underpinned by bramble lots of complexity and although firm at the back the finish has richness and depth Tasted at Bordeaux Index March The ripeness of the fruit gives a fleshy richness on the nose and a sweet start to the palate. The layers of flavour give complexity fresher red fruits in the middle with the sweetness of the fruit coming through enriching the finish. Château Lalande Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

12 August 20, 2012 BORDEAUX 2000 Tasted at the Carlton Club September 2006 The nose is packed with sweet, ripe fruit, very dominated by black with just hints of red. The fruit on the palate has weight and although the tannins feel ripe there is an excellent structure. Firmer feel to the finish with more fruit to show. Château Langoa Barton 3eme Cru Sweet on the nose the palate has depth a mix of ripe black fruits. The mid sweetness is underpinned by firm tannins but they are fine the back palate ripe fruited with lots of cassis and chocolate Tasted at the Mansion House September Lovely depth of fruit, cedar wood blended with black fruits underpinned by some bilberry. The tannins are ripe giving a rounded feel and there is lots of fruit showing on the finish. Tasted at the Mansion House July There is the richness of black fruit on the nose well balanced by some mulberry freshness. Powerful flavours fill out the palate, it s rich and ripe, fleshy yet there are tannins that give it structure slightly closing down the fruit on the finish. There is, though, a lot more to show with time. Tasted at Leathersellers April There is a lot of fruit on the nose rich cassis and black cherry. The ripeness of the fruit enriches the mid palate, the fruit backed by dark chocolate giving the feel of generosity. There is freshness from the hints of bilberry and bramble balancing the richness and adding a touch of elegance to the finish. Tasted at Mercers Hall October Although the nose is packed with black fruits that feel ripe it is still quite firm and this slightly holds back the fruit. The palate is the same a mass of black fruits cassis and blackberry with coffee beans and chocolate but the back palate is still firm and there is a feel of more to show. Tasted at Mercers Hall May Tasted at the Broderers Court Dinner December 2014 The nose is light and fragrant the start of the palate sweet with some rich black fruits. There is depth in the middle ripe cassis, black cherry a touch of liquorice but it finishes lighter fresher with hints of maturity. Château Léoville Barton 2eme Cru Deep and brooding the nose has rich black fruits the palate firm black cherry and sloe. Liquorice adds to the richness layers of flavour. The tannins at the back are firm but it fills out on the finish with sweet fruited richness Tasted at Bordeaux Index March The nose is packed out with black fruits cassis rather dominated by sloe. The richness of flavour is there on the palate, liquorice and coffee adding complexity. Although the tannins are firm they do not over dominate allowing the powerful fruit to enrich the finish. Tasted at Lincoln s Inn January Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 12

13 BORDEAUX 2000 August 20, 2012 The nose is profound deep brooding with lots of cassis and liquorice. There is a mass of rich flavours on the palate the ripe fruit backed by chocolate the whole given an added complexity by liquorice, coffee and a hint of cedar wood. Tasted at the Carlton Club Claret Dinner November The nose has a brooding richness packed with cassis and black cherry and the palate black fruited power. Sweet in the middle the fruit mix is underpinned by liquorice and dark chocolate with at the back hints of cedar wood the finish long and lingering. Château Léoville Las Cases 2eme Cru Tasted at Bordeaux Index March 2010 The nose is packed with flavours black cherry, cassis and sloe brightened by red cherry. The fruit mix gives complexity on the palate layers of fruit. It feels ripe giving flesh on the start of the palate but the tannic structure tends to firm up the middle but red fruits do show giving a lighter more elegant feel to the finish. Tasted at Lincoln s Inn January The nose is a bit tight and the start of the palate is firm. Black cherry and blackcurrant dominate the palate all supported by very firm tannins. It feels lighter towards the back but there is nice fruit and good length. Château Léoville-Poyferre 2eme Cru Sweet on the nose the start of the palate has depth of flavour with a strong black fruit influence. Fresher in the middle the tannins are structured but feel ripe with the rich mix of black fruits filling out the back palate and giving depth on the finish. Tasted at Dyers Hall March The nose is a bit tight at the moment but behind is an attractive mix of red and black fruits. The freshness of red cherry and bilberry gives a lighter feel on the mid palate with more weight of flavour showing through towards the back. Tasted at Mercers Hall October The nose has opened up and mix of red and black fruits feels sweet and ripe. Although the palate starts quit fresh there are sweeter flavours in the middle ripe cassis, liquorice and dark chocolate. It is slightly lighter at the back and fresher on the finish. Tasted at Mercers Hall May The nose is still firm the start of the palate quite tight black cherry seems to be dominant yet behind there sweeter flavours some cassis a touch of black plum. There is a firmer feel at the back still quite tight on the finish. Tasted in Mercers Hall October Tasted at the Farr tasting Boodles April The nose has depth lots of ripe black fruits and the palate has complexity with a mix of fleshy cassis and fresh bilberry. The mid palate is lush supple with rich dark chocolate and although lighter and fresher at the back it finishes with a nice depth of flavour. Château Moulin Riche Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

14 August 20, 2012 BORDEAUX 2000 Tasted in Little Offley August 2013 Black fruits are very much to the fore with rich cassis backed by fresher bramble. The mid palate has depth toasty oak and cedar wood rich deep brooding flavours in the middle with ripe fruit coming through filling out the back palate. It is very enjoyable now but there is no rush. Sarget de Gruaud-Larose Second wine of Château Gruaud-Larose 2eme Cru Tasted at the Mansion House September 2007 The nose is full of sweet fruit with the fresher red and black plum showing on the palate. The tannins are rounded giving sweetness to the mid palate. Still showing some firmness to wards the finish but there is good fruit right at the back. Tasted at the Mansion House July Ripe fruit gives richness on the nose and depth and power on the palate. Black plum richness is backed by layers of cassis and black cherry lots of interest and the finish has sweet fruit and depth of flavour. Château Talbot 4eme Cru The nose is closed at the moment and the tannins on the start of the palate obvious. Sweet in the middle a mix of cassis and black cherry and although the mid tannins are very firm there is sweetness at the back Margaux Château d Angludet The nose is fresh the start of the palate quite light a blackberry and bilberry mix. Sweet in the middle the fruit is ripe but it tends to close down on the finish firm and short Tasted in Kensworth January There is a mix of bramble and cassis on the nose sweet and ripe with rich fruit giving flesh on the start of the palate. Black cherry and bilberry refresh the mid palate but the sweetness the ripe fruit is there at the back giving depth. The finish has just a hint of maturity a touch of cedar wood. Château Brane-Cantenac 2eme Cru Black fruits are to the fore the nose has fair depth and the palate starts with sweetness. Firm tannins dominate the mid palate tending to hold back the fruit and the finish lacks a bit of length Tasted at Bordeaux Index March Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 14

15 BORDEAUX 2000 August 20, 2012 The nose lacks a bit of weight and although the palate starts sweet there tends to be a lack of concentration in the middle. Black fruits are in evidence quite sweet but as the tannins feel firm they tend to hold back full fruit expression. Tasted at the Château April Depth of fruit on the nose the palate has fleshy richness a mix of ripe black fruits. The tannins are fine and integrated the fruit at the back ripe the finish has the richness of black cherry and cassis. Château Cantenac-Brown 3eme Cru The nose is a bit tight and the tannins on the palate firm. Sweet fruit does come through on the mid palate with more weight of flavour. Firm tannins are there at the back the finish a bit tight Chateau Dauzac 5eme Cru There is not a lot of fruit showing on the nose and the start of the palate is tight. Sweeter in the middle but the firm tannins at the back shorten and slightly dry the finish Château Durfort-Vivens 2eme Cru The nose is closed the start of the palate lacking depth with hard rather aggressive tannins holding back the fruit. The sweetness at the back is overtaken by acidity the finish is dry. Château Ferrière 3eme Cru Cassis and black cherry the nose has good depth and the start of the palate richness. It is firm in the middle a powerful structure but under the tannins there is sweetness and fair depth on the finish Château Giscours 3eme Cru Ripe on the nose the palate has a mix of flavours the rich sweet black fruits underpinned by fresh red. There is complexity and balance with the concentrated fruit enriching the back palate and giving depth on the finish Tasted at Bordeaux Index March Although the nose is very red fruit dominated they feel sweet giving it richness. The palate has good weight of flavour, quite concentrated in the middle lots of cassis and black cherry. The layers of flavour add some complexity and the fruit mix lasts well on the back palate. Château d Issan 3eme Cru Tasted in Girdlers Hall July 2016 The nose is black fruit dominated the palate has rich fruit black cherry and blackcurrant supple and fleshy in the middle depth of flavour. Bilberry refreshes and lightens the back palate still a feeling of youth but it fills out on the finish with depth and sweet black fruits. 15 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

16 August 20, 2012 BORDEAUX 2000 Château Kirwan 3eme Cru Sweet and ripe fruited on the nose the start of the palate has depth black fruited richness. Dark chocolate adds to the mid richness the sweet fruit supported by firm but ripe tannins and the finish has depth of flavour Château Labégorce Firm on the nose the start of the palate is tight. There is a richer feel in the middle some ripe black fruits but the tannins are firm and hold back the fruit the finish is quite tight Château Labégorce Zédé Tasted at the Mansion House September 2007 Ripe sweet it has more red fruit than black. There is lightness, a feminine charm with the fruit power filling out the mid palate and showing towards the back. Upfront, quite forward and there is more to show. Tasted at the Mansion House July Sweet black fruits give weight of flavour on the nose and some flesh on the palate. The tannins are in evidence ensuring structure but as the fruit is rich and ripe the mainly black fruits are not overpowered by the tannins giving a fleshy richness to the finish. Château Lascombes 2eme Cru Firm on the nose the start of the palate is tight with quite obvious tannins. The cassis and black cherry mix in the middle has sweetness there is more depth at the back but the finish tends to be a bit dry and short. Château Malescot Saint-Exupéry 3eme Cru Rich and ripe on the nose the palate is sweet with depth of flavour the sweet fruit supported by fine tannins. Fresher at the back more of a bramble and bilberry mix but it fills out on the finish sweet and ripe Château Margaux 1er Cru Tasted at Bordeaux Index March 2010 There is a red fruited charm about the nose. The freshness of the mix shows on the palate but behind the red fruits is some sweet, fleshier black and these combined with ripe tannins give a more sumptuous feel towards the back. The freshness remerges on the finish ensuring a charming elegance. Tasted at Château Latour March Fragrant more of a red fruit influence there is lots of charm on the nose. Sweet and ripe on the start of the palate supple and fleshy sumptuous and sweet fruited there is lots of complexity a mix of red and black fruits. The finish is lighter fragrant long with lingering flavours. Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 16

17 BORDEAUX 2000 August 20, 2012 Château Marquis de Terme 4eme Cru The nose has a minty herbal character and the start of the plate is fresh. Sweeter in the middle but the firm tannins tend to take over hiding some of the fruit and shortening the finish Château Martinens Tasted at the Carlton Club September 2006 Earthy fruit fills out the nose with a fatness showing. The palate is lighter than the nose would suggest and all lacks complexity of fruit and flavour. Some red berried fruits come through and this is mixed with a touch of blackcurrant. Château Monbrison There is not a lot of fruit showing on the nose and the start of the palate is tight. It opens up in the middle with ripe cassis and firmer black cherry layers of flavour. Although the tannins are firm they are not aggressive allowing the rich black fruit to flesh out the finish Château Palmer 3eme Cru Tasted at Bordeaux Index March 2010 The nose is packed with fruit first lush blackberry and cassis and then fresher red cherry and strawberry. On the palate the sweetness, lush black fruit tends to dominate but behind is freshness that balances. Layers of flavour give complexity and the concentration of the fruits packs out the finish. Château Prieuré-Lichine 4eme Cru The ripeness of the year shows the fruit feels sweet the nose has richness and depth. Cassis and black cherry the richness of the fruit underpinned by freshness bilberry and bramble giving a lighter feel at the back. The finish has depth and chunky richness Château Rauzan-Gassies 2eme Cru The nose has depth the start of the palate lots of black fruits. Firm tannins hold back the fruit the back palate tight and the finish is quite dry and short Château Rauzan-Segla 2eme Cru Depth on the nose the fruit is sweet the palate has rich black cherry and dark chocolate. The tannins are firm but ripe the velvety sweetness at the back balanced by freshness bilberry and bramble but the finish is fleshy and rich Tasted at Bordeaux Index March Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

18 August 20, 2012 BORDEAUX 2000 Powerful black fruit fills out the nose and gives weight on the palate. Cassis is backed by dark chocolate, the richness nicely balanced by some fresher bilberry. The tannins are quite firm but feel ripe not aggressive allowing the fruit to show itself. Ségla nd wine of Château Rauzan-Ségla Tasted at the Château May 2013 Tasted at Lincoln s Inn June Both nose and palate are full of sweet fruit with a lovely lush suppleness on the mid palate. Black fruits dominate lots of black plum and black cherry with the richness and sweetness of the flavours filling out the finish. Château Siran Firm and tight on the nose the palate has more depth quite hot and rustic. Firm tannins hold back the fruit and the acidity dries the finish which is short and a bit dusty Château Du Tertre 5eme Cru Tasted at Bordeaux Index March 2010 The nose is a bit tight with more of a red fruit influence than black. The freshness is there on the start of the palate but sweet cassis and bramble do appear giving a sweeter fuller feel in the middle. The tannins are though firm tending to close down the finish. Moulis Château Chasse Spleen Black fruits dominate the nose is firm but the palate has depth rich black cherry and some dark chocolate. The tannins are firm but feel ripe the back palate has depth and there is sweet fruit on the finish Tasted at Bordeaux Index March The nose is quite firm the cassis and sloe backed by some black cherry. The tannins are structured but as they feel ripe they do not overpower the fruit allowing the sweetness to come through towards the back to enrich the finish. Château Poujeaux The nose has a mix of red and black fruits quite fragrant. The start of the palate is light with bramble and bilberry but there is depth in the middle richer and sweeter. Firm tannins tend to hold back some of the fruit and shorten the finish. Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 18

19 BORDEAUX 2000 August 20, 2012 Listrac Château Clarke The nose although light has an attractive mix of fragrances the palate starts fresh with bilberry and redcurrant. Sweeter in the middle fair depth but the freshness of the fruit gives a lighter feel on the back palate. Haut-Médoc Château Belgrave 5eme Cru The fruit on the nose is sweet the start of the palate has depth with rich black cherry. Lighter in the middle some bilberry freshness but it fills out at the back with a nice depth of fruit. Château de Camensac 5eme Cru Fresh on the nose the start of the palate is lean with a bramble and bilberry mix. There is mid depth ripe cassis and although the tannins are firm the back palate and finish have sweetness and depth. Château Cantemerle 5eme Cru Sweet ripe black fruits on the nose the mid palate had depth of fruit the sweetness balanced by an underlying freshness. The tannins are firm but fine and there is a good depth of fruit on the finish Tasted in Bordeaux April Red and black fruits intermingle on the nose giving a feel of complexity. The freshness of cherry is apparent at the start of the palate but towards the middle fleshier sloe and blackcurrant emerges enriching but freshness perseveres giving a lighter character right at the back. Château Caronne Ste Gemme Tasted at Glaziers Hall October 2014 The nose is full with lots of sweet fruit and the palate has a fleshy suppleness. Firmer in the middle and a touch fresher at the back yet the finish is full of ripe damson and cassis. Château Cissac Tasted at the Carlton Club December 2008 The nose is attractive, the mix of red and black fruits backed by a touch of earthiness. The palate is a mixture of sweet chocolate rich fruit and firm, rustic dry tannins. It has the feel of over extraction giving it a rather dusty character. There is not really enough fruit to cope with the dryness of the tannins. 19 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

20 August 20, 2012 BORDEAUX 2000 Château Coufran The fruit on the nose is quite green and the palate doesn t feel fully ripe. It is slightly sweeter at the back but firm tannins take over the finish lacks length. Château La Lagune 3eme Cru The black fruits on the nose are sweet the start of the palate fleshy and ripe. The sweet fruit is underpinned by bramble the back palate lighter but it fills out on the finish with fleshy black fruits. Tasted at the Mansion House September Sweet, ripe on the nose it has a mix of red and black fruits. Depth of flavour, the tannins feel ripe giving the mid palate richness and a sweet weight of fruit towards the finish. The attractive red berried, raspberry, strawberry mix has length. Tasted at the Mansion House July The nose has an attractive richness, ripe blackcurrant backed by black plum. The palate is rich yet there is some fresher bilberry and bramble apparent that lifts the flavours and help to ensure length. Tasted at Leathersellers April The ripeness of the fruit gives sweetness on the nose and a ripe fleshy feel on the palate. There are layers of flavours, richer black cherry backed by fresher bilberry, all quite complex. The tannins show more towards the back tending to hold back some of the fruit hide the richness and give a less generous feel to the finish. Tasted at the Leathersellers May The nose has a lot of very mature flavours autumn leaves and although there are sweet black fruits cassis and bramble on the mid palate there is a lack of freshness with too much maturity and hints of oxidation on the finish. (Although not corked it looks as though the cork had leaked leading to premature oxidation) Tasted at the Carlton Club July Black cherry, cassis and sloe give a complex rich mix of flavours on both nose and palate. The fruit feels ripe the tannins rounded supple fleshy and rich on the mid palate. It feels firmer towards the back but the tannins are not aggressive so do not hold back the fruit. Tasted at Boodles St James s October Tasted at Farr Vintners May The fruit on the nose is sweet the palate rich fleshy and supple. There is a lighter feel towards the back a mix of bramble and black cherry pleasant easy and not that complex. Château Malescasse The nose lacks richness the fruit fresh with more red fruits than black. There is some mid sweetness but the firmness of the tannins tends to dry the fruit and shorten the finish Château Sénéjac Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 20

21 BORDEAUX 2000 August 20, 2012 Tasted at Little Offley December 2014 Sweet on the nose the palate has depth cassis and black cherry richness. The mid palate supple the fruit supported by fine tannins and although firmer at the back cedar wood behind the fruit the finish has the richness of ripe blackcurrant. Château Sociando-Mallet Tasted at Bordeaux Index March 2010 The nose is black fruit driven with blackcurrant tending to dominate. The cassis and sloe mix on the palate has a green herbal edge with red fruit freshness giving a less concentrated feel on the back palate. Médoc Château Lassalle Tasted in Lilley July 2010 The mix of black fruits, black plum and blackcurrant is backed by ripe red fruits. The fruit is sweet fleshing out the palate but there is enough fresh bilberry to balance. The back palate has a good weight of fruit, sweet ripe and full bodied. Château Potensac Tasted at the Carlton Club November 2008 The mix of black fruits gives lots of complexity to both the nose and the palate. The cassis tends to be more in evidence but fresher bilberry is there. The tannins are still quite firm but do not over dominate. Richer fruit is there at the back but still needs time to show. Château La Tour de By Firm on the nose with a lack of fruit and the palate is dry lacking in generosity. It is slightly richer at the back but the fruit fades and the finish is short and dusty. Pessac-Léognan Château Bouscaut The nose is firm with a strong red fruit influence and the start of the palate tight. Richer in the middle some cassis and black cherry but firm hard tannins dominate and tend to dry the finish. Château Carbonnieux The nose lacks sweetness and the start of the palate is dry. Slightly more depth in the middle but acidity and aggressive tannins overshadow the finish dry and lacking in fruit. Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

22 August 20, 2012 BORDEAUX 2000 Sweet and ripe the nose has depth and the start of the palate a rich mix of mainly black fruits. The sweet fruit is underpinned by firm but not aggressive tannins and although the back palate is closed there is sweetness on the finish Domaine de Chevalier Although the nose is fresh the palate has the sweetness of ripe fruit. The mix of black fruits gives complexity slightly lighter at the back hints of red cherry but it finishes with depth a mix of cassis and black cherry. Tasted at Mercers Hall February Red fruits tend to dominate the nose although behind is cassis and richer plum. There is a lovely sweetness on the palate the richness helped by rounded tannins. Black cherry and blackcurrant is very much in evidence towards the back supported by the structure. Tasted at Bordeaux Index March Although red fruits are very much in evidence on the nose they feel sweet and ripe. The palate has more of a black fruit character black cherry, cassis and bramble, layers of flavour that give complexity. There is a lovely sweetness on the back palate. Tasted at Mercers Hall October The mix of red cherry and blackcurrant is sweet and ripe enriching both nose and palate. The ripe fleshiness is balanced by the freshness and some tannic structure. There is lots of complexity coming from the cherry freshness and the fleshy black fruits. Tasted in Bordeaux November There is a lovely maturity to the black and red fruit mix on the nose. The freshness on the start of the palate gives way to black fruit richness in the middle with cassis very much to the fore. The layers of bramble, cassis and cherry give complexity an attractive mix that is all quite fragrant. Château de Fieuzal The nose has depth richness sweet black fruits and the palate starts with lots of powerful flavours. There is mid structure firm tannins but the fruit is all there at the back black cherry and cassis gravelly with layers of flavour lots of complexity Château de France Light on the nose the palate is herbaceous the tannins hard and slightly bitter. Cassis at the back gives a little more depth but it finishes lean and tight with a lack of fruit on the finish Château Haut-Bailly Sweet black fruits the nose has depth and the palate a lot of concentrated flavours. Cassis is backed by black plum the mid palate supple the rich fruit underpinned by dark chocolate. The Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 22

23 BORDEAUX 2000 August 20, 2012 tannins are fine giving structure but not over dominating with the powerful mix of black fruits enriching the back palate. Tasted at the Mansion House September Complex concentrated with a lovely weight of black fruits, lots of bramble and smoky cassis. There is a cedar wood character the sweetness is underpinned with minerals. Good weight and depth. Tasted at the Mansion House July There is lots of flesh on the nose blackberry enriched by dark plum refreshed and balanced by bilberry. The fruit on the palate has lots of power, fleshy from the ripeness and the suppleness of the tannins. Under all this black fruit richness there are fresher cherry and mulberry flavours that brighten the back palate. Tasted at Dyers Hall March It is very rich packed with concentrated flavours. Cassis and black plum are very much to the fore but behind is powerful sloe enriching the mid palate. There is freshness balancing the power and giving a more elegant feel to the finish. Tasted at Bordeaux Index March There is a great deal happening on the nose with the richness of blackcurrant backed by fresher bilberry. There are layers of flavour concentrated rich fruits with lighter more fragrant bilberry. The finish has a lovely smoky gravelly quality. Tasted in Bordeaux April The nose has sweetness of black fruits, rich and deep. Blackcurrant and black plum are there on the palate giving depth of flavour. There is a good structure firm but the tannins feel ripe. The finish is stylish packed with black fruits but yet having a gravelly elegance. Tasted at Leathersellers April The nose is misleadingly lush packed with ripe blackcurrant and black cherry. The palate like the nose has sweetness at the start but under all of the richness are some firm tannins and fresher bilberry that hold back full fruit expression at this stage. The back palate has all the smoky gravel one expects from the Graves. Tasted at Dyers July The nose is misleading fresh with more of a red fruit influence but behind this is black fruited power. The palate is packed with rich flavours lots of fleshy black plum and ripe black cherry and although underpinned by tannins these are ripe and rounded so do not hold back fruit expression. Tasted at the Mansion House July Tasted at Mercers Hall October The mix of blackcurrant and bilberry gives a lovely freshness on the nose but the palate is deep rich and serious. The fruit feels ripe supported by quite firm tannins but they don t hold back the richness of flavour that fills out the back palate and finish. Tasted at the Château April The nose has a black fruited power and depth dark and brooding and the palate has richness of flavour. The mid tannins are firm slightly tight at the moment but behind the barrier the mass of cassis and black cherry, liquorice and coffee beans enrich and fill out the finish. Tasted at Mercers Hall September Master of Wine: Derek Smedley