Bordeaux 2001 Médoc Pessac-Léognan Graves Sauternes

Bordeaux 2001 Médoc Pessac-Léognan Graves Sauternes By Derek Smedley MW Last Updated 5/6/2017 Derek Smedley MW, Rectory Cottage, Lilley, Hertfordshire, LU2 8LU. www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk

August 20, 2012 BORDEAUX 2001 Tasting notes from the following growers: Contents Saint-Estèphe... 3 Pauillac... 6 Saint-Julien... 13 Margaux... 19 Moulis... 25 Listrac... 26 Haut-Médoc... 26 Médoc... 28 Pessac-Léognan Rouge... 29 Pessac-Léognan Blanc... 36 Graves Rouge... 37 Graves Blanc... 38 Sauternes... 38 Barsac... 43 www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 2

BORDEAUX 2001 August 20, 2012 Bordeaux 2001 Médoc / Pessac-Léognan / Graves / Sauternes / Barsac Tasted in Bordeaux En-Primeur April 2002 Tasted on other occasions - see date & place in italics April was unusually cool to cold but things improved during May and the flowering took place under good conditions. The summer was a real see-saw with warm days, cooler days and intermittent rain. There was a big improvement is early September but late September rains caused problems more with the Cabernet than the Merlot. The harvest in Saint-Emilion and Pomerol took place under good conditions ensuring some lovely ripe fruit whilst the Médoc was more rain affected. The Merlots from Pomerol tend to be rich with sweet ripe black plum flavours with Saint-Emilion on the whole having less success some top châteaux good whilst others lacking in body or having firm rather aggressive tannins. The Médoc also tends to be very mixed the best good certainly better the 2002 some matching 2000 with fragrant charm and elegance but so many light lacking in power. The real success story is Sauternes where the late September rains helped to bring the Pourriture to near perfection. Claret Sauternes 7+/10 Drink Now 10/19 Drink Now / Keep Saint-Estèphe Château Le Bosq 85 2009-18 The nose has a mix of black and red fruits light but quite fragrant. Firm and tight in the middle the tannins hard and the finish lacks real length. Château Calon-Ségur 3eme Cru 89-92 2012-20 3 www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

August 20, 2012 BORDEAUX 2001 The fruit on the nose is lovely and rich. Ripe blackcurrant and sloe are underpinned by some fresher bilberry that brightens the flavours. The richness of the fruit is rather held back at this stage by the tannic firmness. 92 2011-18 Tasted in Surrey at St George s Golf Club December 2005 Powerful black fruits, a mix of bilberry and sloe enrich the nose. The palate has a complex mix of flavours dark chocolate and coffee intermingle with the fruit given a touch of spice by the toasty oak. The back palate is rich packed with ripe fruit but lifted by structured tannins. Tasted at the Leathersellers May 2011 91 2012-22 The nose is still very tight but behind the firmness there are attractive black fruits in evidence. The start of the palate is firm with tough structured tannins rather holding back the fruit but towards the back the weight of flavour shows with lots of cassis and black cherry. Tasted at the Leathersellers May 2016 91 2017-23 Bright and fresh on the nose the palate is sweeter and richer with ripe black cherry and cassis. The tannin although giving structure has softened the back palate has depth of fruit the finish lighter with bramble freshness. Château Cos D Estournel 2eme Cru 90-93 The power of the black fruit is very evident on the nose. A rich mix gives weight to the palate, blackcurrant is there backed by some sloe and blackberry. The fruit feels ripe yet there is an underlying structure that lifts the flavours. The finish has intensity of flavour. 93 2010-18 Depth on the nose the fruit is ripe lots of cassis and black cherry all backed by dark chocolate. The tannins are firm mid structure but feel ripe and the back palate has depth of fruit. Tasted in London at Bordeaux Index March 2011 93 2011-24 There are lots of powerful flavours on the nose, a mass of rich black fruit. The richness of fruit packs out the palate the ripeness of fruit and tannin giving sweetness in the middle and towards the back. There are layers of flavour with cassis and black cherry enriched by dark chocolate rich and brooding. The concentrated fruit lasts on the long finish. Château Cos Labory 5eme Cru 84-86 The nose is closed the start of the palate tight the tannins obvious and firm. Sweeter and richer at the back a mix of black fruits but it closes on the finish which lacks length. 87 2010-17 The nose has opened up the fruit on the palate sweet. The tannins are firm but not aggressive with the mix of cassis and black cherry giving fair depth at the back and on the finish. www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 4

BORDEAUX 2001 August 20, 2012 Château Lafon-Rochet 4eme Cru 83-85 The fruit is slightly green with tannic firmness very much in evidence on both nose and palate. Black fruits show on the palate but they lack generosity and the finish is tannic and dry. 85 2012-28 The nose is firm and tight the mid palate lacks generosity. There is slightly more depth at the back but the finish is tight and a bit rustic. Château Meyney 89 2012-18 The nose has spicy bilberry bright and fresh. The start of the palate is quite light but it fills out in the middle the fruit sweet and ripe the back palate has good depth with a rich mix of fruits. Tasted at the Farr Vintners tasting Boodles London March 2011 88 2012-18 The black fruits are herbal and spicy giving a racy feel on the nose. The palate has the richness of cassis and sloe with behind freshness coming from the mix of black cherry and bramble. It finishes with a good depth of flavour. Château Montrose 2eme Cru 92 2011-22 Concentrated cassis the nose has depth the start of the palate is rich and sweet fruited. There is a balancing freshness lighter at the back but it fills out on the finish concentrated, rich and ripe. Tasted in London at Bordeaux Index March 2011 92 2011-22 The nose has concentrated power with depth of fruit enriching both nose and palate. Black fruits dominate with cassis to the fore the richness balanced by some slightly fresher black cherry and bilberry. Firm but ripe feeling tannins give structure but do not hold back fruit expression the mix of rich black fruits balanced by some fresher red cherry. The finish is long and lingering. Tasted at Lincoln s Inn April 2016 92 2016-22 A hint of maturity the nose has a mix of bramble and bilberry. There is more depth on the mid palate ripe cassis and black cherry the tannins are firm but fine and although there is ripe cassis at the back the finish is lighter nutty with a hint of cedar wood. Château Les Ormes de Pez 86 2008-18 Although the nose is quite sweet the start of the palate is firm the tannins hard and slightly drying. A hint of sweetness at the back but the finish lacks generosity and length. 5 www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

August 20, 2012 BORDEAUX 2001 Pagodes de Cos 89 2009-18 2 nd wine of Château Cos d Estournel The nose has depth rich black fruits sweet and ripe and the start of the palate has fleshy richness. Lighter and fresher at the back cassis is backed by bilberry and bramble. Château de Pez 89 2009-18 The nose has black fruits the palate has depth the fruit underpinned by dark chocolate. Firm tannins close down the mid palate hold back the fruit but it fills out on the finish with richness and depth. Château Phelan-Ségur 83-85 There is not a lot of fruit on the nose and the start of the palate is tight over dominated by hard tannins. A hint of sweetness at the back but the finish is very firm and short. 85 2010-18 Firm and tight on the nose the start of the palate is quite dry. There is mid sweetness a cassis and bramble mix but the tannins are firm and tend to hold back the fruit. Pauillac Château d Armaihac 5eme Cru 88 2008-17 The nose is light fragrant with red fruits and bramble the palate starts light and fresh but fills out in the middle with sweet ripe fruit. The tannins are firm at the back and tend to shorten the finish. Château Batailley 5eme Cru 86 2008-16 Depth of fruit on the nose the fruit is sweet lots of cassis and black cherry. The tannins are firm the mid palate a bit tight and the finish lacks depth and richness. Tasted in Rome March 2008 86 2009-14 The richness on the nose does not really show on the palate, the fruit tends to slip leaving the centre quite hollow. There is some fruit pushing through at the back but it lacks weight and sweetness. www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 6

BORDEAUX 2001 August 20, 2012 Tasted in Guildhall September 2010 92 2010-20 There is a fresh red fruited feel about the nose the fruit backed by a touch of cedar wood maturity. Sweet black fruits are there on the palate all very much dominated by black cherries and blackcurrant. Although slightly lighter on the finish the fruit lingers long. Tasted at the Guildhall January 2013 90 2013-18 The nose has a red fruited freshness with a touch of cedar wood. The mid palate is sweet with ripe black cherries and blackcurrant and although the back palate is lighter some fresh bilberry the finish has depth and sweetness of fruit. Château Clerc-Milon 5eme Cru 88 2008-18 Light and fresh the nose has a fragrant charm the palate some spicy black fruits. There is mid richness ripe fruit more depth of flavour sweet at the back the finish though fresh firm and a touch short. Château Croizet-Bages 5eme Cru 85 2008-17 The nose lacks richness the start of the palate is tight with obvious tannins. The mid sweetness gives way to fresh fruit the finish lacks length and sweetness. Château Duhart-Milon 4eme Cru 90 2008-18 The mix of bramble and bilberry is light fresh fragrant but the palate has depth rich fruit fleshy and ripe in the middle. The tannins are ripe giving support and adding to the mid suppleness. Black truffle adds to the richness of the black fruits at the back. Les Forts de Latour 92 2012-22 2 nd wine of Château Latour Tasted in London at Bordeaux Index March 2011 There is black fruited power packing out the nose with the depth and concentration of fruit enriching the palate. Cassis is very dominant with black cherry and sloe behind a powerful mix of flavours. The mid palate is rich with structured but ripe tannins the predominantly black fruits give power yet there is a lighter fresher more elegant feel towards the back. Château Grand-Puy-Ducasse 5eme Cru 86-88 7 www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

August 20, 2012 BORDEAUX 2001 The nose has a flowery mix of mainly black fruits although there is a bit of red cherry showing underneath. The palate feels quite sweet, the fruit flavours all there but it just lacks a little depth. 86 2008-17 The nose is light the start of the palate firm the mid palate dominated by obvious tannins. Slightly more depth and sweetness in the middle but the tannins at the back dry and shorten the finish. Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste 5eme Cru 91 2008-18 The nose has a fragrant charm the start of the palate light but it fills out in the middle with a mix of rich fruit black cherry and cassis backed by dark chocolate. Rounded tannins help the mid suppleness with sweet fruit enriching the finish. Tasted in Surrey at St George s Golf Club December 2005 91 2011-18 The nose is fragrant with very much of a black fruit influence. There is a mix of flavours on the palate, black cherry and blackcurrant are enriched by cocoa and dark chocolate. The richness of the fruit is nicely underpinned by the structured tannins and although this slightly holds back expression at the moment there is a lot more to show. Tasted in Bordeaux April 2007 91 2008-15 There is a very herbal green leaf character. The depth of fruit is there and the cassis and bilberry has sweetness. Firmer feel towards the back but one is left with a lovely fragrance. Tasted in London at Guildhall September 2009 92 2010-16 The nose has a hint of maturity all adding to the complexity. Black fruits, cassis and bramble appear to dominate but behind them are some fresher red. The tannins feel supple helping to enrich the mid palate. There is a lot of fruit showing on the finish. Tasted at Boodles April 2010 92 2011-22 There is an attractive smoky quality behind the black fruits on the nose. Cassis seems to dominate the palate but behind is fresher bilberry, bramble and red cherry lifting the flavours and giving brightness on the finish. Tasted in London at Bordeaux Index March 2011 92 2011-22 The nose has an attractive smoky quality with fragrant floral violets behind which are black fruits. Blackcurrant and bramble are very much in evidence balanced by the underlying freshness from a mix of red fruits. The flavours last well with fruit ripeness give a fleshy feel to the finish. Tasted at the Guildhall January 2013 92 2013-20 www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 8

BORDEAUX 2001 August 20, 2012 Under the floral fragrant nose there are rich ripe black fruits. Cassis dominates the palate the ripeness of the fruit giving a supple richness and the black fruited mix fills the back palate and gives depth to the finish. Tasted at the Château May 2013 93 2013-24 There is an attractive fragrance on the nose some fresh bilberry with cassis and black plum Powerful flavours fill out the mid palate underpinned by supple tannins but towards the back it feels lighter some freshness under the rich fruit giving an elegant charm to the finish. Château Haut-Bages-Libéral 5eme Cru 86-88 Rich black fruits the nose has depth the palate a mix of cassis and black cherry all backed by liquorice. Firm in the middle the tannins are hard quite aggressive and they tend to hold back the fruit the finish is a bit short. 86 2008-18 Sweet and ripe on the nose the start of the palate is meaty with a mix of ripe cassis and black cherry. The tannins are very firm the mid palate a bit tight and although sweeter at the back the finish is firm and dry. Château Haut-Batailley 5eme Cru 89 2008-17 Light fresh bramble and bilberry the nose has lots of fragrant charm. Richer on the palate sweet fruit a mix of black cherry and cassis but the freshness is there at the back the finish fragrant lighter with flavours that linger. Tasted in the Devonshire Fell Hotel Burnsall September 2014 90 2014-20 The nose is quite fragrant lots of mature cassis and the start of the palate is light but there is more weight and depth of flavour in the middle. The fruit feels ripe more power more depth more richness towards the back black cherry and cassis yet the finish has the lighter fragrances of the nose a lovely bramble mix. Château Lafite 1er Cru 90-94 There is a wonderful power of fruit and depth of flavour yet the feeling of overriding elegance. The black fruit mix, blackcurrant, plum and sloe have the added complexity of fresher bilberry and black cherry. Towards the back rich dark chocolate are there helping to flesh out the finish. 93 2009-22 The nose has a mixture of power yet elegance the palate starts fresh and fragrant but the mid palate has lots of ripe cassis and black cherry depth of fruit. Layers of fruit of freshness yet sweetness give complexity the back palate has lingering fruit length. Tasted in London at Bordeaux Index March 2011 93 2011-24 9 www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

August 20, 2012 BORDEAUX 2001 There are a lot of powerful flavours on both nose and palate nicely balanced by lighter fresher more red fruits. There are layers of blackcurrant, bramble and black cherry underpinned by fresher red cherry and bilberry, lots of complexity. The richness yet freshness give charm with the fruit mix lingering on the long finish. Château Latour 1er Cru 90-94 The nose is still quite firm packed with black fruits. Sloe and blackberry show at the start of the palate underpinned by blackcurrant and black cherry, enriched by coffee beans and hints of cedar wood. The ripeness of the tannins ensures that the back palate is rich and fruit driven. 93 2009-26 Concentrated fruit richness power the nose has a mix of black fruits the palate has a brooding depth. The fruit is ripe depth of flavour the layers of fruit giving complexity. Still tight at the back but the finish has depth and length. Tasted in London at Bordeaux Index March 2011 94 2011-30 There is lots of power on the nose a mass of rich black fruit all feeling quite sweet. The palate has depth and complexity with sloe and black cherry to the fore and behind lots of cassis. The coffee beans hints of cedar wood add to the complexity and although the mass of fruit gives power there is an underlying elegance. Château Lynch-Bages 5eme Cru 89-92 Fat sweet fruit flesh out the nose and give a ripe richness to the palate. The cassis is slightly jammy and although there is a tannic structure it is rather overwhelmed at the moment. With time it will come more into balance. 90 2008-18 The nose is quite tight but the palate rich ripe sweet with depth of fruit. Black cherry and cassis are backed by coffee beans and chocolate the mid palate rich but the tannins at the back are obvious the finish is quite tight. Tasted in London at Bordeaux Index March 2011 92 2011-22 The predominately black plum gives the nose a fleshy fatness and this supple richness is very much in evidence on the start of the palate. The rich fruit and rounded tannins are balanced to some extent by the underlying freshness hints of red cherry and bilberry. The fruit lasts well on the finish. Château Lynch-Moussas 5eme Cru 84-86 The nose has depth a black cherry cassis mix but the palate is dominated by the tannins tough slightly bitter the back palate lacks sweetness a bit green stalk. 85 2008-17 www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 10

BORDEAUX 2001 August 20, 2012 Quite sweet on the nose but the palate is tight the tannins are firm and hold back the fruit. There is some mid sweetness but the back palate lacks depth the finish dry and quite short. Château Mouton-Rothschild 1er Cru 91 2008-18 Sweet on the nose the palate starts fresher with a mix of red and black fruits. There is depth of fruit on the mid palate ripe cassis and firmer black cherry a complex mix of flavours. The tannins are firm the back palate a bit tight but there is sweet fruit and richness on the finish. Tasted at Lincoln s Inn November 2007 91 2008-18 Although the nose has some sweetness towards the back it is very firm and this toughness shows on the palate. Sweeter fruit gives some flesh on the mid palate but tannic hardness takes over tending to over dominate the finish. Tasted in London at Bordeaux Index March 2011 91 2011-24 The nose is quite open with hints of maturity beginning to show. The start and mid palate feel quite light slightly lacking in complexity. The tannins are mellow backed by some sweet black fruits and then towards the back there are red fruits giving freshness on the finish. Château Pichon-Baron 2eme Cru 89-92 Cabernet Sauvignon 65% Merlot 30% Cabernet Franc 5% The nose is big and fat a touch hot. Rich cassis and sloe are very much in evidence on the palate balanced by some lighter fresher bilberry and black cherry. The ripeness of the tannins ensures richness on the finish. 92 2009-20 Rich ripe fruit the nose has depth the palate a mix of cassis and black cherry. Under the fruit chocolate adds to the richness and sweetness and although the tannins are firm they feel ripe the back palate has depth the finish lighter elegant and long. Tasted in Bordeaux November 2010 93 2010-20 There is a lovely mix of black fruits on the nose some blackberry, black cherry with cassis very much underpinning. The palate has an exciting complexity the fruit backed by coffee beans, liquorice and cocoa, layers of flavour. There is a charming elegance about the finish. Tasted in London at Bordeaux Index March 2011 93 2011-22 The mix of fruits on the nose gives it complexity with black fruits very much to the fore. The fruit feels sweet and ripe giving richness and depth of flavour on the palate. There are layers of fruit lots of complexity ripe tannins that add to the mid palate fleshiness. The freshness towards the back lightens the intensity and ensures that the finish has both length and elegance. Tasted at the Château May 2013 93 2013-22 11 www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

August 20, 2012 BORDEAUX 2001 The fruit on the nose is sweet but with more red fruits to the fore. Black fruits fill out the mid palate sweet and quite rich then bilberry and red cherry come through towards the back gives lightness and elegance on the finish. Tasted at the Château April 2014 93 2014-22 Rich and ripe fruited on the nose the start of the palate has depth of flavour. There is mid freshness a lighter mix of bramble and bilberry and although light at the back the finish has sweet fruit and a nice depth of flavour. Château Pichon-Longueville-Comtesse 2ème Cru 91 2009-20 The nose has fragrant charm the start of the palate light bilberry and bramble fresh. Depth in the middle the fruit is sweet and ripe a strong black fruit character. The sweet fruit fills out the back palate and although the tannins are firm they do not hold back the fruit. Tasted in Bordeaux April 2008 92 2010-18 Very black fruited on the nose with lovely bilberry fragrances. There a good weight of fruit at the start of the palate, cassis and black plum. A slightly lighter feel towards the back but the fruit has an attractive sweetness. Tasted in London at Bordeaux Index March 2011 92 2011-22 The nose has an attractive mix of black fruits with the cassis richness balanced by some fresher bilberry. Sweet fruit enriches the mid palate the mix of cassis, black cherry and chocolate ensuring complexity. Towards the back it is lighter with bilberry freshness and the freshness lifts the flavours and gives a more elegant feel on the long finish. Tasted at Lincoln s Inn October 2012 92 2011-22 The nose has an attractive mix of black fruits with the cassis richness balanced by some fresher bilberry. Sweet fruit enriches the mid palate the mix of cassis, black cherry and chocolate ensures complexity. Towards the back it is lighter with bilberry freshness and the freshness lifts the flavours and gives a more elegant feel on the long finish. Château Pontet-Canet 5ème Cru 89-92 Depth on the nose the palate has a mix of powerful black fruits layers of cassis and black cherry. The tannins are firm but not over aggressive and there is sweetness at the back the finish is a bit oak dominated. 92 2008-18 www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 12

BORDEAUX 2001 August 20, 2012 Power and depth on the nose the palate has a brooding richness. Sweet ripe cassis is backed by firmer black cherry a complex mix of flavours and although the mid tannins are firm they feel ripe the back palate has weight of fruit the finish has depth and length. Tasted in Bordeaux April 2008 92 2010-16 Lots of power on the nose and the weight of fruit are apparent on the palate. Some red fruits push through on the mid palate and brighten the black but towards the back, the richness returns giving real depth to the finish. It has attractive layers of flavour. Tasted in London at Bordeaux Index March 2011 93 2011-22 The nose has a lot of powerful flavours all very black fruited in character. Fresher fruit shows through on the palate with layers of cassis and black cherry given complexity by underlying bilberry. Although the tannins give structure they feel ripe allowing the fruit to express itself and the richness of flavour to linger on the long finish. Réserve de la Comtesse 89 2009-15 2 nd wine of Château Pichon-Longueville-Lalande 2eme Cru Tasted in Bordeaux April 2008 Although quite light, both nose and palate has an attractive fragrance. Red fruits seem to be in the ascendancy at first but they are underpinned by darker, sweeter cassis and plum. It is lighter towards the finish, lots of fragrance with sweet black flavours refreshed by mulberry. Saint-Julien Château Beychevelle 4eme Cru 86-88 The nose is packed out with cassis and sloe. The palate starts sweet and rich but the tannins are firm the mid palate tight with a slight lack of generosity and the finish lacks depth. 88 2009-17 The nose has depth the start of the palate is rich with dominant black fruits. Firm in the middle the tannins are quite hard and structured a slight lack of generosity and richness. The back palate is firm yet the finish has depth with a mix of black fruits. Château Branaire-Ducru 4eme Cru 87-90 The mix of blackcurrant and bramble is sweet giving some richness on the nose and weight on the palate. Black plum is there behind the cassis filling out the middle but towards the back the tannins show closing down the finish. 89 2008-18 13 www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

August 20, 2012 BORDEAUX 2001 Firm on the nose more open and sweet on the palate black fruits tend to dominate. The mid palate has concentrated fruit supported by firm tannins but it opens up at the back with sweet fruit on the finish. Tasted at the Thorman Hunt tasting London September 2010 90 2010-18 The nose has a lovely depth of flavour with blackcurrant to the fore but behind is fresher bramble. Sloe and black plum give richness on the palate whilst ripe tannins ensure suppleness. There is enough freshness to support the black fruited power. Tasted in London at Bordeaux Index March 2011 90 2011-20 The nose has a mix of fruits with the attractive black fruits appearing to be dominant. The tannins are a bit obvious giving firmness in the middle although still black fruited but fresher bilberry more in evidence. Although there is lots of freshness towards the back it slightly lacks length. Clos du Marquis 85 2007-17 2 nd wine of Château Léoville Las Cases There is not a lot of fruit on the nose and the palate is tight with firm quite obvious tannins. A hint of sweetness is overtaken by the high acidity. Château Ducru Beaucaillou 2eme Cru 92 2012-22 Tasted at Leathersellers April 2010 A powerful mix of blackcurrant and black cherry enriches the nose, all feeling quite sweet. There are tannins in evidence but as they do not feel aggressive they allow the fruit to show. The mid palate seems to have more of a red fruit influence giving freshness and tending to give a lighter feel to the back palate. Tasted at the WSDC Dinner Painters Hall September 2010 92 2012-22 The nose has a lovely mix of fruits with the black fruits tending to assert themselves. The palate has richness some flesh from the ripe fruit and the rounded tannins which although giving support are not aggressive. The lighter start to the palate is misleading as the back palate has a lovely weight of sweet fruit. Tasted at the Leathersellers May 2011 93 2011-20 There is a powerful mix of flavours on the nose all very black fruit dominated. The ripeness of the fruit fleshes out the mid palate given even more suppleness by rounded tannins. Despite all of the power there is freshness which balances and gives elegance to the finish. Tasted at the Leathersellers November 2015 90 2015-19 Tasted at the Leathersellers May 2016 90 2016-19 www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 14

BORDEAUX 2001 August 20, 2012 The nose is light with a mix of fresh black fruits yet the palate has sweetness with ripe cassis and a touch of dark chocolate. Lighter at the back with just a hint of maturity there is sweet fruit on the finish depth of flavour. Château Gruaud-Larose 2ème Cru 91 2008-18 Ripe cassis the nose has depth of fruit yet a smoky fragrance. Black fruits are to the fore a mix of cassis and brighter fresher bramble layers of flavour. Fleshy and ripe at the back the finish has a good depth of fruit. Tasted in Bordeaux April 2008 91 2009-17 The smoky cassis is underpinned by red fruits giving lots of freshness on both nose and palate. Sweeter black fruits are in evidence and they flesh out the mid palate giving more weight at the back. It is not that complex and will open out quite quickly Tasted in London at Bordeaux Index March 2011 91 2011-20 It is very attractive with smoky black fruit backed by a hint of cedar wood. Although cassis and black cherry dominate there is mid freshness with the firmness of the tannins rather holding back the fruit so that it tends to lack a bit of mid weight. Despite the fruit mix it is not that complex although the fruit that shows at the back lasts well. Tasted at Lincoln s Inn January 2012 90 2013-22 Tasted at Lincoln s Inn July 2012 The nose is quite fresh with more red fruits than black in evidence. The mid palate is sweet with ripe cassis but the mid and end palate are lighter quite racy and fragrant but lacking a bit of depth. Tasted at Lincoln s Inn November 2014 92 2015-27 Sweetness on the nose very black fruited and the start of the palate feels ripe. Rich in the middle quite fleshy and supple and although there is freshness at the back more bramble and bilberry the finish has depth of flavour black cherry richness. Château Lagrange 3eme Cru 90 2009-17 Ripe fruit the nose has depth the palate sweetness mid suppleness the tannins fine and rounded. More structure and freshness at the back but it fills out on the finish with sweet ripe black fruits. Tasted in Bordeaux April 2008 90 2009-17 Smoky black fruits on the nose are lightened by fresh red flavours. Both nose and palate feel quite mature and although the fruit feels sweet there is enough freshness to brighten the flavours towards the back and to add some complexity. 15 www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

August 20, 2012 BORDEAUX 2001 Tasted in Bordeaux April 2009 88 2009-15 The nose has a charming floral character with red fruits dominating at first but then lighter bilberry and bramble assert themselves. The start of the palate has lots of cassis all quite sweet but the tannins begin to show and they tend to dry the fruit and shorten the finish. Tasted in London at Bordeaux Index March 2011 90 2011-20 Mix red fruits are backed by some lighter black. The start of the palate is quite sweet but there is more freshness more of the red fruit flavours coming through in the middle. It feels balanced with firm but ripe tannins towards the back and fruit that lasts well on the finish. Château Langoa Barton 3eme Cru 88-91 Sweet and ripe on the nose the palate has a mix of fruits rich cassis with fresher red cherry. The tannins are firm but fine the back palate quite light but it fills out on the finish a mix of cassis and black cherry. 90 2008-17 The fruit is sweet the nose has depth with a strong black fruit influence. The sweet fruit on the mid palate is underpinned by freshness red fruits, bilberry and bramble but there is more depth and richness on the back palate and finish. Tasted in Bordeaux April 2008 91 2009-18 There is an attractive e mix of flavours on the nose first fresh redcurrant and cherry and then sweeter, richer cassis and bilberry. Although not a heavy weight there is richness on the mid palate and towards the back. Tasted in Bordeaux April 2009 92 2009-18 The nose has an attractive mix of fruits, mainly black but just a hint of cherry. The blackcurrant and black plum lend flesh to the palate, the suppleness helped by the ripeness of the tannins. Towards the back lighter bilberry shows itself giving it an attractive fragrance and helping to bring out the elegance that there is on the finish. Tasted in London at the Broderers December 2009 93 2009-18 There an attractive mix of flavours on the nose first quite fresh red fruits and then fuller fleshier black. The palate is supple and rich with more of a black fruited influence but towards the back ripe cassis gives fleshy richness, a touch of chocolate all spiced up by the cedar wood on the finish. Tasted at Boodles April 2010 92 2011-20 Fragrant red cherry and bilberry give brightness on the nose bringing out the fragrances. The palate has a greater depth of flavour the ripe cassis giving it flesh further enriched by dark chocolate. There is a hint of spice towards the back an attractive cedar wood quality. Tasted in London at Bordeaux Index March 2011 91 2011-20 www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 16

BORDEAUX 2001 August 20, 2012 The nose has a fragrant mix of red and black fruit and this mix gives layers of flavour on the palate. The mid palate has more weight a greater depth of flavour with the fruit backed by cedar pencil fragrances lingering on the long finish. Tasted at Party Ingredients London October 2012 92 2012-22 Tasted at the Guildhall January 2013 90 2013-18 The mix of red and black fruits on the nose has an overlying fragrant charm. Ripe cassis dominates the start of the palate refreshed by some bilberry with rich deep dark chocolate towards the back. There are layers of flavour lots of complexity richness on the back palate with a cedar wood fragrance on the finish. Tasted at Leathersellers May 2013 90 2013-18 Tasted at Mercers Hall September 2014 90 2013-17 Tasted at the Innholders Subscription Dinner September 2014 Tasted at the Leathersellers May 2016 90 2016-19 The mix of red and black fruits on the nose has an overlying fragrant charm. Ripe cassis dominates the start of the palate refreshed by some bilberry but there is richness and depth of flavour towards the back with some dark chocolate. There are layers of flavour lots of complexity richness on the back palate with a cedar wood fragrance on the finish. Château Léoville Barton 2eme Cru 89-92 Concentrated cassis and blackberry give richness on the nose. The palate has weight of fruit, the black fruits enriched by dark chocolate given complexity by the underlying cedar wood. Ripe tannins ensure flesh towards the back. 91 2009-19 Firm on the nose the palate has depth of fruit richness and concentrated power. Under the structure there is richness and depth with ripe cassis and black cherry chocolate and coffee beans. The back palate is still firm the finish quite tight. Tasted in London at Bordeaux Index March 2011 93 2011-22 The fruit is concentrated and rich with powerful cassis and black cherry. Although the tannins are still quite firm they feel ripe in no way aggressive and do not overpower the rich flavours of dark chocolate and liquorice. The back palate has a mass of powerful fruit and this gives depth on the finish. Tasted at Mercers Hall September 2013 92 2014-20 Nose and palate is cassis dominated and the palate starts with black cherry firmness. There is more depth in the middle a touch of liquorice with fresher black fruits giving a lighter feel on the back palate and finish. Tasted at the Farr Vintners lunch Boodles April 2017 93 2017-23 17 www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

August 20, 2012 BORDEAUX 2001 Depth of fruit on the nose the palate has black cherry and cassis the mid palate chocolate and liquorice richness. There is balance underlying bramble freshness but it fills out at the back with sweet fruit, richness and depth on the finish. Château Léoville Las Cases 2eme Cru 92 2009-20 The nose is firm with a mix of fruits fresh red with richer black the palate starts quite fresh but there is depth of fruit in the middle concentration of flavour richness. Supple and fleshy the tannins are rounded the fruit backed by chocolate richness and the finish has sweetness and depth of fruit. Tasted in London at Bordeaux Index March 2011 92 2011-22 The nose seems remarkably light with the predominantly red fruits that give a fresh start to the palate. The tannins are quite firm and appear to hold back the fruit at first but behind the tannins there is richness lots of fruit that will show with a little more time. Towards the back red cherry is underpinned and enriched by blackcurrant. Château Léoville-Poyferré 2eme Cru 91 2008-19 Sweet black fruits the nose has depth and the start of the palate is fleshy and supple. The tannins on the mid palate are firm tending to hold back the fruit but under the firmness the fruit is ripe and sweet the finish has richness and depth. Tasted in London at Bordeaux Index March 2011 92 2011-22 It is very black fruit dominated with sweet ripe blackcurrant at the start backed by fresher firmer black cherry. The mid palate has the richness of black fruits well balanced by the fresher bilberry. The layers of fruit sweet yet with an underlying freshness are in balance ensuring complexity, flavours that last well. Tasted at the Farr Vintners lunch Boodles April 2017 93 2017-23 Fragrant the nose has spring violets the start of the palate quite fresh with bramble and bilberry. The mid palate has more concentrated flavours depth a rich mix of ripe cassis and black cherry the tannins fine and integrated then fresher at the back the finish lighter stylish with good length. Château Saint-Pierre 4eme Cru 85 2008-17 The nose is closed the start of the palate tight with a mix of red and black fruits. The sweetness on the mid palate tends to be hidden by firm tannins but there is a sweeter feel at the back and slightly more depth on the finish. www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 18

BORDEAUX 2001 August 20, 2012 Château Talbot 4eme Cru 85-88 Cassis and bramble are there on the nose all quite fleshy and ripe. The palate is sweet at the start but behind the sweetness is firm and slightly aggressive tannin that closes down the fruit and holds back fruit expression. 86 2008-17 Although the nose is firm the palate has sweetness and richness at the start. Obvious tannins hold back the fruit the back palate not showing richness and the finish is tight and short. Margaux Château d Angludet 84-87 Light and fresh on the nose the start of the palate is tight the mid palate lacking in generosity. It does fill out at the back but the finish is tight and short. 86 2008-17 Fresh bramble and bilberry on the nose the start of the palate is firm and the mid palate lacks richness. A hint of sweetness at the back gives way to freshness on the finish. Château Brane-Cantenac 2eme Cru 85-88 The nose has a mix of fruits fragrant and fresh the palate sweeter with ripe black fruited depth. Chocolate and coffee beans add to the richness but at the back it feels fresher a bramble and bilberry mix. 89 2009-18 The nose has a mix of fruits the freshness of red fruits yet the richness of black cherry. The fruit on the mid palate feels ripe the back palate has richness depth and there is length of fruit on the finish. Tasted in London at Bordeaux Index March 2011 89 2011-20 The fragrant mix of red and black fruits is quite sweet giving charm to the nose and an attractive complexity of flavour to the palate. The mid sweetness ripe fruit and rounded tannins is balanced by bramble freshness that brings out the flavours that linger on the finish. Tasted at the Château April 2017 89 2017-22 The nose has hints of maturity quite light and fragrant with red fruits on the start of the palate. Richer black fruits in the middle but at the back it is the red fruits that dominate lighter leafy, fresher with good length of flavour. Chateau Boyd Cantenac 3eme Cru 86 2008-17 19 www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

August 20, 2012 BORDEAUX 2001 Sweet and fleshy on the nose the palate is firmer the tannins quite hard and holding back the fruit. Slightly green and herbal at the back and the finish lacks length and sweetness. Château Cantenac Brown 3eme Cru 89 2008-18 The nose is quite tight the start of the palate firm but there is mid sweetness rich ripe black fruits supple fleshy with rounded tannins. The back palate has a mix of fruits the finish is sweet and has depth. Château Dauzac 5eme Cru 88 2008-17 The nose is bright and fresh the palate has more depth a great weight of fruit with red fruits tending to dominate. The back palate is lighter fresher quite fragrant and the finish is light with a mix of the fresher black fruits and red fruits. Tasted at the Lurton Tasting The Brigade London June 2012 90 2012-17 The nose has the freshness of red fruits but the palate is richer still quite red fruit in character. The mid richness gives way to a lighter feel towards the back which brings out the complexities and the finish is quite long and showing a touch of maturity. Château Desmirail 88 2009-17 Tasted in Rome March 2008 There is a strong black fruit character the nose sweet. Fleshy and rich on the start of the palate the mid palate is fresher but at the back there is black fruited power with some rich cassis and black cherry on the finish. Château Durfort-Vivens 2eme Cru 89-91 2009-18 The fruit on the nose is sweet the start of the palate has ripe cassis and black cherry depth of flavour. Rounded tannins add to the mid suppleness and although the tannins are firm there is sweetness at the back. 90 2009-17 Sweet on the nose the palate has weight of fruit with a mix of black fruits. Ripe black cherry and cassis fill out the mid palate the tannins are rounded supple at the back and although the finish is firm there is fruit to show. Tasted at the Leathersellers May 2011 90 2011-17 The nose has a powerful mix of black fruits but the palate is more restrained lighter and fresher. The tannins are quite firm but there is enough fruit richness and weight to balance. www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 20

BORDEAUX 2001 August 20, 2012 Tasted at the Leathersellers October 2014 91 2014-20 The nose is rich with lots of ripe fruit the palate fleshy supple with ripe black plum and cassis. Ripe tannins add to the velvety suppleness rich and ripe fruited at the back yet with enough bramble freshness to balance. Tasted at the Leathersellers May 2016 90 2016-20 Sweet and ripe the nose has depth the start of the palate lighter and fresher with a bramble and bilberry mix. Supple in the middle the fruit is sweet with ripe black cherry at the back the finish though fresher with nice length. Château Ferrière 3eme Cru 87 2008-17 The nose is closed the start of the palate tight the tannins firm tending to hold back the fruit. There is more depth at the back with sweet cassis on the finish length and depth of flavour. Château Giscours 3eme Cru 87 2008-17 Sweet and ripe on the nose the start of the palate has depth a mix of black fruits. Firm on the mid palate the tannins are obvious the back palate is a touch herbal and the finish lacks length and sweetness. Château d Issan 3eme Cru 86 2008-17 The nose lacks fruit richness the start of the palate tight the mid palate dominated by firm tannins. Sweeter at the back some rich fruit but it tends to dry and the finish. Château Kirwan 3eme Cru 86-89 The nose has depth the fruit sweet a mix of black and red fruits. Obvious tannins hold back the fruit and tighten the back palate but under the structure there is sweetness which will come through with time. 90 2008-18 Sweet and ripe on the nose the palate has depth a rich mix of mainly black fruits. The tannins on the mid palate are firm but feel ripe the back palate is a bit tight but it fills out on the finish quite rich and ripe. Château Labégorce 84-86 21 www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

August 20, 2012 BORDEAUX 2001 Fresh fruits the nose is bright the palate firm and lacking depth. A hint of sweetness in the middle but at the back the tannins dominate the finish is quite short and slightly dry. 86 2007-17 Fresh and bright on the nose the start of the palate is light. Sweeter and richer in the middle but the tannins at the back are firm the back palate lacks generosity and the finish is quite short. Château Lascombes 2eme Cru 88 2008-17 Sweet and ripe on the nose the palate firmer with a red and black fruit mix. The tannins tend to dominate slightly dry at the back but there is sweetness coming through on the finish. Tasted in Rome 2008 88 2008-17 A good mix of black fruits gives a complexity on the nose. The cassis is quite sweet underpinned by firmer sloe giving a dry feel to the mid-palate. Towards the back there is less weight of fruit and the finish is quite light allowing the dryness to dominate. Château Malescot Saint-Exupéry 3eme Cru 87-90 The black fruits on the nose are ripe the start of the palate sweet. There is mid freshness a nice balance and although firm on the back plate the finish is ripe and sweet. 89 2008-17 Sweet on the nose the palate has a mix of ripe cassis and black cherry. Under the sweetness bramble and bilberry refresh the back palate is lighter but it finishes rich and sweet. Château Marquis d Alesme Becker 3eme Cru 83-85 There nose lacks fruit the palate tight the fruit dominated by firm tannins. There is not a lot of fruit at the back the short finish tending to dry. 83 2007-15 The nose is very tight the palate lacks sweetness the fruit dominated by firm aggressive tannins. The back palate lacks fruit and the finish is dry and short. Château Marquis de Terme 4eme Cru 81 2006-16 The nose is light the palate lacks sweetness and depth. Firm and tight at the back the finish is dry and lacking in length. Château Margaux 1er Cru 93 2009-21 www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 22

BORDEAUX 2001 August 20, 2012 The nose has a mix of fragrances real charm and the start of the palate is light. Rich and ripe in the middle the ripe tannins adding to the suppleness the fleshiness yet there are enough red fruits and bilberry freshness to balance lighten and give elegance and length to the finish. Tasted in London at Bordeaux Index March 2011 93 2011-24 The nose has a floral charm with a mix of red and black fruits. The fruit is ripe giving sweetness on the mid palate and goodish depth of flavour. The ripeness of the tannins adds to the mid richness but there is enough freshness to ensure a lovely elegant feel. The flavours are long the sweetness and freshness balanced and although there is depth of flavour towards the back the red fruits that come through give freshness on the finish. Tasted at Lincoln s Inn January 2012 96 2014-26 There are lovely appealing fragrances on the nose with the freshness of red cherry and wild strawberry backed by richer cassis and bramble. Layers of flavour give lots of complexity there is a mix of sweetness yet freshness and a lovely stylish elegant long finish. Chateau Monbrison 86 2007-17 Although the fruit on the nose is sweet the palate starts very firm with obvious tannins. Light at the back the red fruits backed by bramble but there is a hint of sweetness on the finish. Château Palmer 3eme Cru 89-93 It is rich and ripe on the nose and generous on the palate. Sweet cassis and sloe are underpinned by some fresher bilberry, all lovely and complex. The supple tannins help to ensure a rich ripe feeling finish. 92 2009-19 Depth on the nose the fruit is ripe the palate sweet with rounded tannins a mid suppleness. Under the generous mix of fruits there is freshness a bilberry bramble mix that gives a lighter feel at the back. The finish has depth rich ripe fruit. Tasted in London at Bordeaux Index March 2011 94 2011-22 The richness of the ripe fruit gives generosity on both nose and palate. There is a lovely depth of black fruits with cassis very much to the fore. Supple tannins give flesh whilst the complexity comes from the many different layers of flavour. Sweet ripe fruit packs out the back palate yet there is enough freshness to balance and give elegance on the finish. Château Pouget 4eme Cru 88 2008-17 The nose is fresh the palate sweeter with a mix of black fruits. Firm tannins tend to hold back the fruit but there is more depth at the back and some sweet fruit on the finish. Château Prieuré-Lichine 4eme Cru 85-89 23 www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

August 20, 2012 BORDEAUX 2001 Sweet on the nose the palate has a mix of black fruits ripe cassis and firmer black cherry. It is tight in the middle the tannins obvious but behind there is sweetness and fair depth on the finish. 88 2008-17 Ripe on the nose the palate has depth of fruit with black fruits tending to dominate. The tannins are obvious the mid palate tight but there is more depth richer fruit at the back. Château Rauzan-Gassies 2eme Cru 85-88 The nose has sweetness the start of the palate some rich cassis. Tight in the middle the fruit held back by hard tannins and although richer at the back the finish lacks generosity. 89 2008-17 The fruit on the nose feels ripe the palate has rich ripe fruit at the start. Firmer in the middle quite hard tannins but the mix of cassis and black cherry at the back is rich and ripe.. Château Rausan-Ségla 2eme Cru 88-91 It has the feel of ripe fruit all quite fleshy and slightly jammy. There is more structure and some fresher red fruit on the mid palate although the fatness and sweetness does come through again on the finish. 90 2009-18 Rich fruit ripe sweet fruit the nose has depth the palate the suppleness of rounded tannins and sweet fruit. There is an underlying freshness with balance and complexity the ripe mix of black fruits giving richness and depth on the finish. Tasted in London at Bordeaux Index March 2011 92 2011-20 The nose is full of sweet ripe fruit with the mix of blackcurrant and red cherry giving complexity. The ripeness of the fruit is enhanced by supple tannins a lovely fleshy feel on the mid palate with towards slightly more freshness balancing and lasting on the long finish. Tasted at Lincoln s Inn June 2014 93 2014-22 The fruit is sweet black fruits with tobacco leafiness on the nose. It fills out in the middle depth richness the cassis backed by firmer black cherry. The back palate has depth the finish slightly lighter long with a hint of cedar wood spice. Tasted at the Château September 2015 92 2015-24 The nose has a mix of fruits all quite fragrant and the start of the plate is light. Rich in the middle the ripe black fruits supported by fine tannins and although there is black fruited richness at the back the finish has a lighter more elegant feel. www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 24

BORDEAUX 2001 August 20, 2012 Château Siran 85 2008-17 The fruit is sweet the nose has fair depth. The palate is leaner and tighter the tannins firm holding back the fruit. The back palate lacks generosity and the finish is dry and short. Château du Tertre 5eme Cru 90 2008-18 The fruit on the nose is sweet the palate has ripe fruits with black fruits dominating. There is an underlying freshness slightly lighter at the back but it fills out on the finish. Moulis Château Chasse-Spleen 88 2010-18 The nose is a bit tight but the palate has depth of fruit sweet cassis backed some dark chocolate. The tannins are firm holding back the fruit but it fills out at the back with more depth and richness on the finish. Château Maucaillou 83 2009-17 There is not a lot of fruit on the nose and the palate is dominated by bitter tannins. There is a lack of depth in the middle and the back palate is closed the finish quite short. Château Poujeaux 88 2011-17 The nose is fresh with a mix of red fruits the palate light and bright at the start. Ripe cassis gives more mid depth and the fruit at the back is sweet the finish has depth and good length. Tasted in London at Bordeaux Index March 2011 88 2011-17 Red cherry tends to dominate and give freshness on both nose and palate. Although there is more sweetness in the middle it lacks real depth and some complexity. There is quite good length an easy character with a not unattractive mix of flavours on the finish. 25 www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk Master of Wine: Derek Smedley