Bordeaux 2003 Médoc Pessac-Léognan Graves Sauternes

Bordeaux 2003 Médoc Pessac-Léognan Graves Sauternes By Derek Smedley MW Last updated 12/17/2016 Derek Smedley MW, Rectory Cottage, Lilley, Hertfordshire, LU2 8LU. www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk

August 20, 2012 BORDEAUX 2003 Tasting notes from the following growers: Contents Saint-Estèphe... 4 Pauillac... 12 Saint-Julien... 23 Margaux... 31 Moulis... 41 Listrac... 43 Haut-Médoc... 45 Médoc... 51 Pessac-Léognan... 54 Pessac-Léognan Blanc... 63 Graves Rouge... 64 Graves Blanc... 65 Sauternes... 66 Barsac... 71 www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 2

BORDEAUX 2003 August 20, 2012 Bordeaux 2003 Médoc/ Pessac-Léognan / Graves / Sauternes / Barsac Tasted in Bordeaux En-Primeur March 2004 Tasted after March 2004 see date & place in italics The vintage will always be remembered for the heat and the early harvest. Some of the hottest days ever recorded happened during August and most of the grapes were picked before the end of September. The whole year was precocious with both flowering and véraison being about two weeks in advance of their usual dates. Although January was cold and wet there was less rain than usual in the months to come and so when the heat came in August, the sub-soil did not have great reserves of water. I heard it said on many occasions that the lucky ones were those with clay sub-soils and on north facing slopes! Certainly it is a year when terroir was important. Lack of rain and sun means more sugar, less malic acid and more anthocyanins and tannin and, of course, less juice so inevitably a small crop. The green, bitter wines did make one wonder how much acid had been added (it was legal to acidify). Picking date was all important and the problem was to get phenolic ripeness without too much sugar therefore too high an alcohol level. Care was needed in the cellar to avoid too much skin contact and to be wary about adding too much if any press wine. There are big variations between the best and the worst wines, a real roller coaster of a year. The best wines have ripe fruit, ripe tannins and depth of flavour and almost impeccable structure that will keep them alive for quite a long time. The worst are either sweet and jammy, wines that will quickly fall apart or wines with unnaturally high acidity and green, unripe, dry and dusty tannins. It is certainly a Cabernet year and the left bank has scored over the right but it would be wrong to dismiss the right as there are some lovely wines that will give a great deal of pleasure in the years to come. It is without doubt a great year for sweet wines. I thought that nearly all the wines from Sauternes and Barsac that I tasted were worth putting in the cellar. Pourriture Noble happened over one or two days in September so there was no need to make many trips into the vineyard, all of the grapes were suddenly ripe and ready to pick Claret 8/10 Drink Now Sauternes 9/10 Drink Now / Keep 3 www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

August 20, 2012 BORDEAUX 2003 Saint-Estèphe Château Beausite 89 2014-17 Tasted at the WSDC Dinner Carlton Club July 2014 It feels very forward sweet on the nose with ripe black fruits on the palate. There is a touch of mid freshness but the ripeness of the fruit gives sweetness on the back palate. It finishes with hints of maturity. Château Le Bosq 84-86 2007-16 The fruit on the nose feels quite sweet the start of the palate has a rich mix of black fruits. Tight in the middle the tannins are very firm and there is a lack of rich fruit on the finish. Château Calon-Ségur 3eme Cru 92 2010-20 Tasted in Bordeaux April 2007 It is remarkably soft and ripe for this property the cassis has a dark chocolate richness that fattens out the palate. Firmer feel towards the back but lots of sweet fruit underneath. Tasted at Farr Vintners October 2010 87 2010-18 The nose belies the palate as is has some nice ripe sweet black fruit but the palate is lean and tight with the tannins tending to feel aggressive and hold back the fruit expression. There is some fruit at the back but it does lack depth and intensity. Tasted at Bordeaux Index March 2013 89 2013-17 The nose is very black fruited with lots of cassis and black cherry. The fruit on the palate feels ripe quite sweet and although the tannins are firm they are rounded. The sweetness of the black fruited mix gives fair depth and richness on the finish. Château Capbern-Gasqueton 87 2013-19 Tasted at the Carlton Club October 2013 The black fruited mix is concentrated underpinned by firm tannins that are still too obvious. The sweeter fruit on the mid palate blackcurrant and black cherry dries towards the back leaving the finish short with all too obvious oak. Château Clauzet 83-87 2007-16 www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 4

BORDEAUX 2003 August 20, 2012 The nose is tight the start of the palate firm with black cherry and sloe. There is a hint of sweetness in the middle but the tannins are very obvious at this stage the finish lacking in generosity and length. Tasted in Bordeaux April 2009 88 2010-16 It is remarkably firm and structured for the year with a mix of black fruits very much in evidence. Powerful sloe lends weight on the mid palate but although the tannins are firm they are not over aggressive. Tasted at Boodles April 2010 88 2009-16 The nose is quite closed and the black fruits that show have a slightly green aggressive edge. Blackberry is enriched by sloe and black cherry and although there is sweetness on the mid palate the tannic firmness is there in the background holding back the fruit on the finish. Tasted at Farr Vintners October 2010 86 2010-17 The nose is lean and tight and as the tannins tend to dominate the start of the palate the fruit does not have much chance to show. There is some sweetness towards the back but then the tannins take over leaving the finish quite dry. Château Commanderie 83-85 2006-16 The nose is closed the start of the palate tight the mid tannins aggressive. Sweeter at the back but it lacks real balance and finishes quite dry. Château Cos d Estournel 2eme Cru 96 2012-22 Tasted at Farr Vintners October 2010 Sloe, black cherry and cassis give an exciting mix of flavours on the nose. The fruits are ripe enriched by dark chocolate, coffee beans and liquorice. There is a lovely fruit salad of flavours on the palate with the black fruits spiced up by cedar wood, a complexity that lingers on finish. Tasted at Bordeaux Index March 2013 92 2013-20 Sloe and black cherry are rich and concentrated a good depth of flavour. There is a lot happening on the palate black fruit cocoa, coffee beans and chocolate. The back palate has depth and richness with the oak gives giving spiciness on the finish Château Cos Labory 5eme Cru 87-91 2008-18 The fruit feels ripe the nose has depth and the palate sweetness. Fresher in the middle with bramble and bilberry but it fills out at the back with ripe cassis, black cherry and chocolate. 5 www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

August 20, 2012 BORDEAUX 2003 Tasted at the UGC tasting Royal Opera House October 2005 90 2008-18 Tasted at Boodle s (Farr Vintners) March 2007 Wines from this northern part of the Médoc usually take a long time to show their form, but not so in 2003. Both nose and palate are packed with sweet fruit, dark chocolate surrounds the cassis and sloe, all backed by hints of cedar wood. The firmness on the finish will soon soften Tasted in London at Guildhall September 2009 91 2012-18 The fruit is lovely and rich with a mass of black fruits fleshing out both nose and palate. Cassis is very prominent but the power comes from the rich sloe lurking behind. The tannins, although ripe, are still very structured slightly holding back full fruit expression at this stage. Tasted at the Guildhall September 2010 92 2011-20 The nose is still quite firm all very black fruited lots of cassis and sloe. The fruit feels ripe enriching the mid palate and although the tannins are quite firm still there is a lot fleshy black fruit to show. Tasted at Farr Vintners October 2010 90 2011-20 It feels a touch light on the nose but there is a nice mix of black fruits showing on the palate. The sweetness of the year is apparent with rich cassis and sloe giving weight in the middle and towards the back. The flavours last well on the finish. Tasted at the Royal College of Physicians September 2012 92 2013-23 Tasted at Party Ingredients London October 2012 92 2013-24 There are a lot of powerful flavours on the nose all very black fruit driven. Cassis and black cherry dominate the palate some nice rich flavours but the tannins are still quite obvious and are tending to hold back the richness on the finish. Tasted at Guildhall January 2013 88 2014-15 Tasted at Party Ingredients March 2014 Tasted at Guildhall July 2014 The nose is very firm the start of the palate tight black fruited but slightly bitter with quite obvious tannin. There is some sweeter fruit towards the back but it dries on the back palate and the finish is short. Château Le Crock 86 2013-15 Tasted at Bordeaux Index March 2013 There are a lot of black fruits on the nose with black cherry and sloe on the start of the palate. The mid palate is very firm and tight with slightly rustic tannins and there is not a great deal of fruit showing at the back. The sweetness is slipping and it is tending to dry out. La Dame de Montrose 89-94 2012-20 www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 6

BORDEAUX 2003 August 20, 2012 2 nd wine of Château Montrose Depth and sweetness on the nose the start of the palate is rich with ripe fruit. The concentrated richness is underpinned by freshness slightly lighter at the back firm tannins but it fills out on the finish. Tasted at Farr Vintners October 2010 89 2012-20 There is a lot of black fruit power on the nose with richness and depth on the palate. Sloe and black cherry are backed by some fresher red flavours and these combined with liquorice and coffee beans give complexity. The tannins are firm but do not hold back the fruit. Château Haut-Marbuzet 87 2011-18 Tasted at Farr Vintners October 2010 The fruit on the nose is backed by an almond and cedar wood character. The palate starts quite light but there is sweetness to the black fruit mix that shows towards the back. It is not that complex and a touch rustic. Tasted at the Carlton Club January 2012 91 2012-22 The fruit on the nose is very rich and sweet backed by hints of cedar wood. The tannins are quite firm but behind the structure there is cassis and black cherry giving richness on the back palate and nice weight on the finish. Château Lafon-Rochet 4eme Cru 88-92 2013-20 The nose is very tight with the fruit feeling rather dry. On the palate there is richness with sloe and blackcurrant giving more weight and depth at the back. The tannins though are firm and tend to close down the finish. Tasted at the UGC tasting Royal Opera House October 2005 88 2012-20 Tasted at Mercers May 2010 91 2012-20 The fruit is very concentrated with blackcurrant and sloe vying for dominance. The tannins are still quite firm giving structure but tending to hold back full fruit expression at this stage. There though is a good deal of fruit still to show. Tasted at the Carlton Club July 2010 91 2011-16 The wines of this northern part of the Haut-Médoc are very powerful and this is no exception. Both nose and palate are very black fruited packed with cassis and sloe. The fruit is ripe quite sweet but right at the back the tannins are still quite firm. Tasted at Mercers Hall October 2010 92 2012-25 7 www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

August 20, 2012 BORDEAUX 2003 It is all very black fruit, the cassis backed by ripe quite fleshy plum. It feels remarkably sweet but there is enough freshness and tannic structure to balance. The mix of mainly black fruits, the layers of flavour ensure lots of complexity. Tasted at Farr Vintners October 2010 90 2012-19 The fruit is quite ripe giving some richness on the nose and weight on the palate. The mix of cassis, sloe and black cherry give complexity on the palate and although it is a bit closed down at the moment, the tannins are tending to show, there is some sweet fruit at the back. Tasted at the Mansion House July 2012 92 2012-28 There are a lot of powerful flavours on the nose some nice rich fruit. Black plum gives fleshiness with blackcurrant and bramble some freshness a nice complex mix. The tannins have mellowed and the fruit richness gives a nice weight on the finish. Tasted at Leathersellers May 2013 91 2013-17 The nose is quite firm with a mix of cassis and black cherry but the palate is sweeter fruited with ripe tannins. Towards the back red cherry refreshes and gives a lighter feel on the back palate and finish. Tasted at the Broderers Court Dinner Mercers Hall December 2016 91 2016-18 The nose has depth the palate a mix of black cherry and cassis firm at the start but sweet and rich in the middle. The tannins give structure but are integrated bramble at the back gives a touch of freshness the finish though has richness and depth. Château Meyney 87 2009-14 Tasted in Bordeaux April 2008 Remarkably light and quite red fruited on the nose with a surprising lack of intensity there on the mid-palate. The tannins are very firm for the year and tend to close down the finish. There is not the sweetness and generosity that one expects from a 2003. Tasted in London at Guildhall September 2009 90 2012-18 Cassis and sloe are there on the nose, powerful and rich but behind them is fresher bilberry and this tends to lighten the start to the palate. The black fruit compote is wrapped round by tannins but they feel ripe and will let the fruit show itself to the full with time. Tasted at the Guildhall September 2010 90 2011-18 The nose feels sweet and upfront cassis and sloe to the fore but underneath there is some fresher bilberry and black cherry. The fruit salad of flavours is sweet and ripe and as the tannins have softened they allow the fruit to flesh out and enrich the back palate. Tasted at Farr Vintners October 2010 90 2011-19 The nose is upfront sweet with a mix of blackcurrant and sloe. Ripe fruit and rounded tannins flesh out the mid palate, the fruit salad of black fruits giving lots of complexity. There is a powerful mix of fruits towards the back lovely fleshy and sweet. www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 8

BORDEAUX 2003 August 20, 2012 Tasted at Guildhall January 2013 90 2015-20 The nose seems to have closed down and the start of the palate is quite tight. Ripe fruit gives richness and sweetness on the mid palate the mix of blackcurrant and cherry giving complexity. The back palate has power and depth and sweetness of flavour. Tasted in the Guildhall September 2016 90 2016-18 Sweet fruit on the nose the palate has a mix of black fruits depth at the start with fleshy richness in the middle. Fresher and firmer at the back but the sweet cassis, the ripe black cherry is there on the finish a nice depth of flavour. Château Montrose 2eme Cru 93-96 2012-20 Black fruited power the nose has depth rich black fruits the palate is muscular lots of power. Bramble and bilberry a touch of green pepper give freshness in the middle balancing the rich fruit but it fills out at the back and finishes with a powerful mix of black fruits. Tasted at Farr Vintners October 2010 95 2012-20 Black fruits show on the nose all rich and ripe. The tannins are in evidence on the start of the palate but they are quite rounded and do not overpower or hold back fruit expression. Blackcurrant and sloe dominate the back palate their richness balanced by some fresher bilberry. Tasted at Bordeaux Index March 2013 92 2014-20 The nose is rich with lots of black fruits. Blackcurrant, sloe and black cherry give lots of complexity the fruit underneath feels sweet but towards the back the tannins are in evidence firm but not overpowering the fruit. There is a nice depth of flavour on the finish. Château Les Ormes de Pez 86-89 2008-17 Sweet and ripe on the nose the palate has depth with rich fruit fleshy and supple. The sweetness is balanced by fresh fruits the tannins give structure but feel ripe and there is fair depth of fruit on the finish. Tasted at the UGC tasting Royal Opera House October 2005 88 2008-16 Tasted in Bordeaux April 2007 It feels very ripe, easy and fat on nose. The palate is soft, forward with supple tannins, enough acidity to brighten but it will be enjoyably easy very soon. Tasted in the Mansion House September 2007 88 2009-15 There is fragrant mix of red and black fruits. Has sweetness and goodish depth with sweet ripe tannins. There is an attractive weight of fruit on the mid palate, more red than black. Fair length, has the sweetness of the year but also some appealing freshness. 9 www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

August 20, 2012 BORDEAUX 2003 Tasted in Bordeaux April 2008 88 2010-16 It is sweet and fleshy on the nose with the ripeness of fruit filling out the palate. Mainly black fruit is in evidence but there are some fresher red mulberries underneath. It is lovely and rich, not that complex but ripe and easy. Tasted in London at Mansion House December 2009 89 2009-17 There is an attractive mix of blackcurrant and black plum filling out the nose. The sweetness of the fruit gives a fleshy richness to the palate. Fresh mainly black fruits, bilberry, are in evidence balancing the sweetness but the ripeness lends weight to the finish. Tasted at Farr Vintners October 2010 88 2009-17 Cassis and blackberry are very much in evidence on the nose. The fruit feels sweet filling out the mid palate all very black fruit in character. Although there is structure the tannins are not aggressive allowing some sweet blackcurrant to fill out the finish. Tasted at the Farr Vintners tasting Boodles April 2012 90 2012-26 The sweetness of the year is very much in evidence on the nose with lots of cassis and black cherry. The tannins are there quite firm but there is enough fleshy fruit to enrich mid and back palate. Tasted at Lincoln s Inn February 2013 88 2013-18 The nose and the start of the palate are quite sweet but the mid palate is firm quite dry lacking in fruit richness and towards the back there is lack of depth with the finish being quite tight. Tasted at Bordeaux Index March 2013 88 2013-16 There is sweet fruit on the nose but the palate is firmer with more red fruits, black cherry and sloe in evidence. It fills out a bit towards the back the fruit supported by firm but not aggressive tannins. The finish is firm quite tight and there is a lack of fruit richness and depth. Les Pagodes de Cos 87 2012-19 2 nd wine of Château Cos d Estournel Tasted at Farr Vintners October 2010 The nose is very firm the acidity and tannins rather overpowering the fruit. Sweeter flavours emerge on the palate although very black fruit in influence there are some fresher red underpinning. The tannins on the back palate take over and cut the finish off rather short. Château Petit Bocq 83-85 2007-17 The fruit on the nose is sweet the start of the palate quite fleshy but the mid tannins are very firm a bit green at the back and the finish is tight and lacks generosity. www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 10

BORDEAUX 2003 August 20, 2012 Château de Pez 88 2011-20 Tasted at Farr Vintners October 2010 It seems to be quite red fruited on the nose with the same freshness showing on the start of the palate. Richer fruit, ripe black fruits, flesh out the mid palate and although the tannins are quite firm they are ripe allowing the sweetness of the fruit to give some richness to the finish. Château Phélan Ségur 86-88 2011-20 Sweet fruit on the nose the palate starts with sweetness. The tannins are firm the mid palate a bit tight and although it opens up at the back the finish is firm a quite dry Tasted at the UGC tasting Royal Opera House October 2005 87 2012-20 The nose has fair depth and the start of the palate has sweet fruit. Firm in the middle the tannins very obvious and although there is richness at the back palate the finish is quite dry. Tasted at Farr Vintners October 2010 85 2012-20 The nose has a powerful mix of rich fruits all quite black fruited in character. The ripeness of fruit gives the mid palate richness but towards the back firm tannins take over and give the finish a hard dusty dryness. Château Tronquoy-Lalande 87-91 2007-16 The nose has depth with ripe black fruits the palate has a brooding richness powerful flavours. There is a balancing freshness the ripe black fruits supported by structured tannins the finish has the fleshy richness of black plum. Château Valrose 89 2009-16 Tasted in London at Farr Vintners October 2009 The nose is full of ripe black fruits and this upfront sweetness gives a fleshy feel on the palate. Dark chocolate and liquorice add character and these combined with the layers of fruit means that there is a feeling of complexity. Ripe cassis and bramble are backed by the spice of toasty oak on the finish. Tasted at Boodles April 2010 88 2009-16 The nose is very black fruited with sweetness showing through towards the back. The mix of dark chocolate and liquorice gives flesh on the palate further enriched by fruit ripeness. The back palate slightly lets it down as the tannins are firm and quite aggressive. Tasted at Farr Vintners October 2010 88 2009-16 11 www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

August 20, 2012 BORDEAUX 2003 The black fruited mix is rich with sweetness apparent on the nose. Cassis is very much to the fore but behind the sweet fruit are coffee beans and liquorice. The tannins are structured but not too aggressive and do not over dominate. Pauillac Château d Armailhac 5eme Cru 86-90 2010-20 The nose is full of fruit, very much a cassis and sloe influence. The tannins are firm giving tightness on the mid palate but the richness of the fruit does come through at the back. Tasted at the UGC tasting Royal Opera House October 2005 89 2010-20 Tasted in Bordeaux April 2007 88 2010-18 The black fruits on the nose have a herbal character, there is a touch of brett and this comes through on the palate. Fat and full then rather hard there is a lack of real balance. Tasted in Bordeaux April 2008 91 2009-17 The richness and sweetness of the year is very evident on both nose and palate. Big fat juicy blackcurrants are fleshed out by black plum but underneath there is some acidity and quite firm tannins both insuring that it is not over flabby. Tasted at Farr Vintners October 2010 88 2011-18 There is a leafy herbal character on the nose all very black fruited but with a slightly hard edge. The powerful mix of flavours on the palate is very ripe blackcurrant and blackberry dominated but behind all of this there is structure and firmness on the finish. Tasted at Bordeaux Index March 2013 87 2013-16 The nose has a leafy herbal spiciness with lots of fresh red fruits. The start of the palate is richer with more depth cassis and black cherry. Bramble freshness shows towards the back and the finish is firm with structured tannins slightly dry. Château Batailley 5eme Cru 89-91 2011-20 The nose is packed out with blackcurrant and sloe and this richness of sweet fruit is there on the palate. The tannins are firm but not aggressive slightly holding back full fruit expression at the moment. Tasted at the UGC tasting Royal Opera House October 2005 90 2013-20 Carruades de Château Lafite 88 2012-19 2 nd wine of Château Lafite Tasted at Farr Vintners October 2010 www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 12

BORDEAUX 2003 August 20, 2012 Although it is quite firm on the nose behind are some lovely ripe feeling black fruits. Cassis dominates the palate backed by black cherry refreshed by bilberry. The tannins on the mid palate are quite obvious but as they feel ripe they do not hold back the black fruited richness on the finish. Château Clerc Milon 5eme Cru 88-92 2012-22 The nose is packed with black fruits and there is just a hint of black truffle that is so Malbec. The palate has a good weight of flavour with the sweetness of the year there at the start. The middle and end are a bit tight at the moment but there is more to show. Tasted at the UGC tasting Royal Opera House October 2005 90 2012-22 Tasted at Farr Vintners October 2010 89 2012-20 The black fruited nose is rich and deep cassis to the fore. Powerful flavours enrich the palate blackcurrant and sloe with hints of black truffle. The back palate has the spice of cedar wood with just a hint of oak Tasted at Bordeaux Index March 2013 89 2013-17 The fruit on the nose is sweet with ripe black plum, some cassis and a touch of black truffle. The sweetness of the fruit gives richness on the palate with the fruit backed by some spicy cedar wood and oak. The fruit at the back still has sweetness although the finish is showing a hint of dryness. Château Colombier-Monpelou 79 The nose has sweetness but the palate is dominated by hard aggressive tannins the back palate rustic and dry. Château Croizet-Bages 84-87 2010-18 Green pepper spice the nose is fresh and firm the palate starts a bit tight. There is more depth in the middle some rich black cherry but the tannins are hard the back palate tight and lacking depth and the finish is dry lacking. Tasted at the UGC tasting Royal Opera House October 2005 86 2010-18 The nose is quite fat slightly hot and the start of the palate is sweet with ripe black fruits. Firm tannins underpin yet there is sweetness at the back ripe cassis and black cherry. The finish is quite tight at the moment. Tasted at Farr Vintners October 2010 88 2011-18 Black fruits give richness on the nose and some flesh on the palate. Behind the sweet fruit there are very firm tannins and they rather take over and hold back the fruit. The back palate has layers of fruit giving some complexity and the ripe blackcurrant that shows gives more richness to the finish. 13 www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

August 20, 2012 BORDEAUX 2003 Château Duhart-Milon 4eme Cru 89 2011-20 Tasted at Farr Vintners October 2010 There is an attractive smoky fragrance about the nose the black fruits backed by hints of cedar wood. The mid palate is quite fresh red fruits intermingling with the black and becoming more dominant. The structure that supports does not stop sweet fruit from enriching the back palate. Tasted in the Mansion House December 2014 92 2014-20 Smoky and fragrant on the nose the palate has a mix of ripe cassis and fresher bramble. There is mid depth structure with underlying richness the sweet fruit fleshy the palate supple. Although sweet and rich on the back palate the finish is slightly lighter fragrant with cedar wood spice. Les Forts de Latour 89-93 2010-20 2 nd wine of Château Latour The nose has power depth the richness of ripe fruit. Black fruits dominate the ripe cherry and cassis backed by dark chocolate and liquorice. There is a supporting structure but the tannins are fine the rich fruit giving flesh at the back and depth on the finish. Tasted at the Carlton Club November 2008 92 2010-20 Usually this second wine is very structured and needs a lot of time to open up but the 2003 is rich, ripe and fleshy, powerful black fruit enriched by dark chocolate. Towards the back there is structure but as the tannins are rounded and in no way aggressive one is left with a mouthful of ripe fruit. Tasted at Farr Vintners October 2010 91 2011-20 The nose has a lovely richness and sweetness and the ripe feel is there on the palate with the powerful black fruits enriched by dark chocolate. Power, richness and depth of flavour are the features of the mid palate and although there is structure as the tannins are ripe and rounded they do not hold back the fleshy power. Tasted at Bordeaux Index March 2013 89 2013-18 The nose has a lovely mix of black fruits all rich and ripe and on the palate there is depth of fruit backed by chocolate richness. The mid palate feels firmer and although the richness and sweetness of the fruit fills out the back palate it finishes with bilberry and bramble freshness. Château Grand-Puy-Ducasse 5eme Cru 85-88 2010-20 www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 14

BORDEAUX 2003 August 20, 2012 There is not much fruit showing on the nose and the start of the palate is firm and fresh lacking sweetness. It fills out a bit in the middle some ripe black fruits but the firmness of the tannins shows at the back the finish lacks length. Tasted at the UGC tasting Royal Opera House October 2005 88 2011-20 The nose is closed the start of the palate tight. There is more mid depth and richness ripe cassis with firmer black cherry and although firmer, lighter fresher at the back the finish has sweetness. Tasted at Farr Vintners October 2010 89 2011-20 Rich ripe fruit fleshes out the nose and power packs the palate. The layers of fruit give complexity, first black cherry and sloe appear to rule but then fresher red cherry and raspberry come through. The sweetness of the black fruits comes very much to the fore on the finish. Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste 5eme Cru 89 2012-20 Tasted at Farr Vintners October 2010 There is some nice sweet fruit on the nose with the richness of cassis and black plum on the palate. The fleshiness of the fruit is enhanced by dark chocolate and given a spicy twist by the liquorice and cedar wood that appears at the back. Tasted at Bordeaux Index March 2013 89 2013-18 The nose has the sweetness of ripe cassis and black plum and the palate is fleshy supple with the richness of chocolate, liquorice and coffee. The tannins on the mid palate are firm but not aggressive giving structure but not over dominating. The finish is firmer slightly dry with a touch of spicy cedar wood. Château Haut-Bages-Averous 85 2011-18 2 nd wine of Château Lynch-Bages Tasted at Farr Vintners October 2010 The nose is a bit tight all very black fruited but this is overshadowed by the tannin. Blackcurrant and black cherries are very much in evidence on the palate refreshed by some bilberry but then overpowered by the tannin. Château Haut-Bages- Libéral 5eme Cru 88-91 2012-20 It has the power and lushness of ripe fruit on the nose and this fatness is apparent at the start of the palate. The middle is a bit hot, a trifle simple but the finish has lots of power and a fair depth. Tasted at the UGC tasting Royal Opera House October 2005 90 2012-20 15 www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

August 20, 2012 BORDEAUX 2003 Tasted in Bordeaux April 2007 87 2008-15 Full fat on the nose but the palate is a bit hot and the tannins feel very firm giving a rather rustic character. It goes quite dry and short on the finish. Tasted in Rome March 2008 91 2012-20 The fruit on both nose and palate is concentrated, fleshy and ripe, a mass of blackcurrant and bilberry. The ripeness of the tannins adds to the fleshy suppleness giving a very forward feel. It is firmer more structured towards the back with lots of concentrated fruit. Tasted at Farr Vintners October 2010 91 2012-20 The nose has a rich mix of black fruits with blackberry and blackcurrant to the fore. On the palate there are layers of flavour black cherry, bramble and cassis refreshed by some bilberry. The richness of the fruit packs out the back palate. Château Haut-Batailley 5eme Cru 89 2012-20 Tasted at Farr Vintners October 2010 Black cherry seems to dominate the nose all quite firm. Richer rather sweeter black fruits give some flesh on the palate but supporting the layers of flavour are structured tannins that tend to hold back the fruit and close down the finish at the moment. Tasted at Bordeaux Index March 2013 87 2013-17 There are a lot of black fruits on the nose and although there is sweetness on the palate in the middle is quite firm and slightly tight. It opens up towards the back with richer fruit and a fair depth of flavour but the tannins become more obvious on the finish. Tasted at the Château May 2013 92 2013-24 The ripeness of the year is very apparent with a rich sweet fruited nose and lots of lush ripe flavours on the palate. The mix of black fruits gives complexity with the fleshiness of black plum and the firmer feel of cherry. Sweet fruit enriches the back palate and finish. Château Lacoste Borie 89 2007-13 Tasted at Boodle s (Farr Vintners) March 2007 Do not be afraid to enjoy the more upfront wines from this vintage. It is lovely, packed with ripe fruit fleshed out by the heat of the year. The ripe plum of the Merlot is supple with fresher black fruits behind it - bilberry and blackcurrant. The combination will give great pleasure over the next few years Tasted at Dyers Hall November 2010 90 2010-16 The nose feels ripe with lots of quite fleshy black fruits. Rounded tannins help to give a sweet quite fleshy feel on the palate but there is some balancing red cherry that refreshes and lifts the flavours on the finish. www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 16

BORDEAUX 2003 August 20, 2012 Tasted at Dyers Hall July 2011 92 2011-22 Bramble and blackcurrant are very much to the fore on the nose with the ripeness of the fruit giving richness. There are layers of fruit on the palate all very black fruited in character, dark chocolate helps to enrich the mid palate. Although it is powerful and rich fruited there is enough red cherry in evidence to refresh the back palate. Château Lafite 1er Cru 95 2012-20 Tasted at Farr Vintners October 2010 There is some lovely sweet fruit on the nose and ripe black fruit on the palate. The richness, chocolate and coffee backing the fruit, is balanced by fresher black cherry and bilberry that gives a charming elegance. The finish shows all the sweetness of the year Tasted at Bordeaux Index March 2013 93 2014-22 The fruit on the nose is sweet a lovely rich mix of ripe flavours. Layers of fruit give lots of complexity on the palate with ripe bramble and cassis underpinned by firmer black cherry. The tannins are ripe the palate supple and although the fruit towards the back is sweet there is enough freshness to give an elegant feel to the long finish. Château Latour 1er Cru 93-97 2012-22 Brooding black fruits the nose has depth richness and the palate has a mix of flavours. Black cherry and sloe are underpinned by dark chocolate and liquorice a powerful rich mix but at the back there is freshness the finish lighter long and stylish. Tasted at Farr Vintners October 2010 94 2012-22 The mix of blackcurrant and sloe is rich and powerful filling out the nose and giving depth on the palate. The tannins are still quite firm but as they feel ripe not aggressive they allow the richness of the fruit to show and fill out the back palate. There is enough bilberry freshness to balance. Tasted at Bordeaux Index March 2013 95 2013-22 The nose is rich deep brooding with lots of rich fruit black fruit and the palate has power and depth of flavour. The black fruited mix gives lots of complexity sweet cassis and chocolate with slightly firmer black cherry. The tannins give support firm but not aggressive and the mix of black cherry and sloe gives richness and depth on the finish. Tasted at the Château March 2015 95 2015-24 Rich and ripe the nose has depth and black fruited power. Cassis and black cherry are supported by ripe tannins the mid palate sweet fleshy the fruit backed by liquorice and dark chocolate. Slightly lighter at the back a bramble and bilberry mix with a hint of spicy oak and a touch of maturity. 17 www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

August 20, 2012 BORDEAUX 2003 Château Lynch-Bages 5eme Cru 89-93 2009-20 Rich and ripe on the nose the palate has depth of fruit ripe black fruits damsons and black cherry. The tannins are firm but ripe supporting the rich fruit the dark chocolate and although fat and ripe at the back there is freshness on the finish. Tasted in Bordeaux April 2007 90 2009-17 It is very lush, lots of ripe fruit, very rich, ripe fat plum. There are tannins that help to firm up the mid palate but they feel rounded and supple giving fatness to the finish. Tasted at Farr Vintners October 2010 90 2011-20 The nose is quite rich and the palate has depth of flavour. The mix of flavours on the palate is powerful rich blackcurrant and black cherry underpinned by lighter fresher bilberry. The firmness of the tannins tends to close down the finish. Tasted at Bordeaux Index March 2013 88 2013-17 The nose is rich with a good depth of flavour all very black fruit dominated. The palate starts with sweetness but the mid palate is firmer with black cherry, fresh bilberry and bramble. It fills out a little towards the back with sweeter fruit and more rounded tannins but the finish is beginning to dry and is quite short. Château Lynch Moussas 5eme Cru 88-92 2010-18 Cassis and black cherry the nose has depth the palate starts sweet with ripe fruit. The tannins are firm but fine there is sweetness at the back and although the finish is a bit tight there is the feel of fruit to show. Tasted at the UGC tasting Royal Opera House October 2005 89 2010-18 Tasted in the Mansion House September 2007 Nice weight of cassis and bilberry. It is concentrated, quite complex with powerful cassis and chocolate coming through towards the finish. Still very firm but the tannins are ripe. Tasted in Rome March 2008 90 2010-17 The black fruits on the nose are very upfront and sweet giving a fleshy feel on the palate. It seems quite forward, tannins are in evidence but they are rounded and supple ensuring that towards the back there is sweetness of cassis and bilberry. It is not quite ready yet but will open up quite fast. Tasted at Lincoln s Inn June 2010 91 2011-18 The mix of black fruits on the nose feels ripe and sweet. The start of the palate is fleshy full of ripe fruit but in the middle and towards the back the tannins are still quite firm holding back full fruit expression. The layers of bramble, bilberry and cassis give complexity. www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 18

BORDEAUX 2003 August 20, 2012 Tasted at Mosimann s & the Carlton Club July 2010 91 2011-20 There are red fruits on the nose backed by richer black. Both nose and palate have the sweetness of the year, ripe fruits and rounded tannins. Towards the back the tannin firmness shows closing down the finish but there is a lovely complex mix of flavours behind. Tasted at Mosimann s July 2011 91 2012-20 The nose has lots of sweet black fruits and the richness of flavour fills out the start of the palate. Cassis tends to dominate but behind the richness there is some freshness with an attractive mix of black cherry and bramble. The finish is still slightly tight. Tasted at Lincoln s Inn July 2012 90 2013-24 The sweetness of the year shows on the nose with lots of ripe cassis and blueberries. The mid palate is firm the tannins structured but behind there is the sweetness of ripe fruit. Tasted at Leathersellers May 2013 92 2013-18 There a lovely depth and richness of fruit on the nose cassis and black cherry. The ripe tannins add to the suppleness on the mid palate the richness of the fruit enhanced by chocolate and liquorice. The finish is long with a nice mix of flavours. Tasted at the Mansion House December 2014 92 2015-20 Tasted at the Mansion House October 2015 92 2015-20 Black fruits dominate the nose is rich with a mix of blackcurrant and black cherry. The tannins although firm are not obtrusive not holding back the fruit with ripeness black fruited power enriching the finish. Château Mouton Rothschild 1er Cru 90-95 2010-20 Rich and ripe the nose has depth and the palate the fleshy richness of ripe fruit. Black fruits on the mid palate are underpinned by chocolate the sweet fruit giving flesh at the back. The tannins are firm but fine the fruit at the back fresher the finish is quite light. Tasted in Rome March 2008 92 2010-18 The nose shows the ripeness of the year, full of fleshy blackcurrant and sloe. The palate has weight at the start, fleshy fruit backed by dark chocolate. The tannins are still firm towards the finish but there is fruit at the back still to show. Tasted at Farr Vintners October 2010 95 2011-20 It is sweet fleshy with lots of ripe fruit. Black fruits appear to dominate but behind all of the richness there is freshness, bilberry and black cherry. The spice of liquorice and coffee beans lifts the flavours on the back palate. Tasted at Bordeaux Index March 2013 90 2014-20 19 www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

August 20, 2012 BORDEAUX 2003 The nose is rich ripe lush with lots of sweet ripe fruit. Black plum, cassis and dark chocolate enrich the mid palate the sweetness of this mix nicely balanced by the freshness of bilberry and bramble. There are lots of complexity layers of fruit but towards the back the fruit is just beginning to slide leaving the finish quite short. Pauillac de Latour 87-89 2008-17 The nose has depth with black fruited richness and the start of the palate is quite sweet. There is mid depth the fruit underpinned by firm but ripe tannins and although rich and ripe at the back there is an underlying freshness the finish a bit closed at the moment. Château Pédesclaux 5eme Cru 84-87 2007-17 The nose lacks richness the palate over dominated by aggressive tannins. Sweeter at the back some ripe black fruits and the finish has quite good depth. Le Petit Mouton 86 2011-18 2 nd wine of Château Mouton Rothschild Tasted at Farr Vintners October 2010 Although there are some nice black fruits on the nose they tend to be rather over dominated by tannin. Black cherry and cassis feature on the palate their sweetness balanced by fresher bilberry all rather over powered by the tannic structure. Tasted at Bordeaux Index March 2013 86 2013-18 The nose is quite lean and showing quite a lot of maturity. The fruit on the palate tends to dry with the tannins all a bit obvious rather overshadowing the sweetness. There is some nice fresh fruit at the back it just seems to be lacking in sweetness and fruit depth. Château Pichon-Longueville Baron 2eme Cru 89-93 2012-22 Cabernet Sauvignon 64% Merlot 36% The fruit on the nose is powerful all very black fruited. Sloe intermingles with blackcurrant refreshed on the mid palate by bilberry. The tannins give structure but feel ripe and in no way aggressive. The complex mix of fruits linger. Tasted at the UGC tasting Royal Opera House October 2005 92 2012-22 Tasted at Farr Vintners October 2010 92 2011-20 www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 20

BORDEAUX 2003 August 20, 2012 There is an attractive mix of black fruits on the nose black cherry and sloe giving the power with cassis and bramble the sweetness. The mid palate is chocolate and coffee rich supported by firm but ripe tannins. The fleshy richness fills out the back palate. Tasted in Bordeaux November 2010 92 2010-20 The sweetness of the year is apparent on the nose and gives sweet fleshiness on the palate. There is enough red cherry freshness helping to balance the fleshy richness and this freshness gives a more elegant feel to the finish. Tasted at Bordeaux Index March 2013 90 2013-18 There is a lot of rich fruit on the nose with a lovely depth of flavour on the palate. Black fruits are very much to the fore with black cherry and sloe underpinned by black plum. Chocolate and coffee beans add to the complexity with the richness balanced by bilberry freshness yet the finish has sweetness and depth. Tasted at the Château April 2014 91 2014-19 The nose has a sweet mix of black fruits and the start of the palate has a fleshy richness. At the back it feels lighter bilberry and bramble with some red cherry. The back palate has more depth with fruit sweetness fleshy and rich on the finish. Tasted at the Château December 2015 91 2015-22 Tasted at the Château May 2016 Rich and sweet on the nose the palate has fleshy black fruits supple on the mid palate. Although there is some mid acidity a balancing freshness the back palate has breadth the finish has the richness of ripe black fruits. Château Pichon-Longueville-Lalande 2eme Cru 90-94 2012-25 The blackcurrant and bilberry is fragrant with an underlying freshness and purity. Powerful flavours flesh out the palate, the fruit is though surrounded by a tannic cage at the moment but the tannins are ripe so the richness will win through. Towards the back fresher flavours emerge ensuring real elegance. Tasted at the UGC tasting Royal Opera House October 2005 Tasted at in London the MMD tasting January 2010 93 2012-20 The nose is fragrant underpinned by a mix of black fruits. Cassis is very much in evidence, quite rich sloe and some fresh bilberry. The ripeness of the tannins gives a chocolate richness but towards the back freshness shows giving elegance to the finish. Tasted at Farr Vintners October 2010 91 2011-20 The nose has a fragrant freshness with lots of lovely bilberry. Sweet fruit comes through on the palate, cassis and blackberry firmed up by some black cherry. Towards the back the tannins tend to show but they do not totally over power allowing some fragrant fruit to come through on the finish. 21 www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

August 20, 2012 BORDEAUX 2003 Tasted at Bordeaux Index March 2013 91 2013-18 There is a fragrant red fruited freshness on the nose with hints of red cherry but the freshness at the start of the palate tends to be more black fruit in character with bilberry and bramble. The mid palate has depth of fruit a chocolate richness supple and fleshy with rounded tannins. Towards the back the fruit mix is fragrant giving a more elegant feel to the long finish. Tasted at the Château September 2015 91 2015-20 Tasted at the Château May 2016 The nose is warm, ripe fruited and sweet the palate fleshy lush with rounded tannins, breadth of flavour. The ripe fruit gives flesh and sweetness at the back slightly unsubtle and although there is a hint of freshness the finish is fleshy and sweet. Château Pontet-Canet 5eme Cru 88-92 2012-22 The mix of black fruits on the nose has a lovely purity. Blackcurrant is there with weightier sloe and behind fresher bilberry. The mid palate is chocolate rich with hints of cedar wood towards the back. Tasted at the UGC tasting Royal Opera House October 2005 91 2012-20 Tasted at Farr Vintners October 2010 91 2012-20 The nose is fresh with a mix of black fruits that have real purity of flavour. Fresh bilberry is very much in evidence but behind there is a sweeter mix with layers of cassis, bramble and sloe. Although the mid palate is chocolate rich the tannins are quite structured firming up the finish. Tasted at Bordeaux Index March 2013 90 2013-18 The nose has a good mix of fruits with at first black fruits and then red layers of flavour lots of complexity. The bramble and cassis mix gives freshness yet richness the sweet fruit backed by chocolate liquorice and coffee yet towards the back there is freshness giving a slightly lighter less concentrated feel on the finish. Réserve de la Comtesse 87 2011-19 2 nd wine of Château Pichon-Longueville-Lalande Tasted at Farr Vintners October 2010 The nose has a floral mix of red and black fruits, the freshness of the red balancing the sweetness of the black. The fruit on the palate feels ripe more black fruited in influence and although structured tannins appear towards the back they do not seem to over dominate. It lacks a bit of complexity and depth on the finish. www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 22

BORDEAUX 2003 August 20, 2012 Saint-Julien Château Beychevelle 4eme Cru 87-90 2010-20 It is very sweet on the nose lots of very ripe fruit. The palate is packed with lush cassis fleshing out the middle and giving a sweet power towards the back. It just lacks a bit of structure and complexity. Tasted at the UGC tasting Royal Opera House October 2005 90 2010-20 Tasted at the Carlton Club November 2008 90 2011-20 The nose does not give a lot away at the moment but there is fruit showing through at the start of the palate. Fresh raspberry and cherry vie with cassis and bilberry, the red fruit freshness lightening the mid palate and tightening up the finish. It lacks the sweetness and rounded suppleness that one expects from the year. Tasted at the Carlton Club July 2010 91 2010-17 There is a lot of ripe fruit on the nose and the sweet mix of blackcurrant and bramble shows through on the palate. This attractive mix is backed by fresher bilberry and the tannins although ripe do give a good structure. Towards the back there is a lighter fresher feel making it a good partner to lamb and pork. Tasted at Farr Vintners October 2010 90 2011-20 The mix of cassis, black cherry and red cherry has an appealing sweetness. The palate is very fruit driven yet there are hints of oak spicing it up towards the back. The layers of fruit add interest the underlying red give freshness on the finish. Tasted at Bordeaux Index March 2013 88 2013-17 There is a mix of cassis and black cherry on the nose with quite rich flavours on the start of the palate. The mid palate sweetness gives way to freshness giving a lighter feel towards the back and the finish is beginning to dry. Château Branaire-Ducru 4eme Cru 89-92 2010-20 It is fat full and ripe on the nose and this weight of fleshy blackcurrant and damson is there at the start of the palate. The mid palate is a bit tight, a slight dryness and this holds back full richness on the finish. Tasted at the UGC tasting Royal Opera House October 2005 89 2010-20 Tasted at Farr Vintners October 2010 91 2012-20 The ripeness of the black fruits on the nose gives it a lovely richness. There is lots of power on the palate rich sloe and black cherry balanced by cassis and fresher bilberry. The firmness of the tannins does tend to close down the finish. Tasted at Bordeaux Index March 2013 88 2013-18 23 www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

August 20, 2012 BORDEAUX 2003 Ripe sweet black fruits show on the nose but the start of the palate is firm with very obvious tannins. It fills out a bit on the mid palate with a richer mix of cassis and sloe but towards the back it is lacking fruit richness with the finish beginning to dry. Clos du Marquis 88 2011-17 2 nd wine of Château Léoville Las Cases Tasted at Farr Vintners October 2010 Cassis is very much in evidence on the nose it ripeness gives an attractive sweetness. The mix of black fruits on the palate gives complexity the richness of flavour helped by rounded tannins. The finish has lots of fruit and a lovely length. Tasted at Bordeaux Index March 2013 89 2013-18 Cassis is to the fore with firmer black cherry underpinning. The fruit feels ripe quite sweet and although there is tannic structure they do not overpower the black fruited mix on the finish. Tasted at the Jean Pierre Moueix tasting London April 2015 88 2015-19 Black fruits dominate the nose is quite sweet the palate lighter and fresher. This more depth at the back ripe cassis and black cherry and the finish has sweetness and a nice length. La Croix de Beaucailllou 84-88 2007-17 2 nd wine Château Ducru-Beaucaillou Sweet on the nose the start of the palate has depth of fruit. The mid tannins are firm tending to hold back the fruit and the back palate is lacking in generosity. Tasted at Farr Vintners October 2010 85 2011-17 Although there is some rich fruit on the nose the firm tannins tend to overpower it on the palate. Cassis and black cherry are in evidence with some fresher red but the tannins towards the back are aggressive and shorten the finish. Tasted at the Château April 2011 87 2011-17 It is quite fat and fleshy on the nose with ripe fruit giving a rich start to the palate. The tannins and acidity are quite obvious and tend to hold back the fruit giving a hard feel to the finish. Château Ducru-Beaucaillou 2eme Cru 90 2012-20 Tasted at Farr Vintners October 2010 There is a nice depth of fruit on the nose all quite black fruit driven. The layers of flavour on the palate, cassis and bramble backed by black cherry and sloe give lots of complexity. Towards the back some red fruits appear giving the finish freshness and elegance. www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 24