SPEC s Liquor Stores 2016 Bordeaux Futures Offer Spec s offers futures pricing on cases and individual bottles. Unless otherwise noted, prices are for cases of 12x750ml bottles. Spec s cannot guarantee an arrival date for any particular wine. All prices indicated in this offer include a 5% discount for cash. All orders are accepted subject to availability and confirmation. Prices are subject to change and will be confirmed at the time your order is placed. All wines are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Some wines are available only in extremely limited quantities. Spec s reserves the right to limit quantities. If for any reason, a wine does not come in from the supplier, Spec s may refund the original purchase price of the wine only with no further obligation. The score listed are from (The Wine Advocate), (.com), and (Spec s). The notes below are from my two-week visit to Bordeaux during the end of March and first part of April 2017. -, Spec s fine wine buyer Item MARGAUX 301377 750ml 6 BARON de BRANE, Margaux, 2016 ( = 6 s) 89-91 92 $29.57 $162.60 32% Cabernet Sauvigon, 65% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc. Red purple color with well formed legs; dry, mediumbodied with freshly balanced acidity and medium light phenolics. Supple fresh juicy red fruit and perfume Margaux with hits of tobacco leaf and dark floral. YUM. Score: 92. 301392 750ml 12 Ch. BRANE CANTENAC, Margaux, 2016 70% Cabernet Sauvigon, 27% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 1% Carmenere. Red-purple with well formed legs; dry, medium-bodied with fresh acidity and medium phenolics. Grand Vin. Riper and darker with red and darker red fruit and spicy tobacco leaf with floral perfume. Pure, focused, precise. Lovely. Delicious. Score: 95. 96-98 17 95 $72.24 $794.64 301402 750ml 12 Ch. CANTENAC BROWN, Margaux, 2016 68% Cabernet Sauvigon, 32% Merlot.. Purple-red with well formed legs; dry, medium full-bodied with freshly balanced acidity and medium phenolics. Great red and darker red fruit with spice and tobacco leaf. Gravel earth and supple dusty oak. Juicy rich lively texture and feel. Layered-Textured-Dimensional. Has a bit of flash. Score: 95+. 92-94 16+ 95+ $55.00 $604.92 301431 750ml 12 Ch. d'issan, Margaux, 2016 64% Cabernet Sauvigon, 36% Merlot. Red-purple color with well formed legs; dry, medium-bodied with freshly balanced acidity; medium phenolics. Elegant, balanced, perfumed juicy red and darker red fruit with hints of tobacco leaf and a subtle earth component. Score: 93+. 93-95 17+ 93+ $65.68 $722.40 301438 750ml 12 Ch. du TERTRE, Margaux, 2016 75% Cabernet Sauvigon, 10% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petite Verdot.. Sensory: red-purple in color, and with well formed legs; dry, medium-bodied with freshly balanced acidity; medium plus phenolics. Richer and ronded with a nice darker dusty red fruit. Tobacco and spice. Score: 91. 90-92 16.5+ 91 $41.87 $460.56 301448 750ml 12 Ch. FERRIERE, Margaux, 2016 63% Cabernet Sauvigon, 32% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petite Verdot. Red-purple in color, and with well formed legs; dry, medium-bodied with freshly balanced acidity; medium phenolics. Lovely pure fresh, fruit dominant red and a bit of darker red fruit. Offers notes of tobacco and gravel with a subtle Margaux perfume. Score: 94. 92-94 17-94 $42.68 $469.56 301455 750ml 12 Ch. GISCOURS, Margaux, 2016 93-95 17 94 $62.39 $686.28 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot. Red-purple color with well formed legs; dry, medium-bodied with freshly balanced acidity and medium phenolics. Supple, ripe, delicious, medium-rich, lovely textured red and darker red sweet fruit with subtle tobacco leaf and a bit of Margaux perfume. Elegant. Classic. Score: 94. 301526 750ml 12 Ch. LASCOMBES, Margaux, 2016 89-91? 16.5 $80.45 $884.88 301543 750ml 12 Ch. MALESCOT St. EXUPERY, Margaux, 2016 94-96 15.5 92 $57.73 $635.04 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petite Verdot Purple-red color with well formed legs; dry, medium-bodied with freshly balanced acidity and medium phenolics. Clean red and darker red fruit with some spice and tobacco leaf and gravel-dust-earth terroir. Score: 92. 301544 750ml 6 Ch. MARGAUX, Margaux, 2016 ( = 6 s) 97-99 17.5 100 $577.86 $3,178.26 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petite Verdot. Red-magenta color with well formed legs; dry, medium-bodied with freshly balanced acidity and medium phenolics. Supple, true grand vin. Elegant and long with focused mixed range red fruit and spice to go with subtle tobacco and gravel-mineral earth. The Margaux perfume is there. Weightless and ethereal but Layered-Texture-Dimensional. Extremely long finsh. Just WOW. Score: 100. 301569 750ml 12 Ch. RAUZAN SEGLA, Margaux, 2016 95-97 17 96+ $83.72 $921.00 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 2% Petite Verdot. Purple-red color with well formed legs; dry, medium fullbodied with freshly balanced acidity and medium phenolics. Grand Vin. Bigger and riper with more depth and more structure. Lots of fresh red, dark, and darker red fruit with tobacco leaf and dusty gravel earth to go with spicy, balanced oak. Lovely. Layered-Textured-Dimensional Score: 96+. 301575 750ml 12 Ch. SIRAN, Margaux, 2016 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc, 9% Petite Verdot aged in all French oak barrels (33% new). 92-94 17-92 $29.56 $325.08 Red-purple color with well formed legs; dry, medium-bodied with freshly balanced acidity and medium phenolics. More elegant and delicate with more fruit coming through and a bit of spice. Hints at graphite and tobacco with gravel-dust earth. Score: 92. 301597 750ml 12 PAVILLON ROUGE du Ch. MARGAUX (2nd vin de Ch. Margaux), Margaux, 2016 91-93 16.5++ 97+ $157.60 $1,733.52 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 3% Petite Verdot. Red-purple color with well formed legs; dry, mediumbodied with freshly balanced acidity and medium phenolics. Fresh and lively. Supple, perfumed, mineral earth. Driven with lovely pure red and darker red fruit. Elegance personified. Score: 97+. ST. JULIEN 301389 750ml 12 Ch. BEYCHEVELLE, St. Julien, 2016 47% Cabernet Sauvigon, 47% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petite Verdot. First vintage in new cellar. Red-purple in color, and with well formed legs; dry, medium-bodied with freshly balanced acidity; medium phenolics. Rich, dusty soft, ripe, toasty with new oak. Delicious. Dark and darker red and a bit of black fruit accented with tobacco leaf and cedar with a dusty gravel earthiness. Score: 96. 96-98 16.5 96 $78.80 $866.88 LAST UPDATED ON 7/9/2017 Page 1
301391 750ml 12 Ch. BRANAIRE DUCRU, St. Julien, 2016 92-94 17 94 $55.82 $614.04 64% Cabernet Sauvigon, 27% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Petite Verdot. Red-purple color with well formed legs; dry, medium-bodied with freshly balanced acidity and medium phenolics. Supple red and dark and darker red fruits with coffee and tobacco and gravel earth. Textured. Score: 94. 301422 750ml 12 Ch. DUCRU BEAUCAILLOU, St. Julien, 2016 96-98 17 98 $192.07 $2,112.84 85% Cabernet Sauvigon, 15% Merlot aged 18 months in French oak barrels (all new). Red-purple color with well formed legs; dry, medium full-bodied with balanced acidity and medium phenolics. Elegant and perfumed. Ethereal. Somehow both rich and weightless. Beautiful red fruit and spice with tobacco and stony earth. Score: 98. 301458 750ml 12 Ch. GLORIA, St. Julien, 2016 60% Cabernet Sauvigon, 30% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petite Verdot aged in French oak barrels (40% new). Red-magenta color with well formed legs; dry, medium-full-bodied with balanced acidity and medium phenolics. Delicious ripe fresh soft Gloria. Darker but still supple red fruit with tobacco leaf and dusty earth. Score: 93+. 93+ $42.68 $469.56 301462 750ml 12 Ch. GRUAUD LAROSE, St. Julien, 2016 69% Cabernet Sauvigon, 29% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc from 82 hectares in a single block aged in French oak barrels 93-95 17.5 96+ $73.81 $811.92 (80% new), Red-magenta colo with well formed legs; dry, medium-bodied with freshly balanced acidity and medium phenolics. Juicy fresh and alive with lovely red and some darker red fruits. Subtle dark warm spice. Notes of perfume, gravel, and tobacco leaf. Its all there. Lovely. Ripe. Delicious. Score: 96+. 301487 750ml 12 Ch. LANGOA BARTON, St. Julien, 2016 91-93 17.5 92+ $53.77 $591.48 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc. Red-purple color well formed legs; dry, medium-bodied with freshly balanced acidity and medium phenolics. Riper darker red fruit with earth and oak. Tobacco, spice, black pepper. Score: 92+. 301534 750ml 12 Ch. LEOVILLE BARTON, St. Julien, 2016 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, red-purple color with well formed legs; dry, medium-full-bodied with balanced 93-95 18 95 $88.66 $975.24 acidity, medium plus phenolics. Richer but still focused with riper red and darker red fruit, tobacco leaf, gravel, and warm, dark spice. Delicious. Score: 95. 301535 750ml 12 Ch. LEOVILLE Las CASES, St. Julien, 2016 98-100 19 96+ $247.88 $2,726.76 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc Purple color with well formed legs; dry, medium-bodied with freshly balanced acidity, medium phenolics. Saline mineral with dense red fruit and spice and tobacco leaf with gravel-dust-mineral. Delicious and in a fresher balance. Elegant and fine. I haven t enjoyed a young las s this much in years (if ever). Score: 96+. 301536 750ml 12 Ch. LEOVILLE POYFERRE, St. Julien, 2016 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petite Verdot aged in all French oak barrels (80% 95-97 18 97 $91.93 $1,011.24 new). Red-purple color with well formed legs; dry, medium full-bodied with freshly balanced acidity and medium-plus phenolics. Supple, ripe, juicy, richer with riper red and even some black fruit and more gravel-earth terroir. Grand Vin with a bit of flash to it. Textured and dimensional. Score: 97. 301573 750ml 12 Ch. SAINT PIERRE, St. Julien, 2016 94-96 17-94+ $64.03 $704.40 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc. Red-purple color with well formed legs; dry, medium-fullbodied with balanced acidity and medium phenolics. Supple fresh, lively. Red fruit and spice with tobacco and gravel earth. Classic St. Julien leaning toward claret. Delicious. Score: 94+. 301579 750ml 12 Ch. TALBOT, St. Julien, 2016 90-92 17 96+ $59.10 $650.16 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, 6% Petite Verdot aged in French oak barrels (50% new). Red-magenta color with well formed legs; dry, medium-plus-bodied with freshly balanced acidity and medium phenolics. Delcious, ripe, juicy, but still fresh. Best Talbot I can remember tasting. Dark and darkerred fruit with freshness and elegance. Notes of tobacco and subtle dusty earth. Charming. Delicious Score: 96+. 301582 750ml 12 CLOS du MARQUIS, St. Julien, 2016 93-95 17 92? $55.82 $614.04 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc. Red-purple color with well formed legs; dry, mediumbodied with freshly balanced acidity, medium phenolics. Mixed red fruit with some warm spice, subtle tobacco, and gravel earth. Could this have been a less than perfect sample? Seemed a bit muted. Score: 92?. 301588 750ml 12 La CROIX de BEAUCAILLOU, St. Julien, 2016 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, and 3% Petite Verdot from a single selected site (not a second wine but a 92-94 17 94 $49.26 $541.92 seperate wine). aged in French oak barrels (66% new). Red-purple color with well formed legs; dry, medium-bodied with freshly balanced acidity and medium phenolics. Lovely pure ripe focused juicy Cabby-tasting with red and darker red fruits accented with tobacco, cedar, spice, and gravelly-stony-dusty earth. Big and serious but also elegant. Score: 94. 301601 750ml 12 SARGET de GRUAUD LAROSE, St. Julien, 2016 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petite Verdot aged in French oak barrels (15% new). 92 $24.64 $270.96 Red-purple color with well formed legs; dry, medium-bodied with freshly balanced acidity, medium phenolics. Fresh, juicy ripe St. Julien with clean red fruit and tobacco leaf over gravel-earth. Score: 92. PAUILLAC 301384 750ml 6 CARRUADES de LAFITE, Pauillac, 2016 ( = 6 s) 89-91 16.5+ 94 $187.98 $1,033.92 44% Cabernet Sauvigon, 49% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petite Verdot. Red-purple color with well formed legs; dry, medium-bodied with freshly balanced acidity and medium phenolics. Red and darker red fruit with tobacco and a bit of cedar with red fruit perfume and a welcome gravel-mineral component with integrating oak. Score: 94. 301409 750ml 12 Ch. CLERC MILON, Pauillac, 2016 92-94 17.5+ 94+ $70.60 $776.52 55% Cabernet Sauvigon, 29% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petite Verdot, 1% Carmenere. Red-violet in color, and with well formed legs; dry, medium-bodied with freshly balanced acidity; medium phenolics. Classic red and darker red fruit with tobacco and gravel-dust-mineral earh. Accents of spice and integrating oak. Lovely, pure, fresh. Classic but not old school. Score: 94+. 301429 750ml 12 Ch. d'armailhac, Pauillac, 2016 63% Cabernet Sauvigon, 28% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petite Verdot. Red-magenta color with well formed legs; dry, medium full-bodied with freshly balanced acidity; medium plus phenolics. Dusty classic tobacco and gravel Pauillac with dark and darker red fruit. Fine classic feel if a bit old school (but not fusty). Score: 93+. 92-94 17-93+ $45.97 $505.68 301615 750ml 12 Ch. DUHART MILON, Pauillac, 2016 92-94 17+ 92 $75.91 $835.08 67% Cabernet Sauvigon, 33% Merlot. Red-purple color with well formed legs; dry, medium-bodied with balanced acidity and medium phenolics. Supple, focused still fresh red and darker red fruit with tobacco and gravel. Score: 92. Page 2
301460 750ml 12 Ch. GRAND PUY LACOSTE, Pauillac, 2016 95-97 17 97+ $83.72 $921.00 79% Cabernet Sauvigon, 21% Merlot. Red-violet color with well formed legs; dry, medium-bodied with freshly balanced acidity and medium phenolics. Pure foccused precise Claret weight with red and dark red and a bit of darker red fruit with tobacco leaf and gravel earth with dusty oak. Focused, delicious. Weightless, ethereal. Classic defining Pauillac. Score: 97+. 301466 750ml 12 Ch. HAUT BAGES LIBERAL, Pauillac, 2016 90-92 16.5 94+ $55.00 $604.92 75% Cabernet Sauvigon, 25% Merlot. Red-purple color with well formed legs; dry, medium-bodied with freshly balanced acidity and medium phenolics. Lovely ripe classic Pauillac offering a lot of juicy mixed-range red fruit accented with dust and tobacco leaf over gravel-mineral terroir. Score: 94+. 301484 750ml 12 Ch. LACOSTE BORIE, Pauillac, 2016 88-90 93 $27.10 $298.08 2nd wine of Ch. Grand Puy Lacoste. 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc. Red-violet color with well formed legs; dry, medium-bodied with freshly balanced acidity and medium phenolics. Lovely Cabby fresh and alive. Red fruit with tobacco and spice. Hints of tobacco-leaf and gravel. Pure, delicious. Score: 93. 301485 750ml 6 Ch. LAFITE ROTHSCHILD, Pauillac, 2016 ( = 6 s) 96-98 18 98 $663.36 $3,648.48 z92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot. Red-purple with well formed legs; dry, medium-bodied with freshly balanced acidity and medium phenolics. Supple, fresh, red and some darker red fruit with high-toned spice and tobacco leaf. Subtle gravel and integrating oak. Ethereal and weightless in the mouth. Classic. Score: 98. 301540 750ml 12 Ch. LYNCH BAGES, Pauillac, 2016 97-99 17.5 95+ $132.97 $1,462.68 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petite Verdot, Red-purple color with well formed legs; dry, medium full-bodied with freshly balanced acidity and medium phenolics. Supple, fresh, focused, clean. Most modern Lynch Bages in years. Clean red and darker red fruit with tobacco and gravel dust. Satisfying. 2016 is final vintage that was made in the old (now demolished) cuverie. Best Lynch Bages since 2005? Score: 95+. 301541 750ml 12 Ch. LYNCH MOUSSAS, Pauillac, 2016 92-94 17-93 $39.41 $433.44 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot. Red-purple color with well formed legs; dry, medium full-bodied with freshly balanced acidity and medium phenolics. Supple and delicious in a more modern style offering darker riper red and some black fruit over gravel earth and bit of tobacco leaf. Lovely feel. Has a bit of flash to it Score: 93. 301550 750ml 6 Ch. MOUTON ROTHSCHILD, Pauillac, 2016 ( = 6 s) 98-100 18.5+ 98+ $577.86 $3,178.26 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petite Verdot Red-magenta color with well formed legs; dry, medium-bodied with freshly balanced acidity and medium phenolics. Most weightless Mouton I have ever tasted. Pure and lovely with lots of full range red fruit to go with a subtle swirl of graphite and cedar, tobacco leaf, and dark warm spice, dusty gravel earth and more. Delicious Score: 98+. 301557 750ml 12 Ch. PIBRAN, Pauillac, 2016 90-92 16.5+ 92 $34.48 $379.20 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 55% Merlot, Red-magenta color with well formed legs; dry, medium-bodied with freshly balanced acidity and medium phenolics. Supple, ripe, generous, juicy. Fresh with red fruit and a bit of salty minerality. A bit of a stylistic outlier as a Pauillac but still a lovely red from the greater Haut Medoc. Score: 92. 301426 750ml 12 Ch. PICHON BARON, Pauillac, 2016 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot... Purple-red color with well formed legs; dry, medium-full-bodied with freshly 96-98 18.5 96 $157.60 $1,733.52 balanced acidity and medium phenolics. More Grand Vin in style with ripe darker and darkest red fruit with a hint of black fruit. Sweet and supple in the mouth with emerging mineral and notes of tobacco leaf Score: 96. 301559 750ml 12 Ch. PICHON LALANDE, Pauillac, 2016 96-98 17-98 $165.80 $1,823.88 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc. Red-purple color with well formed legs; dry, medium lightbodied with freshly balanced acidity and medium plus phenolics. Lovely texture and feel. Lots of richness and freshness. Full range but focused red fruit with mixed spice and tobacco, gravel and integrating oak. Pushes the right buttons for me. Layered-Textured-Dimensional. Score: 98. 301563 750ml 12 Ch. PONTET CANET, Pauillac, 2016 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petite Verdot (all biodynamically grown) aged 35% in 95-97 18 97 $136.22 $1,498.44 concrete amphora, 55% in new oak barrels, and 10% second use oak barrels (all French). Red-purple color with well formed legs; dry, medium full-bodied with freshly balanced acidity and medium phenolics. Pure and precise. Supple fresh, full range red fruit with tobacco leaf and subtle gravel-mineral earth. Integrated and complete. Delicious. Layered- Textured-Dimensional. Score: 97. 301585 750ml 12 ECHO de Ch. Lynch Bages, Pauillac, 2016 89--91 16 91 $41.05 $451.56 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, Red-purple color with well formed legs; dry, medium full-bodied with balanced acidity and medium-plus phenolics. Focused if a bit rustic with chewier structure. A bit of a throwback with dark and darker red fruit, tobacco leaf and gravel. Score: 91. 301599 750ml 6 PETIT MOUTON (2nd vin de Ch. Mouton Rothschild), Pauillac, 2016 ( = 6 s) 92-94 17 95+ $183.88 $1,011.30 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc. Red-violet color with well formed legs; dry, medium fullbodied with freshly balanced acidity and medium-plus phenolics. Supple, fresh, dusty, deep, classic Pauillac with a bit of pizzazz. Dark and darker red fruit with tobacco leaf, graphite, and cedary spice. YUM. Layered-Textured-Dimensional. Score: 95+. 301600 750ml 12 RESERVE de la COMTESSE, Pauillac, 2016 90-92 93 $42.68 $469.56 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petite Verdot. Red-purple colo with well formed legs; dry, medium-bodied with balanced acidity, medium phenolics. Pure fresh focused red and some darker red fruit with gravel and tobacco and a bit of graphite to go with dustiness and subtle oak. Score: 93. ST. ESTEPHE 301393 750ml 12 Ch. CALON SEGUR, St. Estephe, 2016 95-97 18.5 97 $87.01 $957.12 60% Cabernet Sauvigon, 20% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petite Verdot. Red-purple with well formed legs; dry, medium-bodied with freshly balanced acidity and medium phenolics. Supple, ripe, full range red fruit with aromatic spice and tobacco leaf. Expansive in the mouth with that ethereal weightlessness of the vintage. Layered, textured, dimensional. Score: 97. 301417 750ml 12 Ch. COS d'estournel, St. Estephe, 2016 98-100 18 95 $165.80 $1,823.88 76% Cabernet Sauvigon, 23% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc. Red-purple color with well formed legs; dry, mediumbodied with freshly balanced acidity; medium phenolics. Supple and elegant and refined but with ample richness. Dark and darker red fruit with Cabby tobacco leaf and a hint of cedar. Dimensional. Score: 95. 301486 750ml 12 Ch. LAFON ROCHET, St. Estephe, 2016 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petite Verdot, Jean Claude Berrouet (of Petrus) consults. Red-purple color with well formed legs; dry, medium-bodied with freshly balanced acidity and medium 91-93 16.5 95 $52.54 $577.92 phenolics. Elegant juicy, fresh, fine red and darker red fruit with a bit of saline mineral character as well as tobacco, spice, black pepper, and gravel-mineral terroir. Score: 95. Page 3
301538 750ml 12 Ch. Les ORMES de PEZ, St. Estephe, 2016 92-94 16.5 93+ $31.20 $343.20 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 52% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petite Verdot. Red-purple color with well formed legs; dry, medium-bodied with freshly balanced acidity and medium phenolics. Salty-mineral with focus and precision. Full range red fruit with spice and depth and juiciness. Notes of gravel mineral earth, tobacco leaf, a hint of graphite. Has a fine green Cabernet edge. Classic. Yum. BEst Ormes de Pez I have ever tasted. Score: 93+. 301547 750ml 12 Ch. MONTROSE, St. Estephe, 2016 97-99 18 96 $141.18 $1,553.04 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc. Red-purple color with well formed legs; dry, mediumbodied with freshly balanced acidity and medium phenolics. Supple, fresh, alive. Saline note with mineral gravel earth. Fresh red and bit of darker red fruit with spice and tobacco leaf. YUM Score: 96. 301553 750ml 12 Ch. PHELAN SEGUR, St. Estephe, 2016 92-94 17-95 $45.97 $505.68 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot Red-magenta color with well formed legs; dry, medium-bodied with freshly balanced acidity and medium phenolics. Mineral and gravel earth under riper dark and darker red fruit with tobacco and St. Estephe s classic green edge. Lovely texture and feel. Tastes a bit Cabbier than it is. Score: 95. 301589 750ml 12 La DAME de MONTROSE, St. Estephe, 2016 90-92 17 92 $37.76 $415.44 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 52% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 11% Petite Verdot. Red-purple color with well formed legs; dry, medium full-bodied with freshly balanced acidity and medium phenolics. Focused red and a bit of darker red fruit with some rusticity and notes of tobacco leaf and gravel Score: 92. 301594 750ml 12 Les PAGODES de COS d'estournel, St. Estephe, 2016 90-92 17 91 $45.42 $499.68 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46.5% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and.5% Petite Verdot. Red-magenta color with well formed legs; dry, medium full-bodied with freshly balanced acidity, medium plus phenolics. Lovely fresh dark and darker red fruit with some rough and rustic tobacco and gravel. Chewier than expected; a bit extracted. Score: 91. 301595 750ml 12 MARQUIS de CALON, St. Estephe, 2016 17+ 92 $27.10 $298.08 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 55% Merlot (includes some young cabernet planted in 2007 and after). Red-purple color with well formed legs; dry, medium-bodied with freshly balanced acidity and medium phenolics. Lovely pure focused weightless. Structured with lots of red fruit over subtle gravel and tobacco leaf. Hints at the green edge of Cabernet in St. Estephe. Exciting and delicious. Score: 92. HAUT MEDOC AND MEDOC 301394 750ml 12 Ch. CAMESNSAC, Haut Medoc, 2016 90-92 16 93+ $30.37 $334.08 55% Cabernet Sauvigon, 45% Merlot (50% new oak). Red-magenta with well formed legs; dry, medium-bodied with freshly balanced acidity and medium phenolics. No Rusticity. Juicy with ripeness. Supple and ripe red and a bit of darker red fruit. note of tobacco leaf. Subtle earth note but not really earthy. Lovely feel. Score: 93+. 301401 750ml 12 Ch. CANTEMERLE, Haut Medoc, 2016 52% Cabernet Sauvigon, 39% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petite Verdot. Red-purple color with well formed legs; dry, medium full-bodied with freshly balanced acidity and medium chewy phenolics. Exotic nose. Graphite and cedar with tobacco leaf layered over dark and darker red fruit. Focused, elegant, delicious. Performing above expectations. Score: 95. 90-92 15.5 95 $32.02 $352.20 301406 750ml 12 Ch. CHASSE SPLEEN, Moulis, 2016 92-94 16 94 $31.20 $343.20 50% Cabernet Sauvigon, 42% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petite Verdot. Red-purple with well formed legs; dry, medium-bodied with freshly balanced acidity and medium phenolics. Focused, clean, supple, fresh and not at all rustic. Dark and darker red fruit with spice and tobacco and gravel. Score: 94. 301545 750ml 12 Ch. MAUVESIN BARTON, Moulis, 2016 91+ $16.01 $176.04 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc, 7% Petite Verdot Red-magenta colorwith well formed legs; dry, medium-bodied with freshly balanced acidity and medium phenolics. Fresh and focused with clean fruit. Red and darker red with subtle earth and warm spice. Score: 91+. 301565 750ml 12 Ch. PONTOISE CABARUSS, Haut Medoc, 2016 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petite Verdot aged in all French oak barrels (1/3 new). 93 $13.49 $148.32 Red-purple color with well formed legs; dry, medium-bodied with freshly balanced acidity, medium phenolics. Rich and ripe with juicy dark and darker red fruit with tobacco, lots of gravel, spice and more. Has that classic Cabernet Sauvignon green edge. Pure and precise. Depth. WOW Score: 93. 301566 750ml 12 Ch. POTENSAC, Medoc, 2016 90-92 17 92 $26.27 $288.96 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petite Verdot, Red-purple color with well formed legs; dry, medium-bodied with freshly balanced acidity and medium phenolics. Supple fresh and lively with red fruit and spice with a subtle mineral-gravel-earth. Score: 92. 301574 750ml 12 Ch. SENEJAC, Haut Medoc, 2016 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petite Verdot aged in all french oak barrels (30% new). Violet-purple colo with well formed legs; dry, medium full-bodied with freshly balanced acidity and medium phenolics. Supple fresh, lively. Delicious richer warmer style Haut Medoc with supple red and darker red fruit accented with warm spice and notes of tobacco-leaf and gravel earth. Score: 93. 91-93 16.5+ 93 $14.78 $162.60 PESSAC LEOGNAN ROUGE 301404 750ml 12 Ch. CARBONNIEUX, Pessac Leognan Rouge, 2016 92-94 16.5 93 $36.12 $397.32 60% Cabernet Sauvigon, 30% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petite Verdot (35% new oak). Purple-red color with well formed legs; dry, medium-bodied with freshly balanced acidity and medium phenolics. Lovely, clean red fruit with gravel-mineral earth and supple oak. note of tobacco leaf and cedar. Moving toward ethereal in the mouth. Delicious.. Score: 93. 301405 750ml 12 Ch. CARMES HAUT BRION, Pessac Leognan Rouge, 2016 20% Cabernet Sauvigon, 41% Merlot, 39% Cabernet Franc. Aged 97% oak barrels (all French ; 90% new ) 3% in clay 95-97 17 98 $78.80 $866.88 amphora. Purple-red with well formed legs; dry, medium full-bodied with freshly balanced acidity and medium phenolics. Richer, riper, and rounder but still elegant with darker red fruit accented with tea and tobacco leaves and subtle gravel-mineral earth. Lovely. Textured and dimensional. Score: 98. 301414 750ml 12 Ch. CLOS MARSALETTE, Pessac Leognan Rouge, 2016 53% Cabernet Sauvigon, 45% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc (35% new oak). Red-purple in color, and with well formed legs; dry, medium-bodied with freshly balanced acidity and medium phenolics. Supple, lovlely, balanced with juicier darker fresher riper red and even a hint of black fruit with tobacco and gravel mineral. Delicious. Pure and fresh. YUM. Score: 93+. 90-92 16.5 93+ $23.81 $261.84 Page 4
301467 750ml 12 Ch. HAUT BAILLY, Pessac Leognan Rouge, 2016 96-98 17 95 $116.56 $1,282.08 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petite Verdot. Purple-red color with well formed legs; dry, medium-bodied with balanced acidity and medium-plus phenolics. Big, ripe richer Pessac Leognan offering dark warm spice and darker more red than black fruit with notes at coffee and earth. Score: 95. 301616 750ml 6 Ch. HAUT BRION, Pessac Leognan Rouge, 2016 ( = 6 s) 97-99 19 100 $584.48 $3,214.68 37.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 56% Merlot, 6.5% Cabernet Franc. Red-purple color with well formed legs; dry, mediumbodied with balanced acidity and medium plus phenolics. Lovely pure, and perfumed with mineral and spice integrated with red and dark and darker red fruit with tobacco leaf and gravel and integrating oak. Delicious. Textured, layered, and dimensional. Score: 100. 301480 750ml 6 Ch. la MISSION HAUT BRION, Pessac Leognan Rouge, 2016 ( = 6 s) 42.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 57.5% Merlot. Deep-red-magenta colo with well formed legs; dry, medium full-bodied with 98-100 18.5++ 98-99 $462.95 $2,546.22 balanced acidity and medium-plus phenolics. Rich ripe powerful juicy dark and darker red fruit with spice and tobacco leaf over mineral-gravel earth and integrating oak. Textured, layered, dimensional. Score: 98-99. 301528 750ml 12 Ch. LATOUR MARTILLAC, Pessac Leognan Rouge, 2016 92-94 16 93 $36.53 $401.76 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 8% Petite Verdot aged in French oak barrels (40% new). Red-purple color with well formed legs; dry, medium-bodied with freshly balanced acidity and medium phenolics. Almost Pauillac-tasting Pessac Leognan with red fruit, tobacco, spice, gravel earth, and subtle oak. Lovely Score: 93. 301551 750ml 12 Ch. PAPE CLEMENT, Pessac Leognan Rouge, 2016 95-97 16.5 95 $91.93 $1,011.24 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 50% Merlot aged in French oak barrels (60% new). Purple-red color with well formed legs; dry, medium-full-bodied with freshly balanced acidity and medium phenolics. Big, juicy fresh with fruit and terroir. Full range red and a bit of black fruit with gravel and some tobacco leaf. A bit extracted for me but does have some elegance. Score: 95. 301577 750ml 12 Ch. SMITH HAUT LAFITTE, Pessac Leognan Rouge, 2016 96-98 17.5 96 $106.39 $1,170.36 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petite Verdot. Red-purple color with well formed legs; dry, medium full-bodied with freshly balanced acidity and medium-plus phenolics. Smooth and rounded with richer sweeter dark and darker red fruit with warm spice and tobacco leaf over a gravel-mineral earth. The steak is there but there s a bit of sizzle here to go with it. Score: 96. 301584 750ml 12 DOMAINE de CHEVALIER, Pessac Leognan Rouge, 2016 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5% Petite Verdot, Red-purple color with well formed legs; dry, medium fullbodied 94-96 17+ 96+ $73.88 $812.76 with balanced acidity and medium plus phenolics. Dust and tobacco leaf followed by dark and darker red fruit with spice and mineral earth. Complex and interesting with dark fruit and floral perfume in the finish. Score: 96+. 301587 750ml 12 La CHAPELLE de La MISSION, Pessac Leognan Rouge, 2016 91-93 17 93+ $91.93 $1,011.24 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36.5% Merlot, 21.5% Cabernet Franc. Red-violet color with well formed legs; dry, mediumplus-bodied with freshly balanced acidity and medium-plus phenolics. Lovely elegant integrated juicy wine with dark and darker red fruit accented with subtle tobacco leaf, spice, and gravel-earth. Score: 93+. 301591 750ml 12 Le CLARENCE de HAUT BRION, Pessac Leognan Rouge, 2016 89-91 17 96(+) $141.18 $1,553.04 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, 51.3% Merlot, 13.1% Cabernet Franc, 2.6% Petite Verdot. Red-purple color with well formed legs; dry, medium full-bodied with freshly balanced acidity and medium plus phenolics. Supple, elegant, still juicy-ripe offering dark and darker red fruit, hint of dark fruit and floral perfume, warm spice, tobacco, gravel-earth, and integrating oak. Delicious, layered, complete. Score: 96(+). ST. EMILION 301386 750ml 6 Ch. ANGELUS, St. Emilion, 2016 ( = 6 s) 96-98 17++ $393.18 $2,162.52 301387 750ml 12 Ch. BEAUSEJOUR DUFFAU, St. Emilion, 2016 95 95 $116.56 $1,282.08 90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc. From Nicolas Thienpont. Red-magenta with well formed legs; dry, medium-bodied with freshly balanced acidity and medium chewy phenolics. Ripe and rich but still leaning toward weightlessness. Elegant and lively red and some darker red fruit with mixed spice, black pepper, and mineral earth. Score: 95. 301388 750ml 12 Ch. BERLIQUET, St. Emilion, 2016 75% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc. From Nicolas Thienpont. Red-purple colo with well formed legs; dry, medium fullbodied with freshly balanced acidity and medium phenolics. Richer riper denser more stuffing with spice and depth under red and dark and darker red fruit. Textured. Score: 93+. 91-93 16.5+ 93+ $38.58 $424.44 301395 750ml 12 Ch. CANON la GAFFELIERE, St. Emilion, 2016 10% Cabernet Sauvigon, 55% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Franc (60% new oak). Red-purple well formed legs; dry, mediumbodied with freshly balanced acidity and medium phenolics. Subtle, elegant, focused, herbal in the best way. Lots of red and darker red fruit with notes of tobacco leaf and tea leaf and a bit of warm asian spice. Delicious. Layered and dimensional. Score: 96+. 93-95 17 96+ $91.93 $1,011.24 301399 750ml 12 Ch. CANON, St. Emilion, 2016 74% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Franc (65% new oak). Red-purple with well formed legs; dry, medium-bodied with freshly balanced acidity and medium phenolics. Supple and salty (with minerality) with ripe, focused mid-range red and dark red fruit. Deep and delicious but still fresh. Pure, Lovely. Has some richness but also a welcome sort of weightlessness. Score: 96+. 97-99 18.5 96+ $100.14 $1,101.60 301407 750ml 6 Ch. CHEVAL BLANC, St. Emilion, 2016 ( = 6 s) 97-99 18.5+ 99-100 $728.34 $4,005.90 3.3% Cabernet Sauvigon, 59.5% Merlot, 37.2% Cabernet Franc. The grand vin makes up 77% of production. Redmagenta with well formed legs; dry, medium-bodied with freshly balanced acidity and medium phenolics. Ethereal and weightless with an incredible lightness. Most elegant. Subtle, supple, fine red fruit with spice and cedar, tea, hint of tobacco leaf, gravel-dust-earth. Integrated and complete. Textured and dimensional. Score: 99-100. 301434 750ml 12 Ch. DAUGAY, St. Emilion, 2016 93 $22.44 $246.84 7% Cabernet Sauvigon, 70% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Franc. Red-purple in colo with well formed legs; dry, mediumbodied with balanced acidity and medium phenolics. Supple lively red fruit with dark warm spice and black pepper over mineral earth. Long and elegant. Score: 93. 301450 750ml 12 Ch. FIGEAC, St. Emilion, 2016 38% Cabernet Sauvigon, 36% Merlot, and 26% Cabernet Franc fermented using pumpovers and submerged cap and aged in French oak barrels (all new). Purple red color with well formed legs; dry, medium-bodied with freshly balanced acidity and medium phenolics. Elegant Cabby supple rich with red and darker red fruit accented with tobacco leaf and spice, black pepper, a bit of cedar, and gravel-dusty earth. Focused. Weightless, ethereal. Delicious. Layered-Textured- Dimensional. Score: 99. 98-100 19 99 $206.84 $2,275.32 Page 5
301459 750ml 12 Ch. GRAND CORBIN DESPAGNE, St. Emilion, 2016 89-91 16.5 93+ $32.02 $352.20 1% Cabernet Sauvigon, 75% Merlot, 24% Cabernet Franc aged in French oak barrels (50% new). Red-purple color with well formed legs; dry, medium-bodied with freshly balanced acidity and medium phenolics. Richer but focused with darker red fruit and spice. Lots of character Score: 93+. 301474 750ml 12 Ch. la CONFESSION, St. Emilion, 2016 94 $34.48 $379.20 72% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Franc aged in a mix of French oak barrels and cigars (60% new). Red purple color with well formed legs; dry, medium-full-bodied with freshly balanced acidity and medium phenolics. Riper rounder darker red fruit and even some black fruit with a subtle tea-tobacco herb note and an earthy richness. Score: 94. 301488 750ml 12 Ch. LARCIS DUCASSE, St. Emilion, 2016 87% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc Red-purple colo with well formed legs; dry, medium-bodied with freshly balanced 93-95 17 94+ $73.88 $812.76 acidity and medium phenolics. Elegant and even ethereal with sweet elegant red fruit and red fruit perfume over subtle warm spice and some mineral earth. Score: 94+. 301552 750ml 12 Ch. PAVIE MACQUIN, St. Emilion, 2016 94-96 16.5+ 97 $82.09 $903.00 2% Cabernet Sauvignon, 82% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Franc. Purple-red color with well formed legs; dry, mediumbodied with freshly balanced acidity, medium phenolics. Supple, classy, elegant, but lively with red and some darker red fruit. This is a smoking good more elegantly styled St. Emilion offering nuance and depth in a more weightless style. Delcious. Score: 97. 301568 750ml 12 Ch. QUINTUS, St. Emilion, 2016 92-94 17 96 $124.76 $1,372.44 70% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc from the Haut Brion team. Purple-red color with well formed legs; dry, medium fullbodied with balanced acidity, medium plus phenolics. Supple, rich but in focus with red and darker red fruit and spice accented with a warm mineral earth. Lovely in the mouth. Textured and dimensional. Score: 96. 301581 750ml 12 CLOS de l'oratoire, St. Emilion, 2016 91-93 93 $42.68 $469.56 90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc aged in French oak barrels (45% new). Red-purple color with well formed legs; dry, medium-bodied with freshly balanced acidity and medium phenolics. Supple, juicy red. Deep and rich with red darker fruit and fine deeper earthier terroir. Delicious. Score: 93. 301586 750ml 6 L'IF, St. Emilion, 2016 ( = 6 s) 93-95 16 99-100 $140.10 $770.58 100% Merlot, Red-purple color with well formed legs; dry, medium-full-bodied with freshly balanced acidity and medium-plus phenolics. Elegant pure, lovely focused full-range red fruit with spice and succulence. Lasts and lasts with the finish coming in waves. Has real depth but still somehow weightless. Score: 99-100. (Tasted right after Le Pin; it belongs on that table.) 301593 750ml 12 Le DRAGON de QUINTUS, St. Emilion, 2016 92+ $33.11 $364.20 90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc. Purple-red color with well formed legs; dry, medium-bodied with freshly balanced acidity and medium phenolics. Delicious fresh mixed range red fruit and spice with a subtle mineral-earthiness. YUM Score: 92+. POMEROL 301411 750ml 12 Ch. CLINET, Pomerol, 2016 96-98 16 94 $100.14 $1,101.60 90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Red-purple color with well-formed legs; dry, medium-bodied with freshly balanced acidity; medium phenolics. Sweet red and a bit of darker red fruit with asian spice. Refreshing. Score: 94. 301452 750ml 12 Ch. GAZIN, Pomerol, 2016 94-96 16.5 $83.72 $921.00 301472 750ml 6 Ch. l'evangile, Pomerol, 2016 ( = 6 s) 94-96 17.5 96 $249.54 $1,372.50 92% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc. Red Purple color with well formed legs; dry, medium-bodied with freshly balanced acidity and medium phenolics. Rich and ripe with darker red and even some black fruit with hints of coffee and cocoa and dark warm spice over warm mineral earth Score: 96. 301475 750ml 12 Ch. la CONSEILLANTE, Pomerol, 2016 96-98 17+ 96+ $206.84 $2,275.32 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc aged in all French oak barrels (70% new). Red-purple color with well formed legs; dry, medium full-bodied with freshly balanced acidity and medium phenolics. Ripe and rounded but still focused red and some much darker red fruit with spice and earth and a sort of weightless density. Pure. Moving toward Layered-Textured- Dimensional. Score: 96+. 301478 750ml 12 Ch. la CROIX St. GEORGES, Pomerol, 2016 90-92 15.5+ 94 $60.47 $665.16 94% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc aged in all French oak barrels (80%) and Cigars (20%) (50% new). Red-purple color with well formed legs; dry, medium-plus-bodied with balanced acidity and medium phenolics. Deep and dark but focused with fresh juicy dark and darker red fruit over a sort of mineral earth. Score: 94. 301482 750ml 12 Ch. la POINTE, Pomerol, 2016 85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc from a mix of terroirs in a 23 hectare vineyard just outside of Libourneaged in French oak barrels (50% new) Hubert de Bouard (of Angelus) is the consultant. red-purple color with well formed legs; dry, 92-94 16 92+ $42.68 $469.56 medium-bodied with freshly balanced acidity and medium phenolics. We tasted all the Merlot terroir components and the Cabernet Franc seperately before we tasted the actual blend. The sandy soils with clay and gravel offered mixed red fruits and spice. Warmer. The clay was riper and more complex with a fine feel. The deep gravel: sweeter and richer with more red fruit. The Cabernet Franc was more herbal and almost Loire-like in its weight and feel. The actual assemblage offered darker, softer juicy red fruit with earth and a bit of spice. More alive. very interesting. Score: 92+. 301533 750ml 3 Ch. le PIN, Pomerol, 2016 96-98 19 99-100 $1,511.40 $4,156.35 100% Merlot, Red-Purple color with well formed legs; dry, medium full-bodied with freshly balanced acidity and medium plus phenolics. Supple focused juicy. Still coming together with dark and darker red fruit, spice, clean mineral earth. Already Layered-Textured-Dimensional. Exactly what it supposed to bescore: 99-100. 301578 750ml 12 Ch. TAILLEFER, Pomerol, 2016 Red-purple color with well formed legs; dry, medium-bodied with freshly-balanced acidity and medium phenolics. Focused red fruit and an elegant sandy earthiness. Focused and balanced, clean, easier drinking style of Pomerol from right next to the St. Emilion border. Score: 92+. 89-91 16.5 92+ $25.12 $276.24 301602 750ml 6 VIEUX Ch. CERTAN, Pomerol, 2016 ( = 6 s) 95-97 19 99-100 $265.96 $1,462.74 1% Cabernet Sauvignon, 85% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc. Red-purple color with well formed legs; dry, mediumbodied with freshly balanced acidity and medium-plus phenolics. Fresh, elegant, and alive. Lovely pure and focused. Precise. A grand Vin. Lots of supple red ethereal fruit with spice and mineral. Delicious. Layered-Textured-Dimensional. Score: 99-100. Page 6
OTHER BORDEAUX REDS 301375 750ml 12 ALCEE, Cotes de Castillon, 2016 92% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc made at Ch. La Prade (Thienpont). Red-Purple color with well formed legs; dry, medium-bodied with freshly balanced acidity; medium phenolics. Supple, richer, dustier red fruit with some spice and a bit of tea/tobacco leaf. Score: 89+. 89+ $15.60 $171.60 301385 750ml 12 Ch. AMPELIA, Cotes de Castillon, 2016 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc (33% new oak barrels). Owned and made by Françcois Despagne of Ch. Grand Corbin Despagne Red-purple iwith well formed legs; dry, medium full-bodied with freshly balanced acidity and medium plus phenolics. Lovely supple, pure, foused, juicy red fruit with spice and mineral. Delicious, Easy to like and drink. Best Ampelia yet. Score: 92+. 92+ $11.90 $130.92 301421 750ml 12 Ch. CROIX MOUTON, Bordeaux Superieur, 2016 An across-the-river (from St. Emlion) blend of 98% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc from Jean Philippe Janouiex. Red-purple 90+ $11.02 $121.20 color with well formed legs; dry, medium-bodied with freshly balanced acidity and medium phenolics. Clean and fresh. Juicy ripe and focused with fresh red juicy almost crunchy fruit. Score: 90+. 301613 750ml 12 Ch. d'aiguilhe, Cotes de Castillon, 2016 90-92 16+ 92+ $23.38 $257.16 85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc. (35% new oak) from Stephan Niepperg. Red-purple with well formed legs; dry, medium-plus-bodied with freshly balanced acidity. Dusty and mineral with dark and darker red fruit. Lovely, focused, pure. Score: 92+. 301530 750ml 12 Ch. le CONSEILLER, Bordeaux Superieur, 2016 100% Merlot Aged 4 months in tank with staves and part in barrels (no new barrels). Red-purple color with well formed 90+ $11.90 $130.92 legs; dry, medium-bodied with freshly balanced acidity and medium phenolics. Supple, more elegant, more focused. Red cherry-berry fruit with darker dusty earth. Score: 91. 301567 750ml 12 Ch. PUYGUERAUD, Cote de Francs, 2016 91+ $13.55 $149.04 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec. Red-purple color with well formed legs; dry, medium-bodied with freshly balanced acidity and medium phenolics. Supple, delicious, focused red fruit with spice and subtle mineral earth. Delicious. Score: 91+. 301590 750ml 12 La PARDE de HAUT BAILLY, Pessac Leognan, 2016 93+ $32.03 $352.32 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc. Red-purple colo with well formed legs; dry, mediumbodied with freshly balanced acidity and medium phenolics. Supple elegant balanced wine offering sweet red and darker red fruit with tobacco, gravel, and spice. Delicious. Yum. Score: 93+. DRY WHITE BORDEAUX 301378 750ml 6 BLANC de LYNCH BAGES, Bordeaux Blanc, 2016 ( = 6 s) 52% Sauvignon Blanc, 30% Semillon, 18% Muscadelle fermented in temperature controlled barrels. Straw color, bright and clear with well formed legs; dry, medium-bodied with refreshing acidity and very light phenolics. Elegant, fresh, ripe. Lots of citrus with hints of tropical and exotic over a dusty mineral core. Lovely. Score: 93. 93 $42.70 $234.84 301403 750ml 12 Ch. CARBONNIEUX BLANC, Pessac Leognan Blanc, 2016 65% Sauvignon Blanc, 35% Semillon havested at three different ripeness levels and aged in a mix of new and used 94+ $31.20 $343.20 french oak barrels and demi muids as well as foudre. Straw color, bright and clear with well formed legs; dry, mediumbodied with fresh acidity and very light phenolics. Focused citrus and mineral with notes of exotic and stone fruits and integrating oak. Quite mineral. Delicious. Score: 94+. 301412 750ml 12 Ch. CLOS MARSALETTE, Pessac Leognan Blanc, 2016 92 $23.27 $255.96 60% Sauvignon Blanc, 40% Semillon, Straw color, bright and clear with good legs; dry, medium-light-bodied with fresh acidity and scant phenolics. Supple elegant lovely fresh. Delicious riper citrus Sauvignon fruit with a core of mineral. YUM. Score: 92. 301423 750ml 12 Ch. d'aiguilhe Blanc, Bordeaux Blanc, 2016 93 $24.64 $270.96 100% Sauvignon Blanc from the estate in the Cotes de Castillon. Straw color, bright and clear with good legs; dry, medium-bodied with refreshing acidity and scant phenolics. Vivid fresh, juicy ripe. Lively mixed ripe citrus fruit with a mineral core. Delicious, a touch exotic. YUM. Score: 93. 301469 750ml 6 Ch. HAUT BRION Blanc, Pessac Leognan Blanc, 2016 ( = 6 s) 100 $824.10 $4,532.58 70.5% Sauvignon Blanc, 29.5% Semillon. Straw with green highlights, bright and clear with well-formed legs; dry, medium full-bodied with freshly balanced acidity and very light phenolics. Stunningly elegant yet rich and generous white offering ripe tropical, ripe citrus, stone, and tree fruit with mineral and oak. Complete. Dimensional, layered, textured. A pure pleasure. WOW WOW WOW Score: 100. 301479 750ml 6 Ch. la MISSION HAUT BRION Blanc, Pessac Leognan Blanc, 2016 ( = 6 s) 98+ $659.94 $3,629.70 62.7% Sauvignon Blanc, 37.3% Semillon. Straw color, bright and clear with well formed legs; dry, medium full-bodied with freshly balanced acidity and scant phenolics. Supple, fresh, and alive with ripe juicy citrus accented with tropical fruit and fruit cocktail. Pure and lovely. Layered, textured, dimensional... Score: 98+. 301527 750ml 12 Ch. LATOUR MARTILLAC BLANC, Pessac Leognan Blanc, 2016 94 $32.84 $361.32 60% Sauvignon Blanc, 40% Semillon aged in french oak barrels (25% new). Green straw color, bright and clear with well formed legs; dry, medium-bodied with fresh acidity and scant phenolics. Lovely, pure fresh white with citrus and a fine mix of tropical and exotic. Dimensional, textured. Score: 94. 301576 750ml 12 Ch. SMITH HAUT LAFITTE BLANC, Pessac Leognan Blanc, 2016 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Semillon, 5% Sauvignon Gris fermented and aged in all house-made French oak barrels (50% new) Green straw color, bright and clear with well formed legs; dry, medium-full-bodied with freshly balanced 97 $100.14 $1,101.60 acidity and very light phenolics. Rich and juicy, volputuous and even naughty. Fills the mouth with richness and exotic fruit but stays in balance. Score: 97. 301583 750ml 12 DOMAINE de CHEVALIER BLANC, Pessac Leognan Blanc, 2016 96 $96.86 $1,065.48 75% Sauvignon Blanc, 25% Semillon, Straw color, bright and clear with with well-formed legs; dry, medium-bodied with fresh acidity and scant phenolics. Juicier and richer but still in precise focus with ripe citrus and exotic tropical fruit to go with mineral and integrating oak. Layered-Textured-Dimensional. For me, it took a while to understand Domaine de Chevalier Blanc but it is a taste worth acquiring. Score: 96. Page 7
301592 750ml 12 Le CLARTE de HAUT BRION Blanc, Pessac Leognan Blanc, 2016 23.7% Sauvignon Blanc, 76.3% Semillon, straw color, bright and clear with well formed legs; dry, medium-plus-bodied 93+ $83.72 $921.00 with refreshing acidity and very light phenolics. Pure mineral expression of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc with oak. Tropical, ripe citrus and exotic fruits with a swirl of gravel mineral. Lovely. Score: 93+. 301596 750ml 6 PAVILLON BLANC du Ch. MARGAUX, Bordeaux Blanc, 2016 ( = 6 s) 100% Sauvignon Blanc aged in french oak barrels with some demi-muids (25% new oak). Straw color, bright and clear 98-99 $167.46 $921.06 with good legs; dry, medium light-bodied with fresh acidity and scant phenolics. Ripe citrus and stone fruit with mineral and a hint of the exotic. Pure and precise. Ethereal and weightless even as it is Layered-Textured-and-Dimensional. Score: 98-99. SAUTERNES & BARSAC 301380 750ml 12 CARMES de RIEUSSEC, Sauternes, 2016 $21.48 $236.28 301383 375ml 12 CARMES de RIEUSSEC, Sauternes, 2016- Half s $12.89 $141.72 301419 750ml 12 Ch. COUTET, Sauternes, 2016 91-93 16.5+ 94+ $37.76 $415.44 Fresh but still rich with classic Sauternes balance. Ripe sweet citrus with some exotic fruit, apricot, peach, and honey. Delicious, well-executed lovely style. 301436 750ml 12 Ch. DOISY VEDRINES, Sauternes, 2016 Gold straw with green highlights, bright and clear with well-formed legs; sweet, medium-light-bodied with fresh acidity and scant phenolics. Fresh and alive. Medium-light style with fruit and freshness. Sweet ripe citrus with peach and apricot and honey tover a mineral core. Delicious, lively, supple. YUM. Score: 95. 16.5 95 $33.79 $371.76 301464 750ml 12 Ch. GUIRAUD, Sauternes, 2016 Golden straw color with green highlights, bright and clear with well-formed legs; dry, medium-bodied with fresh acidity 93-95 17+ 94+ $42.68 $469.56 and scant phenolics. Peach, cpricot, ripe citrus and honey with honeysuckle and lemon rind, mineral and lemon curd. Delicious. Elegant and special Score: 94+. 301570 750ml 12 Ch. RIEUSSEC, Sauternes, 2016 Gold straw color and green highlights, bright and clear with well-formed legs; sweet, medium full-bodied with refreshing 92-94 16.5+ 97 $54.31 $597.48 acidity and scant phenolics. Elegant with sweet lemon drop and sweet candied fruit, honey, honeysuckle. Has richness and depth but is still fresh. Utterly Delicious. Vivid. Finishes clean. This is the kind of Sauternes you can drink! I hope more sauternes evolves this direction. Score: 96-98. 301571 375ml 24 Ch. RIEUSSEC, Sauternes, 2016- Half s $29.39 $646.56 Page 8