Andrew Cullimore

9.0

Medium deep ruby , pink rim , quite intense , with coloured tears noticeable . Quite closed but deep dark fruited , serious but compact nose , with touch of dark chocolate , grafite , blackberry , dark plum, cherry . On the palate more dark fruits , blackberry , dark plum , cherry , quite rich with dark chocolate, grafite nuances . Balanced acidity with quite gritty tannins . Slightly mineral and saline tinged on the medium length finish , with just a slight warmth from the alcohol noticeable . Certainly ambitious for a Castillion Cotes de Bordeaux , though unsurprisingly makes no mention of this on the front label ! This shows quite young , will improve over another 5 - 7 years and last a further 5-10. — 6 days ago

Shay A

9.4

One of the better older Bordeaux I’ve had in quite some time. Absolutely at peak with so many layers. It outshined an ‘03 Grand Puy Lacoste (which showed thin), ‘03 Montelena (sadly corked), and an ‘03 BV Georges de LaTour (rich/sweet).

Absolutely on fire from pop, this 20yr old left bank Bordeaux showed none of the overripe/too hot characteristics of the vintage. Deep purple/black in the glass with no bricking. Full-bodied. Mocha, truffle, roasted blackberries and raspberries, graphite on the nose. Ripe (but not overly so) dark berries, plum, cassis with vanilla pipe tobacco and even some iron. Still a good bit of tannin on the finish. This shows as a “modern” style due to the warmth, but balanced. Wish I had more. Pop the corks and enjoy! — a year ago

Daniel M

8.9

Second take on this pauillac made by grand puy Ducasse. The nose is intense upon opening with black currant, cedar, cigar, even chocolate. Exquisite. The palate is nice too. Very strong acid backbone and some matter on the sides. Currant, width, a silky layer. Fine tannins to kick things up a bit before a nice curranty, cedary, long lasting finish. Not at grand cru level but still a very enjoyable pauillac. Highly recommended. — 5 years ago

Beth Novak Milliken

9.5

Power, cassis, fresh rose and rosemary potpourri. Still so youthful and fresh. Power, beautifully held. Beautiful balance, texture and mouthfeel. A beautiful wine! — a month ago

Jess

9.0

Deep ruby-garnet color.
Aromas of cherry, tomato leaf,
Dry. Flavors of black cherry, tomato leaf, earth, leather. Very savory. Rich firm tannins.

Intensity: 4/5
Complexity: 3/5
Balance: 4/5
Finish: 4/5 — 10 months ago

Tom Casagrande

9.0

Though it’s very difficult for me to find a reasonably-priced Bordeaux I actually like, this is one. Bright nose shows dark cherry, cedar shavings, gravel, and a deep woodsy scent. Good cherry-centric fruit, loads of acidity, and a very bright mouthfeel. The acids feel almost like the bright, accentuated acids I associate with Paso Robles limestone soil. Not particularly long or complex in the mouth, but resonates more on the *fun* scale. — 3 years ago

Jeremy Shanker

Sommelier at RN74

9.0

In prime form. Sandalwood, cassis, dried pasilla. — a month ago

Kenneth Borrell

9.1

Smooth , hints of fruit , very long — 7 months ago

Boris Mathiszik

9.0

Leather and gravel when I first opened this bottle, and after an hour in the decanter this wine brought out a lot of fruit. Long nose. Quite the chameleon, this grand cru. Rating affirmed 3/18/23. — 2 years ago

Walter Klincewicz

9.1

It’s still a Grand Puy Lacoste... — 3 years ago