Jakub Kalinowski

9.3

Opens up very slowly, keeping a very youthful appearance. Shy black currant leaf, fresh black currants, a bit tobacco leaf, a smoky, earthy note, a faint whiff of orange peel. All interwoven, subtle, and yet, a bit underwhelming.
The wow happens on the palate - smooth and so polished… more silk than velvet.
Cool black currant, a touch of 100% cocoa chocolate, a bit of espresso savouriness
Not really rich nor broad… but the precision & depth are amazing. Harmonious, self assured, elegant. A finish that goes on forever
If only the nose would be as magical as the palate - what a grand wine this would be — 12 days ago

David Hakanson

9.1

Excellent — 13 days ago

Andrew McIntyre

9.4

Impressive vibrant wine that still has potential to get better. Hits above its price level — 9 days ago

Jakub Kalinowski

9.0

The quintessential St Estephe - savoury black fruit, earthy, slightly leathery/smoky. Firm yet juicy tannins, fresh acidity, v. nice depth & length. Lacks maybe some elegance but makes it up with authenticity. Not so much for sipping, and yet a perfect food wine. — 19 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.0

2009 vintage. Dark red colour, rather unevolved for this age. Black fruit and spices. A good wine indeed, but this estate tends to slightly overextract.Abv. 13 %. — 7 days ago

Jay Kline

9.5

Girl. Sup? Shoot. This was utterly brilliant tonight. Classic Bordeaux yet, even at 26 years young, somewhat precocious still. A beautiful mix of deep, dark and red fruit with currants, blackberries and cherries with chocolate, purple flowers, green pepper, tobacco, earth, leather and awesomeness. Plenty of structure to keep this strutting for years to come. Fabulous balance and complexity. Drink now through 2047+. — a day ago

Andrew Cullimore

9.2

Medium ruby core and medium ruby , garnet rim . Quite closed and complex , dark fruits , touch of spice , mineral hints . On the palate intense red fruit focused , cranberry , red cherry , earthy , wet stone touches . Touch saline on the good length finish , balanced acidity and quite refined but present tannins . Mineral , sea spray notes on the finish . Needs time, will improve over the next 5-10 years and last well a further 5-10. The most successful wine in the tasting , without a doubt — a month ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.0

Estate dates back to Crusades & Scottish navigator, George Smith, owner in the 18th century. Followed by M. Duffour-Dubergier, Mayor of Bordeaux, then Louis Eschenauer, a famous wine shipper. In 1990, Daniel & Florence Cathiard now own estate. Blend of 60% Cab Sauv & 40% Merlot, dark berry aromas, herbs and earthy spice. On the complex palate flavors of cherry and currant with pepper, tobacco and cacao notes. Soft ripe tannins, long finish ending with an earthy mineral character. — a day ago

Jim Lockard

8.9

A nice representation of Haut-Médoc. Red fruits, moderate tannin. The 2016 drinking nicely in 2024. — 16 days ago

Jakub Kalinowski

9.5

Dark & still very youthful, perfumed & elegant, full of energy, ripe dark fruit, with a beautiful fresh menthol-cedar wood note. Layers of Black currant & cassis with some lighter cherry and a touch of fresh raspberries. A hint of dark Ghana chocolate. Ripe & sweet yet savoury. Complex.
Surprisingly energetic on the palate, with a firm tannic frame yet the tannins are juicy, polished, velvety. This is filled with juicy ripe fruit and fresh acidity. Impeccably balanced and with great complexity & depth.
This is a beautiful wine that is just awakening, serious & profound yet so approachable. A spectacular bottle! — 13 days ago