Château Magdelaine

St. Émilion Red Bordeaux Blend 2009

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

The nose shows some light VA but doesn’t ruin it. Muddled fruits of; blackberries, both plums, black raspberries, stewed, dark cherries & aged strawberries that almost fall into liquor characteristic. Chocolate pudding, dark, rich & slight sweet earthiness with dry leaves, limestone, stems, baking soda, sandalwood and withering to decayed, dark & red flowers.

The palate is gorgeous and shows less VA than the nose. It’s really good despite the VA. Beautiful, ripe; blackberries, both plums, black raspberries, stewed, dark cherries, strawberries notes of rhubarb. Chocolate pudding, dark, understated baking spices, dark spice that presses the tongue, rich & slightly sweet earthiness with dry leaves, limestone, stems, baking soda, sandalwood, used leather, moist tobacco, tea leaves, some cola, withering to decayed, dark & red flowers, excellent acidity and a softly knitted, balanced and elegant finish that lasts 90 seconds and falls on spice.

Already throwing sediment with the bottle half full.

Drink now and for another 10-15 years. — 6 days ago

Rob, David and 12 others liked this

Clos La Madeleine

St. Émilion Red Bordeaux Blend 1995

Stefan Dolhain

9.3

1995 vintage. This tiny (2,3 hectares) Grand Cru Classé has been bought by the Moueix family and incorporated in the Premier Grand Cru Classé Belair-Monange ( that was already a mix of Belair and Magdelaine). There are several historical names that disappeared as they were incorporated in other estates, which is a bit sad given the quality and personality of some of these wines. If this 29 years old beauty is any indication, Clos La Madeleine deserves to stand on its own, but obviously, it's financially more interesting to sell it as a Premier Grand Cru Classé. This 1995 is drinking beautifully now. Crushed strawberries, roses, a hint of truffle, leather, and a distinctive minerality. Very much under the radar, but a beautiful elegant Saint-Emilion, with finesse and length. Abv. 12,5% — a year ago

Peter, Ira and 3 others liked this