The nose is profoundly layered and regal: cedar chest, humid tobacco, graphite, and dried rose petals, unfolding slowly into red currant, black tea, sandalwood, and the faintest whisper of truffle and old parchment. It’s not about intensity; it’s about dimension…
On the palate, it is seamless and sovereign. Red and black fruits are fully resolved into essence rather than flavor; currant, cherry skin, a touch of plum; all wrapped in polished leather and earth. The tannins have dissolved into silk, the acidity remains statuesque, and the finish lingers with a calm, noble persistence that feels endless rather than long.
Chateau Margaux at its absolute summit: complete, composed, and eternal; power expressed through grace, and grace sharpened by the patience of time. Do drink now. — a month ago
2001 vintage. Sweet fill. Cork perfect (used a Durand) but more than a bit underwaxed so it was a positively Italian experience during the opening process. I trust those in the know completely understand what the hell imma talking about. Workout! Cork out in one piece and expected amount of sed. Medium body with overtures towards more. Blueberry, tobacco, plum and gravelly, wet earth impressions leading the charge throughout. Grippy tannins providing visible and raised guardrails during. A little editorial...the 2001's were generally emasculated/minimized after the supposed "vintage of the (which one?) century" in 2000. The 2000's have largely failed to deliver the anticipated goods whereas the "meh" 2001's (at vastly reduced prices from the 2000's) are rocking don't bother knocking now. Completely like the guy or girl that was always cute but totally caught fire after high school. A late(r) bloomer and completely underrated. This wine has an easy 20-spot of top-notch drinking ahead. 1.24.26. — 11 hours ago
Showing mature flavors & drinking well! Purchased on release in 2014 — 2 months ago
Ripe fruit and while there is oak present it wasn’t overbearing. Acid held everything together. — 5 months ago
Delectable ate my note per usual; one of the best champagnes I’ve ever had; aged, silky, mature autolytic character. Kland’s bday @Lyle Fass — 11 days ago
It is time for some Merlot on this #MerlotThursday.
There are always exceptions to the rule! Usually known as a Cabernet Sauvignon based blend, but this vintage is Merlot based.
Dark ruby in color with a reddish rim.
Strong nose of black currants, blackberries, plums, light cedar, earth, herbs, chocolates, black pepper and tobacco leaf.
Medium plus in body with medium acidity.
Dry on the palate with blueberries, blackberries, black currants, cherries, light oak, spices, chocolates, herbs, coffee, licorice, tobacco leaf, peppercorn, earth and black tea.
Long finish with fine grained tannins and tangy cherries.
This is a delicious Merlot based blend from Bordeaux. Elegant and nicely balanced. Complex and engaging. Rich and powerful, but not extracted.
This 8 year old First Growth Bordeaux is starting to drink nicely, but feels very young and closed. Needs 5 years in the bottle to mature properly, but already very complex and delicious by itself. Will continue to age nicely in the 25 years.
Showing good structure and quality, fruit-forward, elegant, and soft. Evolved beautifully in the glass, and gained depth and complexity as it opened up.
I had its brother/cousin, château Mission Haut-Brion, recently and it is not as earthy as the Mission was.
Tasting these kind of wines at this early stage, is always hard, but someone's got to do it.
A great sipping wine, that will also pair nicely with food.
A blend of 53% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Cabernet Franc. Aged in (70% new) French oak barrels for 18 months.
14% alcohol by volume.
93 points.
$550. — a month ago
Andrew McIntyre
Aged beautifully with brioche and baked apples. Delicious with excellent QPR — 11 hours ago