Vanessa D

9.2

Deep ruby hue with fuchsia rim variation. Dark cherry preserves, creme de cassis, fig jam, blackberry, leather, cedar, smoked red meat, wet earth, black truffle, crushed rose, bay leaves, and sage. Deliciously balanced. Lovely structure and complexity and a long, elegant finish. Vintage 2012. ABV 13.5%. #chateaudarmailhac #baronnephilippinederothschild #grandcruclassé #pauillac — 2 days ago

with Deked1

Eric Godin

9.8

Day 2 of my cold, we open an 89 lafite at work. Let's take my best shot.
A cool menthol with fennel and licorice pour out of the glass, dust is in the air, strawberries have been dried, currants stewed. Potpourri and pepper hand in hand. Lilies, pollen, honeysuckle. Nutmeg and candied ginger come next and it's time to sip before it starts to slip.
Cherries and spice, sandalwood. Depth and harmony. A tannin that is neither polished nor agressive. The potpourri is here too, and the flowers carry on 30 seconds later. The palate seems to brighten the longer I wait. Juicy wild blackberry and overripe raspberry. This actually tastes like a nice jam. Then it darkens, broadens, and holds with confidence. Now that's a sip. — 14 days ago

Dr. Owen Bargreen

9.5

The 2009 Chateau Pichon Lalande is a thrilling wine to savor at now eleven years of age. Needing a one hour decant to be fully expressive, this glorious Bordeaux opens with a deep core of tar, chocolate covered espresso bean and blackberry compote aromas that take shape in the glass. The dense, chewy mouthfeel is lined with moderate tannins that provide the backbone alongside the bright acidity. Layers of dark fruits are woven together with creosote and shades of Turkish coffee and cassis on this expressive palate — all leading to the exceptional long and inviting finish. Truly sensational now, this beautiful, warm vintage Bordeaux will cellar well for at least another fifteen years. Be sure to give this a long decant if enjoying in its youth. Drink 2020-2040- 95 — 2 days ago

Andrew Lohse

9.2

Rich, concentrated red fruit on the nose and something savory, almost herbal. Juicy, well/integrated tannins in the palate; inviting and solidly middle weight. Light roast coffee and a buttery, almost butterscotch note really ringing through on the palate. / super tight at first, especially on the nose, but opens up in the decanter, becoming performed and quite vibrant and positively exuding red fruit and that same butterscotch note. Seriously enjoyable. — 8 days ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.2

Had this about year and half ago. The first harvest at this estate was in 1252. The property is now owned by Bernard Magrez. A blend, 58% Merlot, 38% Cab Sauv & 4% Petit Verdot, aged in 60% new French oak. Deep Ruby with youthful pronounced red/black fruit aromas with spice notes. Blackberry, plum & cherry flavors with tobacco and spice integrated with sweet tannins, ling ending with earthy oak with a mineral tang. Excellent! Needs more time! Tasting Sample! — 9 hours ago

Frank Kuo

9.4

Color of ruby and purple. Nose of fermented cabbage, cherry jam, a bit tobacco leaves, a bit menthol, a bit spice, and indeed more fermented cabbage. Taste is pretty good with good tannins, oak, juicy grapes note, subtle sweetness form dark fruits, zest, and a bit mineral, spice, balanced and clean. Aftertaste is pretty long and savory, with some more grape notes, a bit peppery, zest, rose, a bit cinnamon, and subtle sweet note. Quite tasty. — 12 days ago

Clive McNish

9.1

Great Bordeaux, plenty of years in the bottle and drinking well despite reading that it was past it’s prime. Initial savoury flavours develop with cherries, French oak, menthol, mushroom and wood smoke. Nose is rich with dark fruit and vanilla in the background. Deep red, vibrant colour in the glass, certainly doesn’t look 20 years old. Enjoyed this. — 2 days ago

Vasanth Balakrishnan

9.3

I’ve had my mind on this bottle for a few weeks - the wife wanted a special bottle for a regular Friday night. It only needed an hour to decant for a 12-year old vintage. Subtle cassis, cured meat, mushroom, hint of licorice and leather on the palate. Fine dense tannins polish off a savory finish. Beautiful wine. #margaux #2ndgrowth — 2 days ago

Daniel Maquin

9.1

Superb nose with tar, meat juice, black currant, an irony thing. This is inviting and strong, very inviting. The palate is wonderful! Super acid backbone with a bright black currant all along, a velvety touch on the sides that remains all along, tannins have already started to integrate. There is width, there is length, there is fruit, there is grip. The finish lasts for a long time with a nice fruit, some meat juice too and a pinch of bitterness. V
In a great place right now! — a day ago

Luciano Silva

8.9

Nice full body Bordeaux for the price. Cinnamon, chocolate and ripped very sweet tomato in this order. Plum and cherry on the palate. — 7 days ago